Total cost of ownership calculator
A realistic monthly and annual cost of owning a home, with every input editable. The mortgage payment is intentionally excluded here so you can see everything else clearly.
Inputs
Annual cost breakdown
Typical annual ownership cost runs about 3 to 5 percent of home value when you sum taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance. The 1 percent maintenance rule is a baseline; older homes often trend higher.
Frequently asked questions
What does total cost of ownership include?
Property tax, home insurance, utilities, and maintenance. It does not include your mortgage principal and interest (use the rent-vs-buy calculator for that comparison).
Is 1% maintenance realistic?
One percent of home value per year is a common rule of thumb. Older homes, homes with major systems approaching end of life, or homes in harsh climates typically run higher.
How should I estimate utilities?
Use a recent 12-month utility statement if you have one. State averages from DOE EIA are a reasonable starting point when data is limited.