Rent vs. Buy Calculator — PCS Edition
On a 3–4 year tour, the math turns on equity and selling costs, not the monthly gap. Run your numbers below, then have Douglas review them with you.
Renting looks cheaper month to month — until you count what you walk away with. This calculator compares the total cost of renting for your tour against the net cost of buying and selling at the end of it, using your own rent, price, rate and assumptions.
Rent vs. Buy Calculator
Enter a rate from a quote you've received — Douglas produces your exact rate on review.
Your comparison
Enter your numbers and press Calculate.
How this calculator works — revised November 2026: rent is compounded yearly at your increase rate; the loan is amortized over 30 years at your rate; net cost of owning = interest + buying closing + selling costs − appreciation. Estimates only — not a qualification or a rate quote.
When renting wins on a short tour
Renting wins when…
- Your tour is short and selling costs (around 6% in this calculator) would eat the equity you built.
- You may receive orders again soon and need flexibility to move without a sale.
- Home values are flat — appreciation is what usually tips a short stay toward buying.
Buying wins when…
- You stay long enough for principal paydown and appreciation to outrun buying and selling costs.
- Your BAH comfortably covers the payment, so the monthly gap is small.
- You plan to keep the home as a rental after you PCS, turning equity into a long-term asset.
Keep exploring
PCS Relocation
The full Jacksonville PCS playbook — timelines, areas and checklists.
Military BAH Calculator
See exactly how your housing allowance breaks down by pay grade.
Frequently asked questions
Is the monthly payment the right comparison?
No — the monthly gap ignores equity. A payment builds principal and the home may appreciate; rent builds nothing. This calculator compares total costs, not just monthly amounts.
What if I PCS before the horizon ends?
Shorten the years-staying input to your actual tour length. Selling costs hit harder on short stays, which is why the verdict often flips under three years.
Does this include taxes, insurance and HOA?
No — this comparison isolates rent against mortgage principal, interest, closing and selling costs. Add taxes and insurance to the buying side for a fuller picture, or ask Douglas to run your full payment.
Is appreciation guaranteed?
No. Appreciation is an editable assumption, not a forecast. Try 0% to see how the verdict changes with no price growth.
Can I keep the home and rent it out after I PCS?
Many military buyers do. That changes the math entirely — the selling costs disappear and rental income enters. Ask Douglas to model the keep-and-rent path.
Is this a qualification?
No. This is an estimate for planning only. Qualification depends on credit, income, debts, property and underwriting — Douglas confirms it on review.
“You work directly with Douglas — no call center, no hand-offs.”
“Douglas did an excellent job from start to finish! I was buying my first home and didn't know the process, but Douglas made it easy and explained everything. He's quick to answer any questions and kept me up to date every step of the way. I would highly recommend Douglas to anyone looking to buy a home!” — Jason Haglund, July 31, 2026
Equal Housing Opportunity. Mortgage services are provided by Douglas Wilkerson, Branch Manager and Mortgage Broker with Edge Home Finance Corporation. Loan programs, rates, eligibility, underwriting guidelines and availability are subject to change. All applications are subject to credit review, verification, property eligibility, applicable underwriting requirements and final approval. This website does not constitute a commitment to lend or a guarantee of financing.