Rental Property Cash on Cash Return Calculator
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Understanding Cash on Cash Return
Cash on Cash (CoC) Return is one of the most important metrics for real estate investors. Unlike Return on Investment (ROI), which might factor in equity paydown and appreciation, Cash on Cash Return measures the annual cash income earned on the cash actually invested in the property. It answers the fundamental question: "For every dollar I put into this deal, how many cents do I get back in cash flow this year?"
The Formula
The calculation uses the following formula:
Where:
- Annual Pre-Tax Cash Flow = (Gross Rental Income – Operating Expenses – Mortgage Payments) × 12
- Total Cash Invested = Down Payment + Closing Costs + Rehab/Repair Costs
What is a Good Cash on Cash Return?
While target returns vary by market and strategy, here are general benchmarks for rental properties:
- 8% – 12%: Generally considered a solid return in most stable markets.
- 15%+: Often achievable in lower-cost markets or with aggressive strategies like BRRRR or short-term rentals.
- Below 5%: Might be acceptable in high-appreciation markets (like coastal cities) where the long-term play is value growth rather than immediate cash flow.
Example Calculation
Imagine you buy a rental property for $200,000.
- You put 20% down ($40,000) and pay $5,000 in closing costs. Total Cash Invested = $45,000.
- Your monthly rent is $2,000.
- Your operating expenses (taxes, insurance, maintenance) are $600/month.
- Your mortgage payment is $1,000/month.
- Your Monthly Cash Flow = $2,000 – $600 – $1,000 = $400.
- Your Annual Cash Flow = $400 × 12 = $4,800.
CoC Return = ($4,800 / $45,000) = 10.66%.
Use the calculator above to run scenarios on prospective deals to ensure they meet your investment criteria before making an offer.