Tool · Long-Term Cost Simulator
30-year wealth projection
We don't just compare monthly payments. We track equity, home appreciation, opportunity cost on the down payment, and rent growth — then chart the wealth each path produces.
Mortgage P&I
$1,982/mo
Break-even year
Never within horizon
After 30 years, renting wins
+$208k
Net wealth over time
Buy line = home equity (value minus loan balance). Rent line = down payment invested at your assumed market return, plus any monthly savings vs. owning, compounded monthly.
Year-by-year breakdown
| Year | Buy cum. out | Rent cum. out | Home value | Equity | Rent invested |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $110k | $23k | $391k | $91k | $93k |
| 5 | $248k | $122k | $441k | $155k | $166k |
| 10 | $429k | $267k | $511k | $251k | $275k |
| 15 | $619k | $440k | $592k | $369k | $408k |
| 20 | $821k | $645k | $686k | $514k | $574k |
| 25 | $1.04M | $888k | $796k | $695k | $806k |
| 30 | $1.27M | $1.18M | $922k | $922k | $1.13M |
Assumptions and limits. This is a deterministic projection, not a guarantee. Real outcomes depend on selling costs (5–6% of home value), capital gains tax on the investment account, refinancing, life events, and market timing. Use this to understand directionally which path builds more wealth under your specific assumptions — then sanity-check with a CPA before making a 30-year commitment.