I have a house and a mortgage (Europe, Scotland) and I pay at least half of what I would by renting. I can't speak for the US but here once you own 40% of the property outright, mortgages aren't a terrible idea.
Of course this is based on living alone, living with my parents or something like that would likely work out cheaper.
Of course this is based on living alone, living with my parents or something like that would likely work out cheaper.