Rent-to-own vs paying cash: what you really pay
Enter the cash price, weekly payment and term to see the total paid, the extra cost and a simple yearly rate estimate.
Simple calculator. We may merge overlapping tools later; this page stays online with its image. Uses the cash price, weekly payment and term you enter. How we research · How links work
The short answer
A $499 item at $29.99 a week for 52 weeks costs about $1559 in total, $1060 more than paying cash (about 213% simple yearly). Read the contract for fees and early payoff rules.
Your contract
Total paid
-
-
Examples
| Cash price | Weekly × weeks | Total | Extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| $299 | $19.99 × 39 | $780 | $481 |
| $499 | $29.99 × 52 | $1559 | $1060 |
| $799 | $39.99 × 78 | $3119 | $2320 |
Before you sign
Check early payoff, damage fees, and whether missed payments restart the term. Compare a credit card or personal loan APR if those are options for you.
Common questions
Is rent-to-own more expensive than buying?
Almost always. Paying $29.99 a week for a year on a $499 item totals about $1,560, which is more than three times the cash price.
What is the approximate APR here?
A simple estimate: extra paid ÷ cash price ÷ years. It shows how expensive the plan is compared with paying cash or using a normal loan.
When does rent-to-own make sense?
Rarely for most people. It can be a last resort if you have no other way to get something essential and you can return it early under clear terms.