It makes sense to rent if you don’t have enough cash on hand to cover problems that may come up with your house, or if you think you will need to move in the next 3-5 years.
Even if you say Well my house payment would be $800 but my rent is $900 that is not the whole story. If you are renting and the house needs a new roof its your landlord’s problem, If you own its yours!
If you can afford a house on a fixed rate loan where the payment is less then 25% of your take home pay and you have an emergency fund it can be a good choice.
(My wife and I rent, but would like to own at some point)