Rent vs Buy
Should I rent or buy in Australia?
Enter your numbers and see when — or if — buying beats renting. Animated 30-year cost comparison, break-even point, and the Woolies chook test.
Select your city
Property price
$750,000
Deposit
20% — $150,000
Interest rate (p.a.)
6.2%
Weekly rent
$520/wk
Auto-filled from city data. Edit to customise.
Estimated stamp duty
—
Simplified rate. Actual stamp duty varies by state, concessions & first home buyer status.
Monthly cost comparison
🟣 Renting
—
per month
🟡 Buying
—
mortgage + costs
Calculating…
Cumulative cost over 30 years
Buying includes: deposit (upfront) + stamp duty + mortgage repayments + 1%/yr maintenance + $2k/yr insurance.
Renting includes: rent (5%/yr growth) + $500/yr renters insurance.
Renting includes: rent (5%/yr growth) + $500/yr renters insurance.
Cost breakdown by period
| Timeframe | Total renting | Total buying | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 years | — | — | — |
| 10 years | — | — | — |
| 20 years | — | — | — |
| 30 years | — | — | — |
🍗
Stamp duty reality check
Calculating…
🌭
Deposit reality check
Calculating…
Assumptions: 30-year P&I mortgage, no capital gains or investment returns modelled, rent grows 5%/yr, maintenance at 1% of property value per year. This is a directional guide — not financial advice. Speak to a mortgage broker before making big decisions.