Ownership guide
True Cost of Owning a Home
Estimate total ownership cost over 5, 10, and 30 years with taxes, maintenance, insurance, and utilities.
Quick answer: Ownership cost extends far beyond mortgage payment and should be projected across multiple horizons.
Intent: true cost of home ownership calculator
How to run the numbers
- Enter financing assumptions and recurring ownership expenses.
- Compare 5-year, 10-year, and 30-year cost outputs.
- Review cost breakdowns to identify the largest long-term drivers.
Common mistakes
- Underestimating maintenance is one of the most common errors.
- Leaving utilities at zero can understate annual ownership burn.
- Assuming taxes never increase can bias long-horizon estimates.
Calculators to open now
Open primary calculatorPrimary
Home Cost 30-Year
Estimate 5-year, 10-year, and 30-year ownership costs with a practical component breakdown.
Ownership / Ownership Costs
Property Tax
Estimate annual and monthly property tax with optional exemptions.
Maintenance Budget
Estimate low/base/high annual and monthly maintenance budgets from home value, age, and risk profile.
Insurance Estimator
Estimate low/base/high home insurance premium range from replacement value assumptions.
Related guides
Home Insurance Estimate Range Guide
Estimate low/base/high insurance premium ranges and understand inputs that drive quote variation.
Annual Home Maintenance Budget Guide
Set maintenance reserves by home value, age, and risk profile instead of using a single flat rule.
Estimate Savings From a Property Tax Appeal
Model annual savings and payback period when assessed value is lowered through an appeal.
Property Tax Planning Basics
Estimate annual and monthly property taxes and pressure-test affordability against local rates.
FAQs
Is 1.5% maintenance a strict rule?
No. It is a planning baseline; older or higher-complexity homes may require more.
Should I include utilities in ownership cost?
Yes for budget realism, especially when comparing homes with different efficiency profiles.
Does this model resale value?
No, it focuses on cost outflows rather than future sale proceeds.
This calculator provides planning estimates for educational purposes only. Verify all assumptions with licensed professionals before making financial, legal, tax, insurance, or construction decisions.
Want a sequence instead of a single tool? Open Start Here: Buying a Home.