It depends on your goals and financial situation:
Renting is better if you need flexibility, plan to move soon, or have limited savings.
Buying makes sense if you plan to stay 5+ years, want to build equity, and can afford the down payment (typically 20%) and maintenance costs.
Use the “5% Rule”: if the annual cost of owning (interest, taxes, maintenance) is less than 5% of the home’s value, buying might be better.