We talk about this all the time (not to imply I am tired of it, I enjoy this discussion). It really is so subjective. A friend who is retiring at age 74 this year says why would I ever buy again? I won't live long enough to sell and make a profit, such a hassle to deal with realtors, viewing properties, and probably could rent for less than buy in his targeted HCOL areas (you only live once, eh?) But here is a consideration that I find in my city and my target city for when I retire. There isn't anything for rent that I would want to live in. Or the neighborhood I want to live in. Or I can't find a place that takes dogs and I can't imagine living without a dog. So when it comes down to it, I may buy and my friend may buy simply to improve the choices and to live the way you want to live.
In general, I would love to rent and not have the taxes and repairs and maybe would want to move to keep an updated apartment, etc. But unless you live in a fairly big town, I find the rental markets very poor.