Side-by-side comparisons
The "vs" questions, answered with the actual arithmetic instead of a rule of thumb. Each one runs both scenarios on your own numbers and shows where they cross over.
All comparisons
30 tools
- 10% vs 20% Down PaymentBuy now with 10% down and pay PMI, or wait for 20%? Compare monthly payments, total PMI, when PMI drops, and what…
- 15-Year vs 30-Year MortgageCompare a 15-year and 30-year fixed-rate mortgage on the same loan. See monthly payment difference, total interest…
- Annual vs Monthly BillingAnnual billing usually carries a discount, but it only pays off if you keep the subscription long enough. Find your…
- Biweekly vs Monthly Mortgage PaymentsThe 'biweekly trick' shaves years off a 30-year mortgage. Here's what's actually happening (hint: it's not magic)…
- Buy vs Lease a CarCompare buying and leasing the same car. Monthly payment, total cost out the door, equity at the end. Honest math,…
- Coffee at Home vs the CaféA daily café cup is small money each time and real money each year. See what brewing the same coffee at home would…
- Is a Warehouse Membership Worth It?A warehouse membership only pays off if your real savings beat the fee. Add up grocery savings, warehouse fuel, and…
- Driving vs Public TransitDriving feels free once you own the car, but fuel, wear, and parking add up. Compare the real cost of driving vs…
- ETF vs Mutual FundThe expense ratio difference between an ETF and a mutual fund looks tiny — until you compound it over 30 years. See…
- Home EV Charger vs Public ChargingA Level-2 home charger costs upfront but slashes your per-kWh price versus public DC-fast charging. See how fast it…
- Is an Extended Warranty Worth It?Extended warranties are priced so the average buyer pays more than they get back. Run the expected value and failure…
- Fixed-Rate vs Adjustable-Rate MortgageAdjustable-rate mortgages start cheaper. Whether they stay cheaper depends on rates 5–7 years from now. See what…
- Gas vs Electric CarPurchase, fuel, maintenance and resale over your ownership window — with the expired federal EV credit handled…
- Heat Pump vs Furnace + ACA heat pump heats and cools with one system and usually costs less to run. See if the lower running cost pays back…
- Home Battery vs Grid-OnlyA home battery promises cheaper peak power and backup during outages, but the economics are often marginal. See if…
- HSA vs FSAHSA and FSA both shield medical expenses from taxes — but HSA can become a stealth retirement account. Compare on…
- High-Yield Savings vs CDHYSA or CD for your cash? One stays liquid but the rate floats; the other locks a rate but locks your money too.…
- Are Mortgage Points Worth It?Buying points lowers your rate but costs cash upfront. Find the break-even month and check it against how long…
- Are New Windows Worth It?New windows cost thousands and save a little on energy each year. Does that ever pay back, after the resale bump? An…
- Pay off mortgage early vs invest the differenceYou have $500 extra per month. Pay down the mortgage or invest it? The answer depends on your rate, your return, and…
- Refinance vs RecastGot a lump sum and want a lower mortgage payment? Refinance and recast both work — but they're not the same. Compare…
- Rent vs Own in RetirementShould you own your home or rent in retirement? Owning means no mortgage but maintenance, taxes, and tied-up equity.…
- Roth 401(k) vs Roth IRABoth are after-tax in, tax-free out — so which one? Compare Roth 401(k) and Roth IRA: contribution limits, employer…
- Roth vs Traditional IRACompare Roth and Traditional IRA outcomes. Pay tax now (Roth) or pay tax later (Traditional)? See the dollar…
- Save vs Pay Down DebtGot an extra $X a month? Should you build savings or pay down debt first? See the math on your numbers — credit card…
- Solar Panels vs the GridSolar costs a lot upfront and then sells you cheaper power for decades. Does it ever pay back the system price?…
- Tankless vs Tank Water HeaterA tankless heater costs more upfront but lasts up to twice as long and wastes less energy. Over 20 years: one…
- Term Life vs Whole Life“Buy term and invest the difference” is the textbook advice. This runs the numbers honestly — usually the textbook…
- Traditional vs Roth 401(k)Traditional 401(k) saves on taxes today. Roth saves on taxes in retirement. Which is 'better' depends on which…
- Used vs New CarA new car loses the most value in its first years. A used car lets someone else absorb that hit but may cost more to…