I agree - is getting another roommate and continuing to rent an option first?
I could ask around and find a roommate. I currently live with the only 2 friends id be willing to live with out of my group. The rest are either dirty or unreliable. But these 2 are in relationships and will move with their SO.
Regardless of rent/buy -- Are you putting anything towards tax-advantaged assets (401k/Roth IRA/HSA, etc.) and (of course) investing these tax-advantaged savings vehicles in low-expense fee index funds or total market funds?
Sorry, I was just giving a quick overview. I didn't consider my retirement account or investment accounts an option in this decision because I don't plan to touch them anytime soon. Here is better financial picture:
Assets:
$41K - 401K (Contributing 15%. Company matches 100% on first 5%)
$3K - HSA Account
$5K - Investment account (Mostly in index funds. I dabbled in stock picking early on but left that alone)
$15K - Cash on hand
Debt:
$13K - Student Loan debt @3.5%