[serjester]

Any one else questioning the study methodology? They just compared the average rent payment vs the average mortgage payment?

The average home owner is better off than the average renter so they're buying nicer places. The study made no effort to correct for this. Seems like their conclusions is a given.

[crazygringo]

Seriously. I thought I had to be missing something, it's so apples-and-oranges.

And not just the fact that the average home owner is better off, but also that the inventory for buying vs. renting is drastically different.

[jeffwass]

Also, I’d put a premium on being able to decide on my own improvements instead of settling on the landlord-chosen paint colours and carpets and appliances.

[OldHand2018]

Dude, you aren’t supposed to be paying extra for that!

You take on risk when you customize things. Other people could dislike your color choices and drive your resale value down, the trendy refrigerator you bought might be a maintenance nightmare, etc.

You are supposed to be compensated for taking on risk, which is why owning should be cheaper than renting!