EMI vs Rent Calculator (India): Should You Buy or Rent?

Deciding whether to buy a house or continue renting is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. This EMI vs Rent calculator helps you compare both options using realistic assumptions about loan interest, rent increases, investment returns, and property appreciation in India.

Calculator Inputs

Property & Loan Details

Total cost of the property

Initial payment (typically 20%)

%

Rent Details

%

Results

Buying Wins

₹25.17 lakh

After 20 years, buying results in ₹25.17 lakh higher net worth.

Monthly EMI
₹69k
Total EMI Paid
₹1.67 crore
Total Interest Paid
₹86.62 lakh
Total Rent Paid
₹1.59 crore
Future Property Value
₹2.65 crore
Loan Outstanding
₹0
Net Worth (Buying)
₹2.65 crore
Net Worth (Renting)
₹2.40 crore
Difference
₹25.17 lakh

Financial Analysis

Compare net worth and loan outstanding over time

Net Worth Over Time

Loan Outstanding

Why This Isn't Obvious

Most people only compare monthly EMI vs rent. This ignores opportunity cost—what you could earn by investing your down payment and the EMI-rent difference in equity markets.

When Buying Makes Sense

10+ year stay, strong property appreciation (6-8%), 20%+ down payment without depleting emergency funds, and EMI not drastically higher than rent.

When Renting Is Better

Short time horizon (<7 years), high investment discipline (10-12% returns), rent significantly lower than EMI, and property prices stagnant or overvalued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Methodology

How This Calculator Works

EMI Calculation

We use the standard EMI formula: EMI = P × r × (1 + r)^n / ((1 + r)^n - 1)

Where:

  • P = Loan principal
  • r = Monthly interest rate
  • n = Loan tenure in months

Investment Growth

Renting scenario assumes you invest:

  1. The down payment amount
  2. The difference between EMI and rent each year

Both grow at your chosen investment return rate (default: 10% annually).

Assumptions

  • Rent increases annually (not monthly)
  • Property appreciates linearly
  • Investment returns compound annually
  • No transaction costs included (stamp duty, brokerage)
  • Maintenance costs not factored in

Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Results are based on assumptions and may not reflect actual outcomes. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.