Housing decisions, calculated
Understand the true cost of housing.
Calculate what you can afford, understand your housing costs, and compare renting with buying before making your next move.
Start with what you're deciding
Buy
Tools for understanding the cost of buying a home.
- Mortgage Payment Calculator
- Home Affordability Calculator
- Down Payment Calculator
- Closing Cost Calculator
Popular calculators
Rent vs. Buy Calculator
Compare the full cost of renting and owning over time.
Mortgage Payment Calculator
Break a monthly payment into principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Estimate a monthly rent range that fits your income and debts.
Home Affordability Calculator
Estimate the home price your income and debts support.
Move-In Cost Calculator
Add up everything due before you get the keys.
Closing Cost Calculator
Estimate the fees due at closing on top of the down payment.
14 free calculators — see the full list.
Housing guides
How Much Rent Can I Afford?
The 30% rule, what landlords actually screen for, and how to set a rent budget that survives the rest of your life.
rentingHow Much Should I Save Before Renting?
A target savings figure that covers move-in cash, setup costs, and a cushion for the months after you move.
rentingHow Much Does It Cost to Move Into an Apartment?
A line-by-line breakdown of everything due before and on move-in day.
rentingWhat Is a Security Deposit?
What a deposit covers, what can be deducted, and how to get it back.
rentingWhat Is Prorated Rent?
How partial-month rent is calculated and why the method matters.
rentingWhat Is a Guarantor?
When a landlord asks for a guarantor, what it obligates, and the alternatives.
Understanding housing costs
Housing is rarely one number. These are the recurring and upfront costs that make up the real total on each side.
Costs of renting
- Rent
- Security deposit
- Application fees
- Utilities
- Renters insurance
- Moving costs
- Pet fees
- Parking
- Other rental fees
Costs of buying and owning
- Mortgage principal & interest
- Down payment
- Closing costs
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
- HOA fees
- PMI
- Maintenance
- Repairs
- Utilities