Absurd question, but humor me: Buy vs rent when renting is $2,300/m cheaper than buying.

I am moving to an area I have no interest in owning long term, but inventory for rentals are low.

Selling my current house and will net $200k.

Putting all that in my new place will result in a payment that is still $1,000/m more than renting a slightly less fancy house (assuming zero maintenance costs in the purchase). General neighborhoods are similar, homes are maybe 15% less costly in the rental, but same schools and both neighborhoods are super kid friendly.

Buying would be in a neighborhood under construction with steep hills that my kids probably wouldn’t want to bike, renting is fully built out.

Rental may sell in three years, so if we stay here long term 50/50 then we might have to move when our lease is up and I’m no spring chicken and rather not move my own stuff.

I know the math heavily favors renting, just wanted to hear randos on the internet confirm that.

Thanks!