Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare renting versus buying over 5 to 30 years, with interest rate stress tests, rentvesting, and lifestyle scoring, all in one place.
Where and how
Sets the area's median price and rent, plus typical rates and insurance estimates. Adjust them below.
You and the timeframe
If you rent
$3,163 a month, $37,960 a year.
If you buy
$48,750. The 5% Deposit Scheme needs at least 5%.
Running and selling costs
Typical estimate for the area you picked. Change it to match the property.
Typical estimate for the area you picked. Change it to match the property.
Of the home's value: $9,750 a year now.
- Stamp duty
- $41,328
- First Home Owner Grant
- $0
- Loan
- $926,250
- Monthly repayment
- $6,287
After 10 years, the rent scenario is ahead by
$87,436
Estimated difference in wealth based on these inputs. Outcomes depend on interest rates, rent and price growth, market conditions and your circumstances.
- Buyer's equity
- $749,931
- Renter's investments
- $837,367
- Buying pulls ahead
- Year 22
Above the 5% Deposit Scheme price cap
Repayments would take 62.9% of your gross income
First home buyer help in WA
What each costs per month
Year one, before rent and costs start to rise.
Renting
$3,205
a month: rent and contents insurance
Buying
$7,516
a month: repayments, rates, insurance, upkeep
Buying costs $4,311 a month more in year one. If the renter invests that difference, plus the deposit and buying costs, at 6% a year, it could grow to about $837,367 after 10 years.
Wealth over time
The buyer's equity covers the upfront costs after about 2 years.
Year by year
| Year | Rent paid | Buying costs | Renter's investments | Buyer's equity | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $38,460 | $183,775 | $154,034 | $80,958 | Rent +$73,076 |
| Year 2 | $78,438 | $274,624 | $217,199 | $140,592 | Rent +$76,607 |
| Year 3 | $119,996 | $366,156 | $283,204 | $203,445 | Rent +$79,759 |
| Year 4 | $163,196 | $458,404 | $352,187 | $269,696 | Rent +$82,491 |
| Year 5 | $208,104 | $551,402 | $424,294 | $339,533 | Rent +$84,761 |
| Year 6 | $254,788 | $645,188 | $499,679 | $413,157 | Rent +$86,522 |
| Year 7 | $303,319 | $739,799 | $578,504 | $490,779 | Rent +$87,725 |
| Year 8 | $353,772 | $835,275 | $660,939 | $572,622 | Rent +$88,317 |
| Year 9 | $406,223 | $931,658 | $747,163 | $658,923 | Rent +$88,240 |
| Year 10 | $460,752 | $1,028,992 | $837,367 | $749,931 | Rent +$87,436 |
What could change the result
The same comparison with higher rates, slower growth and rising rent.
If rates rise or prices grow more slowly
Lenders test you at about 3% above your rate, so it helps to plan for rises.
| Scenario | Rate | Monthly | Ahead after the period |
|---|---|---|---|
| As entered | 7.2% | $6,287 | Rent by $87,436 |
| Rates up 1% | 8.2% | $6,926 | Rent by $211,859 |
| Rates up 2% | 9.2% | $7,586 | Rent by $338,004 |
| Growth 3% instead of 5% | 7.2% | $6,287 | Rent by $344,932 |
Your rent in future
Weekly, rising 4% a year.
- Now$730
- In 5 years$888
- In 10 years$1,081
- In 15 years$1,315
- In 20 years$1,600
- In 30 years$2,368
Spent and built after 10 years
Money that is gone (rent, interest, fees, stamp duty, selling costs) against what each path adds on top of the money you start with.
Renting
- Spent on rent
- $460,752
- Investment growth on top of starting savings
- $743,789
Buying
- Spent on interest and costs
- $892,233
- Loan paid down plus price growth
- $740,885
These figures leave out the deposit and starting savings, so they differ from the totals at the top, which include that money. The buyer's total at the top also takes off selling costs.
Beyond the numbers
Not part of the calculation. A quick check of what matters to you.
Tick each question you would answer yes to.
Your tally will show here.
Share your results
Copies a short summary: Perth, WA, $975,000 against $730 a week rent, over 10 years.
What this comparison assumes
- Loan of $926,250 at 7.2% over 30 years, principal and interest.
- Rent rises 4% a year and the property grows 5% a year.
- The renter invests the deposit and any monthly saving at 6% a year.
- In any year renting costs more than owning, often once the loan is paid off, the buyer invests the difference at the same rate, and it counts towards the buyer's equity.
- Council rates rise 3% a year, insurance 5% and strata 3%.
- Selling costs of 2.5% of the value at sale.
- Stamp duty of $41,328 and a First Home Owner Grant of $0.
Get a free monthly email on grants and rule changes
Grant deadlines coming up, recent rule and site updates, and new guides. General information only. Unsubscribe any time.
We send your email to Resend (United States and Ireland) to deliver this. See our Privacy Policy.
Keep going
Tools people usually open after Rent vs Buy.
Frequently asked questions
For illustration only. This tool does not constitute personal financial advice. Grant amounts, caps, and eligibility rules may change. Federal scheme caps shown are for capital city/regional centres and may differ for other areas. Always verify with your state revenue office and Housing Australia, and consider seeking independent financial advice before making decisions.