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Real Estate

Real Estate Cash Flow Calculator

Calculate monthly and annual property cash flow with a full expense breakdown.

Decision support

Interpretation

After all expenses, this property generates about $105/month ($1,260/year) in cash flow. Rent of $2,500 covers $2,395 in monthly costs.

Recommendation

Positive cash flow is driven primarily by rent exceeding mortgage payments. Watch vacancy assumptions and maintenance spikes — they can quickly erode thin margins.

Assumptions

Uses entered monthly expense amounts with a vacancy allowance as a percent of rent. Excludes capital expenditures, leasing fees, and income taxes.

Detailed results

Monthly cash flow ($)
105
Annual cash flow ($)
1,260
Expense breakdown
Mortgage: $1,650 · Property tax: $350 · Insurance: $120 · Maintenance: $150 · HOA: $0 · Vacancy (5%): $125

Cash flow is the money left after collecting rent and paying every expense — mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, HOA, and vacancy. This calculator shows how much a property actually puts in your pocket each month.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter monthly rent and mortgage payment.
  2. Add monthly property tax, insurance, maintenance, and HOA fees.
  3. Set a vacancy allowance as a percent of rent.
  4. Review cash flow and the expense breakdown.

Formula

Monthly cash flow = Rent − (Mortgage + Tax + Insurance + Maintenance + HOA + Vacancy allowance). Vacancy allowance = Rent × Vacancy percent.

Example

At $2,500 rent with $1,650 mortgage, $620 in other monthly costs, and 5% vacancy, monthly cash flow is about $105 — thin margins that leave little room for surprises.

Frequently asked questions

What vacancy allowance should I use?
Many investors use 5–10% depending on market turnover. Higher in seasonal or student markets.
Should maintenance be a fixed amount?
A monthly reserve (often 5–10% of rent or 1% of property value annually) helps plan for repairs and capital items.

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