I've rented a studio all the way to a 5 bedroom house. The difference in maintenance/upkeep for me has mostly been the yard. There's also the fact that cities typically have more demands on landlords.. meaning renters foot the bill/time on more maintenance items more in some areas. I think that's often overlooked when weighing the costs.

I sadly don't get much benefit out of renting beyond freedom of movement and higher cash on hand in my current place. Sometimes I've lost my freedom to stay though.

I have a, perhaps irrational, fear of getting stuck with a house.