This information was shared with me from one of my Mortgage Loan Originators, Casey Caplin who is with First Bank here in Huntsville. The article stated that rising rents are forcing renters to outspend home owners on housing costs, according to a recent study. In the last 26 years, home owners have increased the amount they spend on household expenses by 12 percent while renters have increased it by 22 percent. Capital Economics economists noted that for the first time in 30 years the median monthly home loan payment is about the same or less than the median rental payment. Casey believes it is because of such low interest rates which is what drives the house payment down. Based on this information it would probably be best to purchase a home within the next 5 years.