A common, recurring question in real estate is, "Should I buy or rent?" But perhaps a better question is, "What is the cost of buying vs renting?"
Unfortunately, there really is no simple answer to the first question. The choice of buying or renting comes down to any number of factors that will be unique to your situation.
Are you looking to truly invest in a property? One that you'll build equity in over time? If you answer yes to those questions, then buying is your best option. Privacy and full control over the home are other strong reasons to buy rather than rent.
Conversely, buying a home is a long-term investment. Maybe you want more freedom to move to different areas of town or downsize when you see fit. And if being responsible for home repairs sounds awful, then renting probably suits yo...