15 vs 30 Year Mortgage Calculator

Compare 15-year and 30-year mortgage loan terms side-by-side. See payment differences, total interest costs, and determine which loan term is right for your financial situation.

Loan Information

$
%

Quick Comparison

Enter loan details to see term comparison

15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgage: Which is Right for You?

15-Year Mortgage Advantages

  • Massive interest savings: Often $100k-200k+ less in total interest
  • Faster equity building: Own your home outright in half the time
  • Lower interest rates: Typically 0.25-0.75% lower than 30-year
  • Forced savings: Builds wealth through required higher payments

30-Year Mortgage Advantages

  • Lower monthly payments: More affordable monthly cash flow
  • Investment opportunities: Invest difference for potentially higher returns
  • Financial flexibility: More room for emergencies and life changes
  • Tax advantages: Longer period of mortgage interest deductions

💡 Decision Framework

Choose 15-Year If:

  • • You can comfortably afford higher payments
  • • You're risk-averse and prefer guaranteed savings
  • • You're closer to retirement
  • • You want to be debt-free faster

Choose 30-Year If:

  • • You want maximum cash flow flexibility
  • • You're confident in investment returns >7%
  • • You have other high-interest debt
  • • You're early in your career