<prompt> Human: I currently rent an apartment at 500.00 a month and pay gas, electricity, and internet. I know that I would be able to get a mortgage at 430.00 a month, and would then have all utilities and insurance in my name. I may be leaving the state in approx. 2 - 3 years, but this is not a guarantee and its really unknown so far. Would it be sensible to attempt to purchase and, if needed, then sell? If not, where would you say that I just barely passed the line to where purchasing is more favored?  <response>: If youre moving in 2-3 years most likely renting is best. Whenever this topic comes up, you should always be considering the associated risks with owning a property; the lower flexibility, the potential for large damagescosts etc. If you were to lose your job next month, you now own a property. Renting is very valuable in these circumstances, especially if you are prone to switch careers, move etc.NYT has a great tool you can use to determine the benefit of buyingrenting. If you input the variables here down payment, years in property, most likely renting will still be a better option.Remember that if you sell later, its just as likely that the property will be worth less. Additionally, all of the closing costs of buyingselling through the process. Given those factors, youd likely want to stick with renting. 