Calculator Guides
Deep dives into every True Cost tool — how each calculator works, what the inputs mean, the assumptions behind the math, and how to interpret your results.
The True Cost Home Calculator: A Complete Guide to Every Feature
A complete walkthrough of the True Cost Home Calculator — mortgage payment breakdown, buy vs rent analysis, amortization, extra payments, mortgage points, and refinance modeling in one suite.
Read the full guide →Top 15 California Cities for Rent Growth Over the Last 5 Years
The 15 California cities that have seen rents rise the most since 2021
Buy vs. Rent Calculator: How It Works and How to Use It
Learn how the True Cost Buy vs. Rent Calculator models 30-year net worth, calculates your break-even year, and factors in opportunity cost, appreciation, and tax benefits — inputs explained.
Fixed vs. ARM Calculator: How to Compare Mortgage Rate Types
Learn how the True Cost Fixed vs. ARM Calculator models adjustable-rate mortgage cap scenarios, calculates payment shock, finds the crossover year, and helps you decide between fixed and ARM rates.
Investment Property Calculator: Cap Rate, IRR, and Cash Flow Explained
A complete guide to the True Cost Investment Property Calculator — how cap rate, cash-on-cash return, IRR, and debt coverage ratio are calculated, what inputs matter most, and how to evaluate a rental property deal.
Move or Stay Calculator: All Four Paths Compared
A guide to the True Cost Move or Stay Calculator — how it models all four relocation paths (sell & buy, sell & rent, keep & buy, keep & rent), the lock-in effect of low mortgage rates, and how to use the results.
Refinance Calculator: Break-Even Month, True Savings, and When to Refinance
Learn how the True Cost Refinance Calculator works — how break-even months are calculated, what inputs matter most, how term resets affect total interest, and when refinancing makes financial sense.
Mortgage Tax Benefit Calculator: What Your Deduction Is Actually Worth
Learn how the True Cost Tax Benefit Calculator computes the real value of the mortgage interest deduction — accounting for the standard deduction threshold, SALT cap, and your marginal tax rate.
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All calculators are free, private, and built around the real costs that most tools leave out — property tax, insurance, maintenance, tax deductions, and opportunity cost.
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