> You need to include everything like: 1) mortgage interest, 2) property taxes, 3) insurance, 4) maintenance, 5) opportunity cost of down payment, 6) transactio

> You need to include everything like: 1) mortgage interest, 2) property taxes, 3) insurance, 4) maintenance, 5) opportunity cost of down payment, 6) transaction costs buying and selling. Factor 1 to 4 are all included (with additional profit margin on top) in rent so you're always paying for those regardless. As an owner at least you don't pay the extra profit margin on it to the landlord. On #6, if you're moving very frequently then yes, you're better off renting. If you want to settle down, buy. So realistically that only leaves #5 as a consideration. In the short haul it favors the renter but over a lifetime, not so much.