Rent vs. Buy Calculator
Model mortgage rates, condo fees, fee inflation, selling costs, appreciation, and investment returns before deciding.
Scenario Presets
Property Details
Rental Comparison
Ownership Costs
Market Assumptions
The Verdict (10-Year Horizon)
You Should Rent
Financially, Renting leaves you$240,435richer after 10 years.
If You Buy
Upfront Cash
$150,000
Total Monthly Cost
$5,338
Mortgage + tax + maintenance + fees
Estimated Selling Cost
$45,795
Net Worth (Year 10)
$429,572
If You Rent
Upfront Invested
$150,000
Monthly Cost
$2,800
Based on Year 1 rent
Net Worth (Year 10)
$670,007
The unrecoverable-cost test: Buying costs nearly $4,300/mo in interest, taxes, maintenance, and condo/strata fees right now. If your rent is less than this number, renting is cheaper on a cash-flow basis before investment returns and selling costs.
Why the 2026 Math Is Different
For decades, the advice was simple: "Rent is throwing money away." In today's market, that logic is incomplete. With mortgage rates hovering around 4-5% and home prices remaining historically high relative to income, the unrecoverable costs of owning (interest, tax, maintenance, condo fees, insurance, and selling costs) can exceed the cost of rent.
This calculator helps you test whether you build more wealth by paying down a mortgage or by renting and investing the down payment plus any monthly savings.
Informational Purposes Only: The content provided on BubbleWatch.ca, including all housing market analyses, affordability tools, and pricing forecasts, is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or real estate advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any real estate or financial decisions. Past performance or market trends are not indicative of future results.