Buy vs Rent Calculator

The most comprehensive rent vs buy analysis in India. See exactly how much wealth you'll have after 20 years with both scenarios—including every hidden cost, opportunity cost, and assumption.

Myth Buster

"Rent is wasted money. Buying is always better because you're building equity."

The Truth: EMI interest is also "wasted money"—it goes to the bank. In the first 10 years of a home loan, 70%+ of your EMI is interest. That's not equity. This calculator shows you the real math.

Your Complete Financial Scenario

Property Details

Total cost of the property
For similar property in same location
10% 20% 50%
Down payment: ₹0
2% 5% 10%
Realistic: 4-6% in most Indian cities

Home Loan Details

6% 8.5% 12%
10y 20 years 30y

One-Time Costs (Buying)

~7% of property price
~0.5-1% of loan
Legal, valuation, etc.

Recurring Annual Costs

Society, repairs (₹5k/mo)
Annual property tax
Annual insurance premium

Investment Assumptions

8% 12% 18%
Equity: 12-15%, Balanced: 10-12%
3% 5% 10%
10y 20 years 30y

FINANCIAL WINNER
Renting Wins
By ₹0

Renting + Investing

The Renter's Wealth

Initial Investment (Down Payment) 0
Monthly Investment Surplus 0
Total Rent Paid (20y) -₹0
Investment Growth +₹0
Total Invested 0
Portfolio Value 0
Net Worth After 20 Years
0
What This Means

Buying with Loan

The Homeowner's Wealth

Down Payment -₹0
One-Time Costs -₹0
Total EMI Paid (20y) -₹0
Recurring Costs (20y) -₹0
Total Money Spent 0
Property Value 0
Net Worth After 20 Years
0
What This Means

The Complete Cost Breakdown
Interest Paid to Bank 0
Stamp Duty & Registration 0
Maintenance (20 years) 0
Property Tax (20 years) 0
Insurance (20 years) 0
Other Fees 0
Wealth Accumulation Over Time
Total Money Spent vs Asset Value
Assumptions Used in This Calculation
Property Appreciation
5% yearly
Investment Returns
12% yearly
Rent Increase
5% yearly
Loan Interest Rate
8.5%
Don't Ignore
  • Property liquidity is LOW
  • Selling costs 2-3% (brokerage + legal)
  • Can't sell "half" a house if you need money
  • Maintenance surprises are common
  • Property disputes can be expensive
Consider This
  • Emotional value of ownership
  • No landlord hassles
  • Freedom to renovate
  • Forced savings discipline
  • Social status (if that matters to you)
Renting Wins If
  • You can actually invest the difference
  • You might relocate in 5-7 years
  • Property prices are inflated (bubble)
  • You value flexibility over stability
  • Better investment opportunities exist
Year-by-Year Wealth Comparison
Year Rent Paid EMI Paid Renter Wealth Owner Wealth Difference
Calculate to see year-by-year breakdown