<prompt> Human: I know someone here has done the math, probably a few people. Im in the renting versus buying situation. Im 29 and single financially, not relationship-y, have AGI of 100k, and Ive always been renting. Im in a situation where I know Ill be in my current city, Austin, for 4-5 years minimum, but anything after that Im almost certain to move. Who has an equation I can play with to determine whether its worth buying now and potentially selling in 5 years?I know the variables should include interest rate and payback period of loan, cost of house, home insurance if down payment doesnt meet 20, HOA fees if its a condo, appreciation, and taxes tax rebate?.The goal is to put in a home price, say 300k, and then mess with the rest of the variables to see what is realistic or unrealistic. My down payment at the moment is around 30k. The housing market in Austin is tough for buyers, but so is the rental market. I was spending 1650 a month in rent before my girlfriend and I moved in together and split the rent. Id still be buying the house by myself and budgeting to afford the house by myself. There is something to be said for building equity with the amount I now we pay in rent. It could also be a good stepping stone to making rental income if I choose not to sell when I move, but I want to plan for the worst case which is to buy a house and have to sell in 5 years.Thanks everyone!edit: I know this involves a lot of assumptions to be made, but thats why Id like an equation.  <response>: Probably not worth it, unless you were planning to rent or do for sale by owner. 5 sales fee on 300k would be 15k alone. Plus youll have a lot of closing costs when you buy loan origination fee, title fees, govt fees, etc.... You arent going to build a lot of equity the first 5 years by paying the minimum. If you can afford to pay more than the minimum you could have put that money in savings anyway. Of course price appreciation is an x factor, the prices could go down in 5 years and thens tougher to get out if you want to move or sell it. 