Should I rent or buy in Canada?
It depends on horizon, mobility, maintenance, and opportunity cost of your down payment. This tool compares costs, not lifestyle fit.
Behavioral lens: Status quo bias
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare total cost of renting versus buying over your chosen time horizon. Plus a behavioral lens on status quo bias so the math matches your mindset.
Educational estimates only. Not personalized advice. Data targets 2026 Canadian rules.
Compare scenarios
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7-year comparison
Break-even yearYear 5
Total rent paid$220,679
Total ownership cost$361,343
Net worth if buying$285,617
Net worth if renting$254,639
LeanBuy may win
Behavioral lens: Status quo bias
Status quo bias in the rent vs buy debate
Renting feels like throwing money away. Buying feels like adulthood. Both stories are status quo narratives. Break-even math forces the decision out of identity and into cash flow.
Decide from cash flow, not social pressure
PsyFi models mobility needs and real spending so rent vs buy fits your life, not a rule of thumb.
Model your housing decisionFAQ
Is this PsyFi calculator free?
Yes. Every PsyFi free tool runs in your browser with no signup. We built them to pair accurate Canadian math with behavioral science, not to gate basic estimates behind an account.
Does PsyFi store what I type?
No. Inputs stay on your device. Nothing you enter is sent to PsyFi servers.
Is this personalized financial advice?
No. These are educational estimates using published Canadian rules for 2026. They are not tax, legal, mortgage, or immigration advice. Confirm current rates and your situation with qualified professionals before acting.
Estimates for education only. Not financial, tax, mortgage, immigration, or legal advice. Canadian rules and rates change. Verify current figures with qualified professionals before making decisions. PsyFi tools add behavioral context; they do not replace personalized planning.