Rent vs Buy: Single Filer + VA Loan

Enter the total price of the home you plan to buy. This is the base value for calculating loan costs, funding fees, and appreciation over time.

Enter the percentage of the purchase price you plan to pay upfront. VA loans allow 0% down, but a down payment can reduce the VA funding fee.

Enter the VA funding fee rate. Typically 2.15% for first-time use with 0% down, and lower with a down payment or for subsequent use.

Enter the annual interest rate for your VA loan. VA loans often offer lower rates compared to other loan types due to government backing.

Enter additional upfront buying costs like closing fees, legal fees, and prepaid expenses.

Enter the annual property tax rate as a percentage of the home price. Property taxes are ongoing homeownership costs.

Enter the monthly HOA or strata fees if applicable. These cover shared property maintenance and amenities.

Enter the estimated monthly cost of maintaining your home, including repairs, landscaping, and regular upkeep.

Enter your current monthly rent payment. This will be compared against the cost of owning a home with a VA loan. Rising rent costs impact the long-term cost of renting.

Enter the expected annual increase in your home’s value. Appreciation builds equity and impacts long-term wealth.

Enter your marginal income tax rate. This rate is used to calculate the tax savings from deductible costs like mortgage interest and property taxes. It reflects the tax you pay on each additional dollar of income.

Enter the tax rate for capital gains when selling your home. Single filers get a $250,000 exemption on gains from their primary residence.

Enter the percentage of savings allocated to tax-advantaged accounts like IRA/Roth IRA for additional tax benefits and long-term growth.