The Woodlands Relocations
Planning worksheet
Rent Versus Buy Planner
Compare rent and buy scenarios with editable assumptions—a planning aid, not a financial recommendation.
In brief
- The rent-versus-buy planner compares scenarios with editable assumptions—it does not recommend rent or purchase.
- Property tax inputs should come from MCAD/HCAD parcel research, not generic online averages.
- Purchase process details follow Texas TREC contract themes; talk to licensed professionals before you commit.
Interactive worksheet
Monthly comparison
Buy estimate: $3,605
Rent: $2,200
Cumulative planning estimate
Buy: $323,790
Rent: $184,800
Break-even range: Not within modeled range
Sensitivity (appreciation)
| % | Buy | Rent |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | $323,790 | $184,800 |
| 1% | $293,276 | $184,800 |
| 2% | $260,896 | $184,800 |
| 3% | $226,553 | $184,800 |
Appreciation and investment returns are uncertain. Set appreciation to 0% for a conservative planning view. This is a planning estimate, not a financial analysis or recommendation.
Estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, HOA charges, utilities, closing costs, and other expenses vary.
Questions readers ask
Frequently asked
Does the rent versus buy tool tell me whether to rent or purchase?
No. It is a side-by-side worksheet for monthly costs and cash needs. Your timeline, reserves, and maintenance tolerance—not a website calculator—drive the decision with help from lenders and advisors.
What costs should I include when comparing rent and buy in Texas?
Rent: monthly rent, renters insurance, deposits. Buy: purchase price, down payment, closing costs, property tax and homeowners insurance (verify on MCAD/HCAD), HOA or association fees, and maintenance reserves. The Texas Comptroller property tax overview helps explain tax concepts at a high level.
Lead
What this planner is for
The rent-versus-buy tool organizes monthly housing costs and one-time cash needs side by side so you can stress-test timelines before you talk to a lender or sign a lease.
It will not tell you which choice is “better.” Relocation math depends on how long you expect to stay, how much cash you can deploy without draining reserves, and how comfortable you are maintaining a property.
What the inputs mean
Rent side: monthly rent, renters insurance, and move-in costs such as deposits. Buy side: purchase price, down payment, closing costs, property tax and insurance estimates, HOA or association fees, and maintenance reserves.
Property tax lines should reflect parcel research—not a guess from a national cost-of-living site. Start with Montgomery CAD or Harris CAD and the Texas Comptroller property tax overview if you need context on rates and exemptions.
What we do not model
The planner does not forecast home-price appreciation, investment returns on down-payment cash, tax itemization outcomes, or Texas purchase contract deadlines. Those belong in conversations with your CPA, lender, and licensed real estate professional using TREC forms for your deal.
If you want process context before you run numbers, read the buying guide and housing overview. Featured real estate help may involve Global Collective Real Estate under our Disclosures page.
Source desk
Sources
- Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) · Last reviewed: 2026-07-27
- Texas Comptroller — property tax · Last reviewed: 2026-07-27
- Montgomery Central Appraisal District · Last reviewed: 2026-07-27
- Harris Central Appraisal District · Last reviewed: 2026-07-27
Last reviewed: 2026-07-27