Relocation Sunk-Cost Simulator

Compares "money thrown away" (Rent, Commute, Storage, Interest, Taxes, Exit Fees) over time. Lower is better.

Risk & Timeline

Projection Timeline: 36 Months

Buy House at Month: 12

Transitions A, B, and C to homeownership costs.

Layoff Event at Month: None

Simulates breaking leases or selling a home immediately.

Renting Inputs

Bay Room Rent

OC Sublet Rent

Commute Gas/Wear

Bay 1BR Apt Rent

Buying Inputs ($1.2M)

Down Payment

Interest Rate (%)

Invest Return (%)

Marginal Tax (%)

Mortgage Interest: $4,500/mo

Est. Property Tax: $1,250/mo

Opp. Cost (Missed Net Invest Return):+$550/mo

Tax Deduction Savings:-$1,688/mo

Cumulative Financial Drain Over Time

A: Clean Break

Storage → Buy Mo 12

$142,113

B: Dual Setup

Keep OC → Buy Mo 12

$181,713

C: Rent 1BR

Bay Rent → Buy Mo 12

$166,313

D: Buy $1.2M Home

Immediate Purchase

$184,050

Displayed month: 36. The graph charts absolute money lost (sunk costs). For the home purchase (D), it accounts for mortgage interest, property taxes, maintenance, and missed investment returns on the down payment, offset by federal tax deductions. It does not penalize you for the principal paid, as that is equity you retain. However, triggering a layoff forces a home sale, resulting in a sudden 6% equity loss to realtor fees.