House Hacking Calculator
Calculate how much you can save by living in one unit while renting out others. Discover your path to reduced housing costs.
Instant Calculations
See your potential savings from house hacking in seconds
Compare Scenarios
Analyze different rental configurations and unit types
Data Privacy
Your financial information is never stored or shared
House hacking is a real estate investment strategy where you live in a property while renting out part of it to generate income. This can dramatically reduce or eliminate your housing costs while building equity.
Your House Hacking Results
Significant Savings
Excellent house hack - you're living nearly free or cash flowing
Total Monthly Mortgage
$3,028
Principal, interest, taxes, insurance
Total Monthly Expenses
$3,228
All costs including maintenance and HOA
Gross Monthly Rental Income
$3,000
Before vacancy and utilities
Net Monthly Rental Income
$2,850
After vacancy and utilities
Your Net Housing Cost
$378
What you actually pay per month
Monthly Savings vs Renting
$2,204
Compared to typical rent
Annual Savings
$26,452
Total yearly savings
Annual Equity Build-Up
$9,101
Mortgage principal paid down
Total Annual Benefit
$35,554
Savings + equity build-up
Break-Even Timeline
0.8 years
When you'll recoup down payment
How to Get Started with House Hacking
Duplex, triplex, fourplex, or single-family with rentable bedrooms. Multi-family often works best for beginners.
Use this calculator to ensure rental income will cover most or all of your housing costs.
FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% down on 2-4 unit properties if you live in one unit.
Living near your tenants means quality screening is crucial for a positive experience.
Popular House Hacking Strategies
Buy a 2-4 unit property, live in one, rent the others. Best for maximum savings and privacy.
Separate living spaces, easier to get loans, highest income potential
Higher purchase price, more management responsibility
Purchase a single-family home and rent out individual bedrooms to roommates.
Lower purchase price, flexible with roommates, easier to find
Less privacy, shared common spaces, potential roommate conflicts
Live in main house, rent out converted garage, basement, or backyard cottage.
Maximum privacy, often allows higher rent, property value increase
Conversion costs, zoning restrictions, permits required
Rent spare rooms on Airbnb or VRBO while living in the property.
Higher rental rates, flexibility, tax benefits
More work, frequent turnover, local regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start House Hacking?
Rentto helps house hackers manage tenants, track expenses, and maximize returns. Our free property management software makes landlording simple.