Cap Rate vs. Cash-on-Cash

Cap rate measures the property's return independent of financing (NOI / Price). Cash-on-cash measures your actual return on deployed capital, factoring in leverage. A property with a 5% cap rate can produce a 10%+ cash-on-cash return with favorable financing — but leverage amplifies losses too.

Why These Numbers Matter

Most buyers focus on purchase price. Investors focus on yield. A $200K property renting for $1,800/mo in a low-tax state can outperform a $400K property renting for $2,500/mo in a high-tax state. This calculator reveals which deals actually cash-flow after every expense.

$438,964
25% ($109,741)
$3,073
6.370%
8%

Operating Expenses

1.0% ($366/mo)
$150/mo
1% ($366/mo)
8% ($246/mo)
3.5%
Monthly Cash Flow
-$353
Negative Cash Flow

This property loses money monthly. You are subsidizing the tenants housing from your own income.

Cap Rate
4.6%
average return
Cash-on-Cash
-3.4%
$-4,238/yr on $122,910
Gross Rent Multiplier
11.9x
favorable
Break-even Occupancy
103%
tight margin

Monthly Breakdown

Gross Rent $3,073
  − Vacancy (8%) −$246
Effective Rent $2,827
  − Mortgage P&I −$2,053
  − Property Tax −$366
  − Insurance −$150
  − Maintenance −$366
  − Management −$246
Cash Flow -$353

Cash Invested

Down Payment (25%) $109,741
Closing Costs (~3%) $13,169
Total Cash In $122,910

Wealth Projection (3.5% annual appreciation)

Year Property Value Total Equity Cash Flow Total Return
1 $454,328 $130,968 -$4,238 14%
2 $470,229 $153,619 -$8,475 29%
3 $486,687 $177,713 -$12,713 45%
5 $521,352 $230,312 -$21,188 81%
10 $619,202 $388,516 -$42,376 192%

Key Ratios Explained

Cap Rate — Net Operating Income / Price. Measures property return ignoring financing. Above 6% is strong for residential.

Cash-on-Cash — Annual Cash Flow / Cash Invested. Your actual return on money deployed. Compare against S&P 500 (~10.5% avg).

GRM — Price / Annual Rent. Lower = faster payoff. Under 15x is favorable for investors.

Break-even Occupancy — Minimum occupancy to cover costs. Below 85% gives you margin for vacancies and repairs.

Current mortgage rate sourced from FRED (Freddie Mac PMMS). Median home price from Redfin. This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.