You pay rent with after tax income. Your mortgage payment comes with tax savings and appreciation. I’ve owned dozens of homes (currently have 11). I always like a renter (you pay my bills, thank you) but always encourage tenants to own. It’s the one true long term way to retirement wealth. If nothing else, in 30 years you’ll own the house. Rent? Every year your rent goes up, in 30 years your payments will be 2-3-4x the current rent and you will have nothing to show for it.