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Rent vs Buy

See which path builds more wealth. Change any number and the answer updates instantly.

How this works

Tax savings are estimated as yearly mortgage interest × your federal and California rates. This is a simplified illustration, not a tax-return calculation.
Cash earns no return. Ownership expenses stay flat, and rent rises by the percentage you enter.
Both paths save take-home pay minus housing and other spending. If that is negative, the model assumes you cover the gap from other funds.
Down payment help counts only if you buy. Owner wealth assumes a sale at the end, with selling costs deducted. Capital gains tax and mortgage insurance are excluded.