Rent vs. Buy

Rent vs. Buy Calculator – Franklin County Life
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Rent vs. Buy Calculator
Franklin County, PA · Franklin County Life
Franklin County defaults loaded
Your Numbers
Renting
Current Monthly Rent $1,050
$500$2,500
Franklin County avg 2BR ~$1,050/mo
Buying
Home Purchase Price $235,000
$100k$600k
FC median ~$235k
Down Payment 10%
3%30%
Mortgage Rate 6.75%
4%10%
Current 30-yr fixed ~6.5–7%
Your Plans
How Long Will You Stay? 7 yrs
1 yr15 yrs
The longer you stay, the more buying wins
▼ Show market assumption sliders
Annual Rent Increase 3.0%
0%8%
Franklin County avg ~3%/yr
Home Appreciation 3.5%
0%8%
FC has averaged 3–5% recently
Down Payment Required
Monthly Cost Comparison
Monthly — Renting
Rent + renter’s insurance
Monthly — Buying
All-in monthly cost
Difference
Monthly Buying Breakdown
Principal & Interest
Property Tax (1.3% / FC)
Homeowners Insurance
Maintenance (1%/yr)
PMI (removed at 20% equity)
Total Monthly
True Cost Over Time

Buying cost is net of equity built. Where lines cross = break-even.

Total Rent Paid
Nothing to show for it
Net Buy Cost
After equity subtracted
Home Value
Equity Built
Your ownership stake
📍 Franklin County Notes
🏘️Franklin County property taxes average ~1.3% of assessed value — lower than most PA counties and significantly lower than neighboring Maryland.
🚗Many FC buyers commute to Hagerstown, MD or the I-270 corridor. Factor in commute costs — they can flip the rent vs. buy math.
🌾Rural and semi-rural properties often qualify for USDA loans — zero down payment required. Many Franklin County zip codes are eligible.
📈Home prices have risen faster than historical averages, driven partly by Maryland/DC buyers. Getting in sooner may be better than waiting.