Rent vs Buy Calculator for Canada
Compare the true financial outcome of renting versus buying in any Canadian city. The calculator models mortgage paydown, appreciation, maintenance, taxes, rent inflation, and the opportunity cost of your down payment invested elsewhere.
How the comparison works
The buy side accumulates equity through principal paydown and appreciation, net of closing costs, property tax, insurance, condo fees, and maintenance. The rent side invests the down payment and any monthly savings at your expected return. The calculator shows the breakeven horizon for your city and assumptions.
Why Canadian inputs matter
Land transfer taxes, CMHC insurance, the mortgage stress test, and city-level rent levels move the breakeven materially between markets like Toronto, Calgary, and Halifax. Adjust the assumptions to your market instead of relying on US rules of thumb.