Quick, no-fluff math to help you make smarter housing decisions. No email required.
Your numbers
$
$
%
%
yr
%
$
$
%
%
%
%
What your down payment could earn elsewhere
yr
%
Your results
Monthly cost — own (yr 1)—
Monthly cost — rent (yr 1)—
Total cost of owning—
Total cost of renting—
Home equity built—
Investment growth (if renting)—
Break-even year—
Enter your numbers to see the verdict.
Cumulative cost by year
Owning (net of equity)Renting (net of investment growth)
Your numbers
$
%
yr
%
%
%
Typical PMI is 0.5%–1.5%; FHA MIP averages 0.85% and often lasts for the life of the loan
yr
%
We assume the cash you'd save by going with the smaller down payment gets invested at this annual return. 4% is a conservative real (after-inflation) stock market assumption; the historical S&P 500 average is closer to 7%.
Side-by-side comparison
Low down
Down payment—
Loan amount—
Principal & interest—
PMI / month—
Total monthly—
PMI drops off—
Cash to close—
Total interest paid—
High down
Down payment—
Loan amount—
Principal & interest—
PMI / month—
Total monthly—
PMI drops off—
Cash to close—
Total interest paid—
Enter your numbers to see the verdict.
Need this customized for your situation?
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Heads up: These calculators are for educational purposes only and don't constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Real-world deals involve closing costs, taxes, insurance changes, maintenance surprises, and life events these tools can't model. Always consult a licensed mortgage professional, CPA, or financial advisor before making a major housing decision.