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Vermont Rent vs. Buy Calculator

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

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Buying Costs(Vermont defaults)

Renting Costs(Vermont defaults)

Comparison Settings

Vermont Market Context

Avg Cap Rate

5.5%

Median Price

$388K

Property Tax

1.4%

Vacancy Rate

3.7%

Local Factors

  • -Lowest homeowners insurance costs in the nation
  • -Very tight rental market with limited new construction
  • -High property taxes and cold climate increase total holding costs

7-Year Verdict

Rent

saves $56,533

Rent — Strong

Net Cost Over 7 Years

Buying$146,159
Renting$89,627

Buying Breakdown

Monthly Mortgage$2,065
Total Spent$340,429
Home Value (yr 7)$477,191
Equity Built$194,269
Net Cost of Buying$146,159

Renting Breakdown

Total Rent$142,154
Investment Gains$54,060
Net Cost of Renting$89,627

Where Buy Costs Go

TOTAL$251,189
Mortgage$173,468
Property Tax$41,622
Insurance$6,368
Maintenance$29,730

What does this mean?

Renting is $56,533 cheaper over 7 years. Even accounting for $194,269 in equity from buying, renting and investing the savings likely wins. The market may not be right for buying at this price point.

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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