Like you said there is no right answer. It is different for everyone.
For some people who are not that into investing, a home becomes their main source of retaining and going some wealth.
But for a savvy investor who has a great deal on rent, he can deploy more capital towards stocks, a business, or crypto of course. The latter of course is the highest appreciating asset class which can change lives quickly (for good and for bad if not careful).
Lets not forget that comparing buying to renting for buyers there are some things that don't cost as much or don't exist for renters, like:
-interest on that mortgage
-property taxes
-other home taxes (everywhere is different)
-basic maintenance costs (think wear and tear + damaged paint, walls, plumbing, electrical work etc)
-big maintenance costs (think roof, hot water tank, foundation, yard, snow etc)
-higher insurance costs
and so much more.
Yes there are a lot of “hidden” costs that you realise after you bought the house 😂