Buyer tools
Rent or own: when does buying pull ahead?
One question, answered honestly: if a Santa Clara County buyer and a renter spend identical amounts every month, and the renter invests every spare dollar, how many years until the owner's net worth passes the renter's? Drag the sliders and watch the answer move.
Owner passes renter in
Monthly payment
Principal and interest, 30-year fixed
All-in cost to own, year one
Payment, taxes, insurance, upkeep, net of tax benefit
Rent, year one
Monthly average across the first year
Gap at year 10
Net worth, owner vs. renter
Owner Renter who invests the difference
Year by year
| Year | Home value | Loan balance | Owner net worth | Renter net worth | Who's ahead |
|---|