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Ohio Rent vs. Buy Calculator

Compare the true total cost of renting versus buying in Ohio. Pre-filled with Ohio median home price, average rent, property tax rates, and insurance costs.

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Buying Costs(Ohio defaults)

Renting Costs(Ohio defaults)

Comparison Settings

Ohio Market Context

Avg Cap Rate

7.2%

Median Price

$241K

Property Tax

1.28%

Vacancy Rate

5.8%

Local Factors

  • -Columbus is a standout growth market among Ohio cities with strong job growth
  • -Cleveland and Cincinnati offer high cash-flow potential at very low entry prices
  • -High property taxes are the main drag on investor returns

7-Year Verdict

Rent

saves $4,688

Roughly Even

Net Cost Over 7 Years

Buying$95,303
Renting$90,615

Buying Breakdown

Monthly Mortgage$1,283
Total Spent$215,970
Home Value (yr 7)$296,400
Equity Built$120,667
Net Cost of Buying$95,303

Renting Breakdown

Total Rent$122,661
Investment Gains$33,578
Net Cost of Renting$90,615

Where Buy Costs Go

TOTAL$160,540
Mortgage$107,747
Property Tax$23,637
Insurance$10,689
Maintenance$18,467

What does this mean?

The total cost of renting and buying are within $4,688 of each other over 7 years. Buying gives you $120,667 in equity, but renting keeps you flexible. This one comes down to personal priorities.

How the Rent vs. Buy Calculation Works

The rent vs. buy decision isn't just about comparing your monthly mortgage to your monthly rent. A fair comparison needs to account for all the hidden costs and benefits on both sides.

On the buy side: we calculate total mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and closing costs. Then we subtract the equity you build — both from paying down principal and from home appreciation.

On the rent side: we add up total rent payments (increasing annually) and renter's insurance. But we also credit you with the investment returns you could earn by investing your down payment and closing costs in the stock market instead.

The net cost for each option is total spent minus wealth gained. The option with the lower net cost wins. Keep in mind this is a purely financial comparison — the stability, freedom, and lifestyle value of each choice is personal.

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