It depends on the area. Don't rent a house if you don't need a lot of space.
Some benefits to renting an apartment. Renting gives you flexibility, you are not tied down nearly as much as you are with purchasing a house. Also many times renting you are not responsible for repairs and other maintenance issues. You usually are not in charge of mowing a lawn, garbage, paying land taxes, and others. If you are not looking to settle down and invest in a house, renting may be better for you.
Renting a house is a very viable option in comparison to an apartment because it would set a person up for later home ownership if they believe that to be in their future. It leaves one with the seclusion and personal space of a home owner without the "garden work" and care that home owners have.
Renting an apartment in the U.S. can be difficult if you do not have established credit, as most apartment complexes will run a credit check. A possible solution might be to check for a private individual renting a house, (or part of a house), on a free classified listing page, such as Craigslist
Unless you entered into some agreement to eventually purchase the house, you have no legal rights to the house. Your lease should remain in effect until its termination date and then you would have to see if the new owners wish to continue renting to you.
If you purchase a home you have to pay a mortgage which is a repayment of a loan you used to purchase the house. Paying rent is when you sighed a leasing agreement for an apartment you are renting.
It often is included, but it is not required.
Your boyfriend can't stay there with you. He should get a hotel room for the night where you can join him. Until one or the other of you has your own apartment, you have to respect the rules wherever you live.
In a house or apartment.
If you buy a house, you can begin building equity and you have an investment that can be sold if you wish. Renting does not give you such benefits, but is nice if you need a short-term place to stay.
A flat or apartment can be more affordable plus there is the opportunity of making more friends with tenants around.
There are many pros and cons of living in a house for rent, rather than an apartment. Number one pro of living in a house would be size. The con of living in a house would be the cost of rent and utilities. Another pro about renting a house is you would probably have yard space, where as an appartment would not.
You should negotiate about tax with house owner