Rent vs. Buy: $350K Home at 6.5% vs. $1,800 Rent — 5-Year View
For those unsure how long they will stay, this 5-year comparison of buying a $350,000 home versus renting at $1,800 per month shows the break-even dynamics at 6.5%.
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.
Not sure you will stay long-term? See whether buying a $350,000 home or continuing to rent at $1,800 per month makes sense over just 5 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.