Not financial advice. Mortgage FV Calculator is a software calculator, not a personal-finance product or advisory service. It computes standard financial functions and displays the results for your convenience. Nothing here constitutes, or is intended to constitute, financial, investment, tax, legal, mortgage, credit, or insurance advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making any financial decision.
Rent vs buy in Pennsylvania
A median-priced Pennsylvania (PA) home at 6.75% over a 7-year hold, against renting a comparable home at $1,500 a month — with the result also shown in today’s dollars at 2.5% inflation.
Renting wins over this horizon
After 7 years, renting leaves you about $23,065 better off in nominal terms — $19,404 in today’s dollars once 2.5% inflation is stripped out. Nominal gains flatter the buyer: inflation erodes both the mortgage balance and the headline sale price, which is why the real figure is the one to plan against.
At other price points in Pennsylvania
The same 7-year comparison run across the Pennsylvania price range, with rent scaled to each price point. Every row is calculated on our amortising engine, not estimated.
| Home price | Rent | Winner | Advantage (today’s $) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $185,500 | $1,050/mo | Renting | $NaN |
| $225,250 | $1,275/mo | Renting | $NaN |
| $265,000 | $1,500/mo | Renting | $NaN |
| $304,750 | $1,725/mo | Renting | $NaN |
| $344,500 | $1,950/mo | Renting | $NaN |
The monthly picture
| Median home price | $265,000 |
|---|---|
| Down payment (10%) | $26,500 |
| Principal & interest | $1,547/mo |
| Property tax (1.49%) | $329/mo |
| Homeowners insurance | $108/mo |
| Owner monthly before maintenance | $1,984/mo |
| Comparable rent today | $1,500/mo |
Where you stand after 7 years
| Owner wealth after 7 years | $100,397 |
|---|---|
| Renter wealth after 7 years | $123,462 |
| Total cost of buying | $123,607 |
| Total cost of renting | $100,542 |
| Total rent paid | $137,924 |
| Total mortgage interest paid | $107,968 |
| Home sale price at exit | $337,154 |
| Selling costs (6%) | $20,229 |
| Loan balance at exit | $216,528 |
The renter invests the down payment and any monthly cash-flow difference at 7% a year; rent grows 3% a year, the home appreciates 3.5% a year, buying costs 3% at purchase and 6% at sale, and maintenance runs 1% of value a year. Illustrative averages, not quotes.
What is specific to Pennsylvania
Low prices and low insurance, but school-district property taxes vary enormously between neighbouring townships.
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Rent vs buy in other states
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