Where did Mary and Joseph lived before Jesus was born?

Answer

It is very unclear where Mary and Joseph lived before Jesus was born. The only sources we have on this are the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, which appear to be in mutual disagreement.

Luke's Gospel makes it clear that, in the author's view, Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth but travelled to Bethlehem where Jesus was born in a stable, there being no room in the inn. The young couple soon afterwards took Jesus to Jerusalem and then returned peacefully to Nazareth. There are some historical problems with this account, that make it seem doubtful.

Matthew's Gospel seems to say that Mary and Joseph lived in a house in Bethlehem before Jesus was born. Afterr the visit by the magi, they fled to Egypt and remained there until the death of King Herod. They then returned to Judea, implying that this was indeed their home but, being warned by God in a dream, turned aside and travelled to Galilee, where they then dwelt in a city called Nazareth. From this, it seems at least unlikely that the young couple lived in Nazareth.

We do not know where Mary and Joseph lived before Jesus was born.