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Canadian mortgage calculator

Canadian rent versus buy calculator

Compare estimated housing cash flow and net worth under user-defined renting and buying assumptions.

Private inputs · Transparent assumptions

Your decision ledger

Rent vs buy

Change the assumptions below. Your inputs and results remain in this browser and are not sent to RateReset.

  1. 01Facts
  2. 02Change
  3. 03Compare

Enter your values to see results.

How to use this result

Start with the decision, then inspect the assumptions.

Renting and buying have different cash-flow timing and risk. This model includes rent growth, ownership costs, appreciation, and an investment return on the capital not tied up in a home. It cannot capture every tax, maintenance event, or lifestyle preference.

How the calculation works

The buy path estimates mortgage amortization, home value, selling costs, and owner expenses. The rent path grows annual rent and compounds the initial down payment at the entered investment return. Net worth is compared at the chosen horizon.

For the full notation, rate conversion, rounding approach, and limitations, see the calculation methodology.

Worked Canadian example

Put the estimate in context

For a CA$700,000 home with CA$140,000 down versus CA$2,700 monthly rent, a five-year horizon can be sensitive to closing costs and selling costs. Extending the horizon spreads transaction costs over more years but increases the importance of appreciation and investment-return assumptions.

Before relying on it

Common mistakes

  1. 01Leaving transaction and eventual selling costs out of the buy case.
  2. 02Counting mortgage principal as a cost instead of equity conversion.
  3. 03Assuming appreciation or investment returns are guaranteed.
  4. 04Ignoring differences in property size, stability, or flexibility.

Clear answers

Frequently asked questions

Is mortgage principal an expense?

It is a cash outflow but generally increases home equity. The comparison distinguishes cash flow from estimated net worth.

Are taxes on investments included?

No. Account type, tax rate, transaction costs, and home eligibility for the principal-residence exemption can change after-tax outcomes.

Continue comparing

Related calculators

AffordabilityEstimate a maximum mortgage and purchase price using visible GDS, TDS, and stress-test assumptions.Closing costsEstimate transfer tax, legal costs, title insurance, inspection, appraisal, adjustments, moving, and mortgage insurance.Mortgage paymentCalculate a Canadian mortgage payment, term interest, principal repaid, and an optional monthly ownership budget.

Official references

Sources used

Full source registry

Estimates are for educational purposes and may differ from lender calculations, contractual terms, taxes, fees, or regulatory requirements. Read the full disclaimer.

Last reviewed July 26, 2026. Content is marked for financial and compliance editorial review before material policy changes are published.