Deciding where to live is a huge decision, but HotPads has made it easier with our "Buy vs. Rent" search engine.
By displaying all available options next to each other, housing shoppers have all the information necessary to make the most sound financial decisions when deciding whether to buy or rent their next home.
About HotPads Buy vs. Rent Search
Both real estate for sale and rental housing listings are displayed side by side. For Sale listings have an associated monthly costs that take mortgage payments including interest rate, down payment, and term length into account. As you adjust your pricing criteria on the map search, HotPads restricts your results to only include the real estate and rentals that you can afford.
Rent Ratio Heat Maps
If you're undecided about where to live, or just want to see how your neighborhood stacks up to those around you, be sure to check out our rent ratio heat maps, too!
Searching the Map by Pricing, Bedrooms, etc.
Use the search bar at the top of the map to set your monthly payment, select the number of bedrooms, enter specific amenities, and tweak the other settings to find the home that is right for you.
Buy Versus Rent Calculator
Our Buy vs. Rent Calculator will help you make the most informed decision possible when deciding whether you should buy or rent your next home. Just plug your best estimates into the calculator fields, and you'll see several charts showing the difference between buying and renting:
Buy vs. Rent Assets
Buy vs. Rent Monthly Payments
Buyer Monthly Payments
Renter Monthly Payments
Buyer Total Savings
Buyer Avg. Monthly Savings
There are also helpful hints beside each chart option that explain the variable or output. Simply click the "?" next to each input to see an informative blurb.
Housing Shopper Guides
Whatever decision you reach, HotPads has great guides that will help you through the process of buying or renting your next abode.