Buyer resources
Rent Accumulation
Your numbers
An example figure. Increases vary by lease and by year, and local rules may limit them.
Up to 40.
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Estimate
Estimated total rent over 5 years
$191,129
- Monthly rent in Year 1
- $3,000
- Monthly rent in Year 5
- $3,377
- Average per month across the period
- $3,185
| Year | Monthly rent | Annual rent | Cumulative rent paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $3,000 | $36,000 | $36,000 |
| Year 2 | $3,090 | $37,080 | $73,080 |
| Year 3 | $3,183 | $38,192 | $111,272 |
| Year 4 | $3,278 | $39,338 | $150,611 |
| Year 5 | $3,377 | $40,518 | $191,129 |
Renting can be the right choice
Renting offers flexibility, fewer maintenance responsibilities and less cash tied up up front. If you might move in a few years, or your plans are still taking shape, it can make more sense than buying. This number is one input, not a verdict.
Thinking about what buying might look like?
Explore your numbers with the Mortgage Payment Calculator and the Homebuying Budget — both include the costs of owning that rent does not.
Keep planning
- Mortgage Payment CalculatorEstimate the full monthly payment — principal and interest, taxes, insurance, HOA and mortgage insurance.
- Homebuying BudgetStart from the monthly amount that feels comfortable and work back to an approximate price range.
- Practice the PaymentSet aside the difference between today's housing cost and a future one, and see how it feels before you commit.
Numbers are a starting point, not a decision.
If you would like to talk through what these figures could mean for a search in San Diego County — areas, timing, what to prioritize — Ardra is glad to help. There is no obligation.
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Actual rent changes depend on your lease, your landlord, local rules and the market. It does not compare renting with owning or account for any cost other than rent.