Rent vs. Buy: $300K Home, 20% Down, vs. $1,500 Rent
Compare renting at $1,500/month versus buying a $300,000 home with 20% down at 6.5% over 10 years.
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.
Comparing renting at $1,500 a month to buying a $300,000 home with 20% down reveals which option builds more wealth 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.