The real buy-vs-rent math includes closing costs, appreciation and equity — not just rent versus mortgage. Find your breakeven point.
Assumptions effective 2026-01-01. Regulatory figures (stress-test rules, down-payment brackets, CMHC tiers, rebates) are managed in Admin → Calculators.
Answers to common questions about the buy vs rent calculator
Not always — over short horizons, closing costs, CMHC insurance and interest can outweigh equity gains. The breakeven point here shows when buying pulls ahead for your numbers.
Home price appreciation, rent inflation, and your time horizon. Small changes in appreciation compound enormously over 10+ years, so test conservative and optimistic cases.
Calculations use current Canadian mortgage rules, including the mortgage stress test and CMHC insurance tiers. For informational purposes only — not financial advice. Confirm details with your mortgage professional before making decisions.
| Metric | Buying | Renting |
|---|---|---|
| Down Payment | $120,000 | — |
| CMHC Insurance | None | — |
| Monthly Mortgage | $2,803/mo | — |
| Monthly Property Tax | $292/mo | — |
| Monthly Insurance | $100/mo | — |
| Monthly Maintenance | $250/mo | — |
| Total Monthly Cost | $3,445/mo | $2,988/mo |
| Total Paid After 10yrs | $533,388 | $328,492 |
| Home / Invested Value | $846,359 | $369,752 |
| Equity / Net Invest | $491,642 | $41,260 |
| Net Position | −$41,747 | $41,260 |
| Year | Buying Net | Renting Net | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yr 1 | −$10,427 | $108,856 | Renting |
| Yr 2 | −$19,614 | $98,263 | Renting |
| Yr 3 | −$27,507 | $88,279 | Renting |
| Yr 4 | −$34,055 | $78,966 | Renting |
| Yr 5 | −$39,199 | $70,392 | Renting |
| Yr 6 | −$42,883 | $62,627 | Renting |
| Yr 7 | −$45,045 | $55,747 | Renting |
| Yr 8 | −$45,621 | $49,834 | Renting |
| Yr 9 | −$44,545 | $44,974 | Renting |
| Yr 10 | −$41,747 | $41,260 | Renting |
| Yr 11 | −$37,155 | $38,791 | Renting |
| Yr 12 | −$30,694 | $37,672 | Renting |
| Yr 13 | −$22,284 | $38,016 | Renting |
| Yr 14 | −$11,844 | $39,943 | Renting |
| Yr 15 | $712 | $43,580 | Renting |
| Yr 16 | $15,474 | $49,064 | Renting |
| Yr 17 | $32,536 | $56,540 | Renting |
| Yr 18 | $51,994 | $66,163 | Renting |
| Yr 19 | $73,952 | $78,097 | Renting |
| Yr 20 | $98,515 | $92,519 | Buying |
| Yr 21 | $125,795 | $109,615 | Buying |
| Yr 22 | $155,907 | $129,585 | Buying |
| Yr 23 | $188,972 | $152,641 | Buying |
| Yr 24 | $225,118 | $179,008 | Buying |
| Yr 25 | $264,476 | $208,928 | Buying |