If you think of it in these terms, that's about two years worth of rent. But as a renter, you have no chance at benefitting from future appreciation. If you thi

If you think of it in these terms, that's about two years worth of rent. But as a renter, you have no chance at benefitting from future appreciation. If you think the housing market is going to be in decline from your move in time, then it might be a good idea to rent depending on your time horizon. Over the long term, it has proven to generally not be a good idea.