Rent vs Buy Calculator — The ₹ Truth
India’s biggest financial debate, settled with real numbers. Compare total cost, opportunity cost, break-even year, and final wealth — for your exact situation.
Should I rent or buy a house in India?
It depends on your city, income stability, and how long you plan to stay. In most Indian metros, buying makes sense if you plan to stay 10+ years, have 20%+ as down payment, and EMI stays under 40% of income.
What is the break-even year in rent vs buy?
The break-even year is when buying becomes more financially beneficial than renting. In India this typically ranges from 8 to 18 years depending on property appreciation, home loan rate, and rent levels.
Is buying always better than renting in India?
No. Renting wins when property prices are high relative to rent, you have a high-return alternative for the down payment, or you may need to relocate. Mumbai and Delhi price-to-rent ratios are among the highest globally.
What is the price-to-rent ratio?
Price-to-rent = property price divided by annual rent. Above 20 generally favours renting; below 15 favours buying. Most Indian metros are at 25–35x.
What hidden costs should I include when buying?
Stamp duty and registration (5–8%), home loan processing fees (0.5–1%), maintenance and society charges (1–2% annually), property tax, interior and repairs.