[JohnWhigham]

This is literally a no-brainer, especially when the hidden costs of home ownership aren't even factored into this: Septic tank needs emptying? Years of built-up termite damage finally rears its ugly head? HVAC broke in the middle of the night? Don't have to worry about those costs when renting.

[sokoloff]

I know it’s anecdotal, but I’ve been contributing the max to my work 401(k) every year for 18 years and also bought a house 14 years ago. The house appreciation alone has dwarfed my 401(k) entire balance (contributions plus earnings). My downpayment of $X has turned into around $7X.

If I treated the extra housing costs (we upgraded significantly from around 1000 ft^2 to 2500 ft^2) as an additional 401(k) that I contributed to, the house still wins but it’s at least close in that case.

[adamredwoods]

It really depends. Anecdotally, I have found the cost of owning to be less than renting, even when I had to replace a leaking roof, and I don't feel like I'm at the mercy of the rental market. If I own my home for 5 years, I come out ahead, especially if inflation is on the rise.

[tehwebguy]

Sort of, if the HVAC breaks in the middle of summer you still have to deal with that and the quality of your landlord matters.

With a 5% rent increase your monthly rent spend goes from $1500 to $5880 in 30 years (the most common mortgage term).