<prompt> Human: Im wondering if buying or renting is a better situation for me. Im a recent college grad, and I just got my dream job in a town 45 minutes away. Ill have to commute until my lease ends in June, but I plan on moving closer to work afterwards. Its a small town and theres only one apartment complex and very few private rentals. Rent for a 1-2 br apartment or home is between 700-800 a month plus utilities and the quality of the rentals arent great. Ive looked into buying a home and there are numerous homes that are renovated and in good condition for less than 80,000. I have a credit score over 700, so based on current mortgage rates my payment would be around 500 a month with mortgage, taxes, and insurance. Renting out a room in the home is something Ive also considered. I have enough money saved for a 5 down payment. Buying seems like the obvious choice, but here are my hang-ups. After 2-3 years, I would like to move across the country to a bigger city with more opportunities. Is it worth going through the process of home buying if I plan on moving after a few years? I have about 50,000 in student loans and my goal is to pay them off asap. A mortgage is cheaper than paying rent and would allow me to devote more money towards student loans. Whats your opinion? Thanks for your help!  <response>: If your time horizon is that short it makes no sense to buy. You really do not want to buy unless youll be in the area for 5 years. With that also likely eating up your total savings, its really not a good idea. Remember that renting is not throwing money away and that 200-300 more a month you pay renting entitles you to myriad more benefits and things you dont have to worry about than owning your home. 