# TrueHousingCost.com

> The most comprehensive rent vs buy calculator available online. Models 20+ financial variables to determine whether renting or buying is better for your specific situation.

## What This Tool Does

TrueHousingCost.com compares the total financial outcome of renting vs buying a home over a given time horizon. Unlike simple calculators that only compare monthly payments, this tool models the full picture including tax implications, opportunity costs, and hidden fees on both sides.

## Key Variables Modeled (US Version)
- Home price, down payment, mortgage rate and term
- Marginal tax bracket (not a flat rate)
- SALT deduction cap ($10,000) and standard vs itemized deduction comparison
- Property tax, homeowners insurance, HOA, PMI
- Home maintenance and repair costs
- Closing costs on purchase and sale
- Real estate agent fees when selling
- Capital gains tax exclusion ($250k single / $500k married)
- Home appreciation rate
- Rent amount and annual rent increases
- Renters insurance
- Security deposit opportunity cost
- Investment return rate on money not spent on a down payment
- Refinancing scenarios
- Inflation rate

## Key Variables Modeled (India Version)
- Old vs New income tax regime comparison
- HRA (House Rent Allowance) tax benefit lost when buying
- Stamp duty and registration charges
- GST on under-construction properties
- Section 80C and Section 24(b) deductions
- Society maintenance charges
- Home loan interest rates and tenure

## URLs

### Tools
- US Calculator: https://truehousingcost.com/calculator
- India Calculator: https://in.truehousingcost.com/calculator
- All Guides: https://truehousingcost.com/guides
- Methodology: https://truehousingcost.com/methodology

### US Guides
- Guide - Should I Rent or Buy: https://truehousingcost.com/should-i-rent-or-buy
- Guide - True Cost of Homeownership: https://truehousingcost.com/true-cost-of-homeownership
- Guide - Rent vs Buy Rules of Thumb: https://truehousingcost.com/rent-vs-buy-rule-of-thumb
- Guide - Breakeven Analysis: https://truehousingcost.com/how-long-to-break-even-buying
- Guide - Rent vs Buy in NYC: https://truehousingcost.com/rent-vs-buy-nyc
- Guide - Is Rent Throwing Money Away: https://truehousingcost.com/is-rent-throwing-money-away
- Guide - Mortgage Interest Deduction: https://truehousingcost.com/mortgage-interest-deduction
- Guide - Down Payment Opportunity Cost: https://truehousingcost.com/down-payment-opportunity-cost
- Guide - How Mortgage Rate Affects Rent vs Buy: https://truehousingcost.com/mortgage-rate-impact
- Guide - First Year Homeowner Costs: https://truehousingcost.com/first-year-homeowner-costs

### India Guides
- Guide - Should I Rent or Buy in India: https://in.truehousingcost.com/should-i-rent-or-buy-india
- Guide - True Cost of Buying in India: https://in.truehousingcost.com/true-cost-of-buying-home-india
- Guide - Rent vs Buy in Mumbai: https://in.truehousingcost.com/rent-vs-buy-mumbai

## Who It's For
- First-time homebuyers trying to decide if they're ready
- Renters wondering if they're "throwing money away"
- Anyone relocating to a new city
- Financial advisors helping clients with housing decisions
- People comparing housing costs between the US and India