Mortgage & real estate

Mortgage Comparison Calculator

Compare two mortgage options for the same amount, such as a 15-year and a 30-year, to see the payment and total cost of each.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • Updated for 2026

Two mortgage options

$
%
yr
%
yr

Enter the amount and both options to compare the mortgages.

Worked example

With these example inputs:

  • Mortgage amount$300,000
  • Option A rate6.5%
  • Option A term30 yr
  • Option B rate6%
  • Option B term15 yr

Total cost difference: $226,951

  • Option A payment$1,896
  • Option A total$682,633
  • Option B payment$2,532
  • Option B total$455,683

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What this mortgage comparison calculator does

This calculator compares two mortgage options. You enter one amount and two rate-and-term pairs. The tool then works out each monthly payment. So you see the payment and total cost of each. It shows the gap in total cost between them. You see the result in your currency.

Why compare mortgages

Two loans can look close but cost very differently. A lower rate or shorter term saves interest. A longer term lowers the monthly payment. So the cheaper monthly option can cost more overall. This tool lays both side by side. It helps you weigh payment against total cost.

How it is calculated

The tool finds the monthly payment for each option. It uses the amount, rate, and term of each. It then multiplies each payment by its months. So you get the full cost of each loan. The headline is the gap between them. The calculator handles this for you.

What the result tells you

The result shows the total cost difference. Here a thirty-year at six and a half costs about two hundred twenty-seven thousand more. The shorter loan costs less overall. The longer loan costs less each month. So you see the price of a lower payment. It is just a close estimate.

The mortgage amount

Your mortgage amount is the sum you borrow. It is the same for both options here. A bigger amount widens the cost gap. So this number sets the scale. Use the loan amount you expect. It anchors the whole calculation. Enter your mortgage amount.

Option A

Option A is your first choice. You set its rate and its term. A common A is a thirty-year loan. So it often has the lower monthly payment. A longer term spreads the cost out. Enter your Option A rate and term.

Option B

Option B is your second choice. You set its own rate and term. A common B is a fifteen-year loan. So it often has the higher monthly payment. A shorter term cuts the total interest. Enter your Option B rate and term.

Payment versus total

The two options show a clear trade-off. The longer loan eases the monthly strain. The shorter loan saves a lot of interest. So a low payment can hide a high cost. Weigh what your budget can carry. Then weigh the long-run savings.

How to use it

Enter your mortgage amount first. Add the rate and term for each option. Read the total cost difference in your chosen currency. Then compare the two payments. See which one fits your budget. Try other rates and terms. Use it to pick the better loan.

The limits of this calculator

Keep its limits in mind. It compares principal and interest only. It ignores taxes, insurance, and fees. It assumes you hold each loan fully. It does not weigh the value of cash now. So read it as a guide. So check the full loan terms.

A final tip

Use this to compare loans with open eyes. Remember the low payment can cost more. Check the total cost, not just the monthly. Mind the rate on each option. Make sure the payment fits your budget. Do not judge on one number alone. A careful choice needs the full picture.

Frequently asked questions

Is a 15-year always cheaper than a 30-year?

A 15-year usually has a lower rate and far less total interest, but a much higher monthly payment. Compare both to see the trade-off for your budget.

What does the difference show?

The headline is the gap in total cost between the two options. The metrics show each option's monthly payment and its total paid over the term.