Rent vs. buy calculator for Nova Scotia
Compare your net worth after renting and investing the difference against buying, over any number of years.
Rent vs. buy calculator
Compares what you'd be worth after renting and investing the difference with what you'd be worth after buying.
After 10 years
Buying wins by $70,505
Buying pulls ahead in year 5.
What you'd be worth
- If you buyHome value after selling costs, minus the mortgage, plus anything invested
- $271,581
- If you rentYour down payment and closing costs invested, plus monthly savings
- $201,077
First month
- OwningMortgage $2,311 + tax, insurance, upkeep
- $3,144
- RentingRent + tenant insurance
- $2,225
- Cash to buyDown payment + closing costs
- $55,000
Year by year
| Year | Buy | Rent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $32,075 | $69,096 |
| 2 | $55,013 | $83,339 |
| 3 | $78,791 | $97,718 |
| 4 | $103,439 | $112,223 |
| 5 | $128,991 | $126,840 |
| 6 | $155,483 | $141,556 |
| 7 | $182,950 | $156,355 |
| 8 | $211,429 | $171,220 |
| 9 | $240,959 | $186,134 |
| 10 | $271,581 | $201,077 |
The answer swings most on home price growth, the investment return and how long you stay. Try a few versions before deciding.
Estimate only, not financial advice. All growth rates are your assumptions, not forecasts. Ignores taxes on investment gains (a principal residence is tax-free when sold; investments may not be). Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere: it clears when you leave the page.
How this calculator works
- The buyer pays the down payment, closing costs, mortgage, property tax, insurance, condo fees and upkeep. The renter pays rent and tenant insurance.
- The renter invests the cash the buyer spent up front. Each month, whoever has the lower costs invests the difference at your investment return.
- At the end, the buyer sells: their net worth is the home's value minus selling costs and the mortgage left, plus anything they invested.
- Rent, property tax, insurance and condo fees rise once a year at the rates you set. Growth rates are your assumptions, not forecasts.
Sources
- CMHC: Mortgage loan insurance premiums
- Government of Nova Scotia: Residential Tenancies Program legislative changes
Rules and rates last checked October 4, 2026.
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