<prompt> Human: So Im young and new to the idea of trying to live on your own, and I am still trying to learn everything that comes with it. I just found out what property tax is and it confused me, because why would I buy a house if at the end I still have to keep paying, as apposed to just renting?I understand that if I rent somewhere I cant just paint my living space or other modifications without contacting the owner, but are there any other reasons I would want to own a home?  <response>: I own a house. I pay 1,700 a month toward principal and interest in October 2016. I will be paying 1,700 a month toward principal and interest in October 2036. You will probably not be paying the same amount in rent twenty years from now. My property taxes and homeowners insurance will go up, for sure, but those increases would also be reflected in rent. And one day, when I retire, none of my income will be going toward my shelter, aside from insurance and property taxes.Of course, I am being simplistic and not including maintenance of my home. Over the course of the next 30 years, though, I suspect I will get ahead. I also pay the same for my mortgage on a 3-BR2.5BA house as I would for rent in a 1BR apt in my market. 