> but that requires you predicting your life 30 years in the future.

This is true, but the vast majority of people - especially in the US - don't move around the country or even state every few years. One of the biggest, perhaps the biggest, pro of renting is that you're not tied down to one place for very long.

It's pretty rare that someone buys a house then is suddenly forced to move hours away.

I think people sell their (occupied) house after about 10 years on average, for whatever reason.

Moving around a lot incurs its own costs. Time, transportation, movers, deposits (which you're unlikely to get fully returned), new furniture... I think it's an additional "hidden" cost to renting that doesn't get talked about much.