Rent-to-Own True Cost Multiplier
Rent-to-Own Calculator — True Total Cost vs Retail
What this calculator does
This calculator shows the total cost of a rent-to-own contract. It also compares that total to the cash retail price and shows the implied markup.
The math, with a worked example
Total cost = weekly payment × number of weeks. Markup = total cost − retail price. Implied premium = markup ÷ retail price × 100. A $35 weekly payment for 78 weeks costs $2,730. If the retail price is $800, you pay over $1,900 in extra markup.
Why this matters
Rent-to-own hides a triple price in a small weekly number: $35 a week for 78 weeks is $2,730 for an $800 item — over $1,900 of markup, or a 240% premium, for the privilege of paying slowly. The weekly framing is the product; the total is the trap.
Methodology and transparency
Total cost = weekly payment × weeks; markup = total − retail price; premium = markup ÷ retail × 100. The comparison assumes you make every payment to term — miss payments and most contracts repossess the item, converting everything already paid into pure loss, which the model doesn't price. Check the retail price yourself; the lot's 'cash price' often already carries a markup. Everything runs in your browser; no data is sent or stored.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-08
Common questions
Is rent-to-own ever cheaper than buying?
Almost never. The total weekly payments usually exceed the retail price by a large margin.
What is the implied APR?
Rent-to-own contracts often have effective APRs in the triple digits compared to buying the same item outright.
What are better alternatives?
Save the weekly payment in a savings account, buy used, or use a low-interest installment loan.