How much of that 5k is you paying amortization though? If you're just patiently waiting for your mortgage to naturally end itself after 20+ years instead of actively making extra payments to reduce how much money you'll pay to the bank in the long run then yeah, it's just renting with extra steps.
(Note: This might differ greatly depend on where you live. I'm in the EU, not sure how this scenario works in the US.)
(Note: This might differ greatly depend on where you live. I'm in the EU, not sure how this scenario works in the US.)