How the calculation works
Rent paid = monthly rent × 12 × years. Buying cash outlay = price + additional costs + annual upkeep × years.
Understand the limitations
This compares cash outflows, not net wealth, and does not recommend renting or buying. The buyer still owns a property at the end. Resale value, changing prices/rents, financing, opportunity cost and taxes are excluded. Default values are illustrative only.