[ SECRET POST #3535 ]

[case]

⌈ Secret Post #3535 ⌋

Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.

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Notes:

Secrets Left to Post: 01 pages, 18 secrets from Secret Submission Post #505.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 0 - too big ], [ 1 - repeat ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.

Comments

Re: Grown-up questions

[(Anonymous)]

I'm a late-twenties adult and single, and accepting a new job in a new city where I'll need an apartment.

How much of my monthly paycheck should I put toward rent? I mean, what's between reasonable/totally crazy territory? The city is going to be expensive but I really want to get my own apartment, no roommate, if I can afford it. So what percentage is "safe" to have toward rent?

Re: Grown-up questions

[(Anonymous)]

Traditionally it's supposed to be a third, I believe, but that's mostly been abandoned in most of the big expensive cities, including whichever of them you're moving to.

Re: Grown-up questions

[(Anonymous)]

A third? boo. Maaaaybe I can manage a tiny studio, but I'm debating if that's preferable to finding a roommate when I don't know anyone in the city. I've had my share of horrible roommates.

Re: Grown-up questions

[(Anonymous)]

Is there an HR/other relocation person there you can talk to? They could probably give you an idea of what the average rents are so you acn work that into your calculations.

Re: Grown-up questions

[(Anonymous)]

I've been checking on "apartment finder" websites. I don't know if they represent the average cost, or if lots of cheaper apartments don't advertise on those, but it's not looking terribly good for me!

Re: Grown-up questions

[(Anonymous)]

Boooo. But all the more reason to talk to someone at your new job; they should be able to help you out or can put you in touch with a landlord who would be willing to give you a good deal.

Re: Grown-up questions

[(Anonymous)]

Yeah, that is a good idea. Thanks!

Re: Grown-up questions

[(Anonymous)]

Apartment finder websites are mostly on the high end, rent-wise. How much is "reasonable" is totally going to depend on what city you're moving to and what your minimum standards are. You'll generally pay more if you're in a managed complex, but those can come with perks like a fitness center and an on-call maintenance crew. A lot of times, you can get a better idea of "normal" for the area by checking the rental listings in the local paper. Also, if you're completely unfamiliar with the city, you should probably try to find someone who knows their way around a bit so you don't accidentally wind up in the murder zone.

Re: Grown-up questions

[dethtoll]

Find the average rent of your target city and add $100.

Re: Grown-up questions

[greenvelvetcake]

The rule of thumb is no more than a third of your rent, but make sure you're prepared for the lease signing - they typically demand first and last months and a security deposit (which can be a full month of rent) before you move in.

Re: Grown-up questions

[(Anonymous)]

I think the ideal is supposed to be 1/4, but if a third isn't doable, a quarter is out of reach. What's safe really depends. Do you have student loans or other debt you're paying off? Will you be making enough that you can still afford to put an adequate amount away for retirement even if you pay more than 1/3 if your takehome pay on rent? I spend just over a third of my pay on rent, and it's honestly a little tight, despite the fact that I don't have lots of heavy expenses. I'm comfortable, but between saving for retirement and saving for a house, there's not much wiggle room, so I can't replace my shitty couch or afford to travel on vacation except to visit famiky.