Rent vs Buy Calculator (Canada)
Buying builds home equity; renting frees up the down payment to invest. This calculator compares both paths year by year. Every growth rate is your own assumption. We don't forecast home prices.
Calculator
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Buyer's net worth after 10 years
$420,116
Home equity plus any monthly savings invested
Renter's net worth after 10 years
$344,535
Down payment and closing costs invested, plus monthly savings
Monthly mortgage payment: $2,769.24 on a $520,000 mortgage.
Growth rates are your assumptions, not forecasts. Ignores selling costs, taxes on investment income and changes in mortgage rates.
What's included
- Mortgage payments using Canadian semi-annual compounding, including any default insurance premium
- Property tax and maintenance for the owner
- The renter investing the down payment, closing costs and any monthly savings
- The owner investing any monthly savings when renting would cost more
What's left out
Selling costs, taxes on investment returns, rate changes at renewal and moving costs. Small changes to the assumed growth rates can flip the result, so try several.
Sources
Rules are summarized in our own words from official publications. Check the source and talk to your lender or a licensed professional before making a decision.
Informational only, not financial advice. Data as of the release snapshot generated 2026-11-12.