Rent vs. Buy: $300K Home at 6.5% vs. $1,500 Rent for 10 Years
Comparing buying a $300,000 home with 20% down at 6.5% against paying $1,500 per month in rent over 10 years, assuming 3% home appreciation and rent growth.
How to use this tool
- Enter home price, down payment, mortgage interest rate, current monthly rent, annual home appreciation, annual rent increase and years to compare in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
- Read your buy scenario equity and the full breakdown beneath it.
Should you buy a $300,000 home at today's rates or keep renting at $1,500 per month? This calculator compares the two scenarios over 10 years.
Frequently asked questions
- What costs are not included?
- This model excludes property taxes, maintenance (~1% of home value/year), HOA fees, insurance, and transaction costs. Add these to the buy side for a more complete comparison.
- When does buying always win?
- In high-appreciation markets with long time horizons, buying typically dominates because leverage amplifies gains. Renting wins in stagnant markets when renters invest the difference aggressively.