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Refinance savings calculator

A refi only makes sense if you stay long enough to recover the closing costs. We compute your monthly savings, your break-even month, and your true lifetime interest delta.

Editorially reviewedReviewed by Jordan Lee, CFP®, Senior mortgage analystUpdated April 1, 2026How we make moneyMethodologyAdvertiser disclosure
Monthly savings
$231.43

Break-even in 23.8 months.

Current payment$2,182.96
New payment$1,951.54
Lifetime interest diff$88,814
Break-even23.8 mo
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What this means

If your break-even is shorter than how long you'll stay in the home, the refi pays for itself. A common rule of thumb is to refi only when the break-even is under 36 months, but the right answer depends on your plans.

Watch the lifetime interest delta too. Resetting a 30-year clock can increase total interest even when monthly payments drop. A shorter term often wins on lifetime cost.

How it works

What each input does

Current balance and rate establish your existing payment. The new rate, term, closing costs, and any cash-out are rolled into a fresh principal to compute the new payment. Break-even = closing costs ÷ monthly savings.

Answers

Frequently asked questions

Most homeowners aim for under 36 months. If you're staying 5+ years, breaking even at 24 months is excellent.

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