Trust vs Will Comparison Calculator
Compare the total costs of a will-based estate plan versus a trust-based plan including probate, taxes, and administration.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
A will is simpler and cheaper upfront but requires probate (public, costly, slow). A revocable living trust costs more to set up but avoids probate entirely, keeps your affairs private, and transfers assets in weeks instead of months.
The Formula
Will Total = Will Cost + (Estate × Probate Rate)
Trust Total = Trust Setup + Administration Fee
Savings = Will Total − Trust Total
Trust Total = Trust Setup + Administration Fee
Savings = Will Total − Trust Total
Variables
- Probate Rate — State-specific court and attorney fees (typically 2-5% of estate)
- Trust Admin — Minimal post-death administration cost (~$500) since no court involved
- Break-Even — Estate size where trust savings exceed the higher setup cost
Example
$600,000 estate in California (4% probate): Will path = $1,000 + $24,000 probate = $25,000. Trust path = $3,500 + $500 = $4,000. Trust saves $21,000.
Tips
- If you own real property, a trust almost always saves money vs probate — especially in high-probate-cost states (CA, FL, NY).
- A trust must be "funded" — assets must be retitled into the trust to avoid probate.
- A "pour-over will" catches any assets accidentally left outside the trust.
- Trusts provide incapacity planning — your successor trustee manages assets if you become incapacitated, avoiding conservatorship.
- Review your trust every 3-5 years and after any major life change (marriage, divorce, new state).