GetRealTerms

Estimate what a decision is worth in real terms, before you make it.

Free calculators that adjust for tax, cost of living, and time — for a more realistic comparison than the sticker number alone.

You'll leave with a slightly wider view of the decision than you came in with.

🇺🇸 Built for US decisions. Other countries aren't supported yet — planned as a separate site down the road.

This site provides decision-modeling and educational calculators only — not financial advice, loan brokerage, or investment management.

Tools

Career

Offer Ledger

Compare two job offers side by side, adjusted for income tax, cost of living, and commute time.

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Housing

Rent vs Buy

See the estimated real-terms cost comparison, after mortgage costs, equity built, and the opportunity cost of your down payment.

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Career

Freelance vs Full-time

See the estimated real-terms value of each, after self-employment tax, employer benefits value, and unpaid time off.

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Auto

Lease vs Buy a Car

See the estimated real-terms cost comparison, using the Federal Reserve's published lease-payment methodology.

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Career

Grad School vs Working

See the estimated long-run financial outcome of each path, using BLS earnings data and official federal loan rates.

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Location

Relocate: City A vs City B

See each city's estimated real-terms value for the same salary, after tax, cost of living, and moving costs.

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Auto

New Car vs Used Car

See the estimated real-terms cost comparison, using Experian loan-rate data and iSeeCars depreciation data for key ownership costs.

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Family

Dog vs Cat Lifetime Cost (US)

See which pet costs less per year, using Rover's 2025 pet cost report and NAPHIA insurance data.

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Business

Hire Employee vs Freelancer (US)

See the estimated real-terms cost per hour, after employer payroll taxes, benefits, and paid time off.

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Education

College vs Bootcamp/Trade School

See the estimated long-run financial outcome of each path, using College Board tuition data and Course Report bootcamp outcomes.

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Housing

15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgage

See the estimated real-terms cost comparison, using current Freddie Mac rates and the invest-the-difference math.

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Auto

Electric Car vs Gas Car (US)

See the estimated real-terms cost comparison, after fuel/charging cost, maintenance, insurance, EV fees, and tax incentives.

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Education

In-State vs Out-of-State Tuition (US)

See the estimated cost gap, including financing, using College Board pricing data and federal loan rates.

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Education

Student Loan vs 529 Savings (US)

See the estimated cost gap between borrowing for college and saving ahead, using federal loan and tax deduction data.

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