Ha! Yes, you’re right. Perhaps I should have said “you gain by not having to pay additional taxes and for unexpected repairs”.
I’m kinda old. I’ve rented for many years. And now I have owned for many years. I really think I have broken even overall. I like owning. I’m the boss. If I want to put pink flamingos in my front yard, I can (see below). But when something breaks or if the roof leaks, I know I’m in for a world of aggravation. So yeah, I’ve broken even. I’m okay with that.
Wait until the HOA gets wind of your ‘addition’, to your yard :-)
The Karens will whine (always about something).
Owning is the only way to go IMO.
However, some people prefer mobility and don’t want maintenance responsibilities.
Also age can be a factor, my grandmother(1920-2016) and her twin sister(1920-2013) rented an apartment together at the end of their lives.
They sold off real estate as they outlived their spouses and had a simpler life, without bothering family with home maintenance. It worked for them, they were happy until the end.