[javanix]

Well, in some areas, but it really depends on the market - the property taxes on my home in a University city of 200,000 are 1/3 of what I was paying in rent - with the interest on my mortgage the amount of "lost" money comes out to roughly the same amount for now.

As long as property taxes do not outstrip my interest rate, that ratio should stay in my favor going forward.

[kazinator]

My yearly property tax is barely a bit more than half of what people pay for one month's rent for a similar place.

Tax being 1/3rd of rent indicates rather low rents or rather high tax.

[javanix]

Absurdly high taxes (my parents pay half my tax on a non-rural property twice as big about 120 miles north of me), but still, owning a home is hardly a fiscally ruinous proposition around here.

My property taxes this year were ~$4200 on an average sized lot and home, or roughly $350/month.

My last apartment cost $1050/month for a small two bedroom condo rental.

[restalis]

"paying in rent - with the interest on my mortgage the amount of «lost» money comes out to roughly the same amount for now"

But there is also the opportunity cost. Having a mortgage may be equivalent financially, but it's a liability when considering your freedom to change or to invest in something profitable that may pop up along the way.