Loans, mortgages, debt, insurance, retirement, scams — type your problem, get a straight answer in seconds. The full detailed report costs less than a cup of coffee: $2.95.
'Renting is throwing money away' is the most expensive piece of folk wisdom in personal finance. Buying has transaction costs of roughly 3-6% and years of rates, insurance and maintenance before it overtakes renting — the break-even is usually 4-7 years, not 4-7 months. This calculator pits your actual rent against the true cost of owning, so the decision rests on your timeline and your market, not on what your parents believe.
long-term money math
Typically 4-7 years — selling sooner usually means the buying costs outweigh any equity gained.
You pay for shelter either way; renting pays for flexibility and zero maintenance risk, buying pays for forced savings and stability. Neither is waste.
Stamp duty, legal fees, inspections, moving, rates, insurance, maintenance (~1% of value yearly) — easily 3-6% upfront and thousands yearly.
Every tool answers instantly from our own knowledge and calculators. Want the deeper, personalised version? Each has a $2.95 full report.