Does this include investment opportunity cost?

No, it sticks to direct housing costs; factor in what a down payment could otherwise earn separately if that matters to your decision.

Is buying always better long-term?

Not always, it depends on how long you'll stay, local price-to-rent ratios, and maintenance costs; that's exactly what this worksheet is for figuring out.

Free Rent vs. Buy Comparison Worksheet Printable

Lay renting and buying side by side with real numbers instead of gut feeling. Fill in both columns for your actual situation and compare the totals.

Rent vs. Buy Worksheet
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Factor	Renting	Buying
Monthly Payment
Down Payment / Deposit
Property Tax
Insurance
Maintenance
Est. 5-Year Total

How to Use This Printable

Fill in the Renting column with a real rental quote or current rent.
Fill in the Buying column using a mortgage estimate and closing cost figures.
Compare both columns row by row.
Use the 5-Year Total row as the real bottom-line comparison, not just the monthly payment.

Ideas for Using This Printable

Get real numbers from a lender and a rental listing before filling this in, rough guesses undercut the comparison.
Redo it if interest rates or your target neighborhood changes significantly.
Pair with the Net Worth Tracker to see how either choice affects your bigger picture.

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FAQ

Does this include investment opportunity cost?: No, it sticks to direct housing costs; factor in what a down payment could otherwise earn separately if that matters to your decision.
Is buying always better long-term?: Not always, it depends on how long you'll stay, local price-to-rent ratios, and maintenance costs; that's exactly what this worksheet is for figuring out.