<prompt> Human: The intro: They say buying is cheaper than renting in the long run because you build equity. But what about the short run? Ive read things online that come to both conclusions...The background: I live in a relatively expensive US state, and cash is tight at the moment. I rent for around 1,500mo. An online mortgage calculator said I could afford a 300,000 home with a 20 down payment for around 1,100-1,200mo. On that basis alone, it seems like it would actually cost me less to buy, even in the short run. But monthly mortgage payments arent the only cost of home ownership. Sadly, Im ignorant of what many of those are.The question: So to the home owners out there: Does buying a home actually reduce your net monthly expenditure compared to renting?  <response>: Almost certainly not, it at lease not appreciably in the short run. When a furnace breaks or you need a new roof you are now responsible for that. And that mortgage calculator probably didnt consider property taxes and insurance. If cash is tight you cant buy your way out of it. 