I look at it both ways...yes before in my country I paid money but it was also an investment, here it is being thrown away.......
Before my family enjoyed where we lived and the community much more.
Bottom line though we signed a contract, and the housing is part of it, so every year if the rent and everything else increases by 10% it is like a 5% pay cut.
It is better now with the housing increment increasing and there are descent places available even in the Pearl, as long as you don't need more than a 2 bedroom....shop around for a 4 bedroom!