Compare three mortgage scenarios side by side — FHA vs. conventional, different down payments, or different rates. See monthly payment, total interest, and which option costs less. Free tool.
FHA is typically better when your credit score is 580–679 or you have limited down payment savings. Above 680 credit with 5%+ down, conventional usually wins due to lower total mortgage insurance cost.
At 3% down conventional and 3.5% FHA are both available. At 20% down, conventional is clearly best — no PMI, no MIP, typically lowest rate. VA for eligible veterans wins at any down payment.
PMI auto-cancels at 78% LTV based on original purchase price, or you can request removal at 80% LTV with a current appraisal showing sufficient equity.