Rent vs Buy Calculator
10-year total cost comparison of renting vs buying a home — including EMI, maintenance, opportunity cost, and appreciation.
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How this calculator works
The "renting is throwing money away" myth needs data. Buying involves EMI interest, property tax, maintenance (1–2% of value/year), registration costs, and opportunity cost of the down payment. Renting frees capital for investment. This calculator objectively compares total outflows and wealth built over 10 years.
Buy total cost = EMI × months + Maintenance + Registration − Appreciation | Rent total cost = Rent × months − Investment gains from down payment
Last updated: March 2026 · Rates and slabs updated for FY 2025-26
Price-to-rent ratio
If property price / annual rent > 30, renting and investing the difference often wins financially.
Buy for stability, not returns
If you're in a city for 3–5 years, renting is almost always better. Buy only if you're staying 7–10+ years.
Down payment invested
A ₹30L down payment invested in equity at 12% grows to ₹93L in 10 years — compare this to your property appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
If property price / annual rent > 30, renting and investing the difference often wins financially.
If you're in a city for 3–5 years, renting is almost always better. Buy only if you're staying 7–10+ years.
A ₹30L down payment invested in equity at 12% grows to ₹93L in 10 years — compare this to your property appreciation.