Homeownership Cost Calculator

True Monthly Cost of Ownership

When people say “my mortgage is $2,500 a month,” they’re only talking about the loan payment. The actual cost of owning a home includes property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and more. This tool shows every line item.

What you’ll need: A home price, how much you’d put down, and your city (for tax rates).

What you’ll get: A complete monthly cost breakdown: loan payment, property taxes, home insurance, PMI (the extra fee for putting less than 20% down), HOA fees, routine maintenance, and capital reserves (money to set aside for big repairs like a new roof or furnace).

Why it matters: Many first-time buyers are shocked when their actual monthly cost is $500–$1,000 more than their mortgage payment. This tool prevents that surprise.

Down payment: $50,000 · Loan: $450,000 · PMI applies

Property tax rate: 1.10% · $5,500/yr

10 yr

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Mortgage (P&I)
30-year fixed · FRED rate as of today
$2,919
Property Tax
National Avg rate: 1.10% · Census ACS / Tax Foundation
$458
Homeowner Insurance
0.35% of home value · III national average · higher in FL, CA, TX
$146
PMI (drops at 78% LTV)
0.55% of loan balance · Urban Institute avg · cancels per HPA 1998
$206
Maintenance Reserve (1%/yr)
1% of home value annually · industry standard reserve rate
$417
Monthly Total$4,146

$49,749/yr

Capital Replacement Schedule

Major systems wear out on a schedule. Setting aside money now prevents financial shock later. Reserves adjust based on your home’s age (10 years).

Lifespans from InterNACHI Standards of Practice · costs are national averages
Roof$15,000 every 25yr · ~15yr left
$83
HVAC$8,000 every 15yr · ~5yr left
$133
Water Heater$1,200 every 10yr · ~10yr left
$10
Windows$12,000 every 30yr · ~20yr left
$50
Capital Reserve Total$277
All-In Monthly Total$4,422

$53,069/yr

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YOUR NEXT STEPS
Compare to renting

Now that you see the real cost, find out if buying still makes sense.

Compare to renting
Check bank approval odds

Would a bank say yes to this monthly payment?

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These are estimates to help you plan — not predictions. Insurance rates, maintenance costs, and capital replacement timelines vary significantly. Consult a licensed inspector before purchase.

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