patrick.net

dublin hillz says

Personally, I think it is a mistake to always consider the cost of renting vs owning in year 1 and leave it at that. This analysis should be done over the remaining lifetime of each person.

You make a good point. For people with secure jobs in stable industries, who plan to "stay put" for many years that should be done.

But people tend to move around a lot. Especially in "high tech" high-risk careers. The transaction costs of buying/selling houses is significant. Realtors need their 6%. If you move every 5 years, those costs will eat you alive!