Don’t Overspend on Rent

Don’t Overspend on Rent

Are you paying too much for rent? How would you know if you were? According to the US Census Bureau, 25% -30% of your gross income is an ideal amount to budget toward rent. In addition to rent, remember to factor in another 3-4% for housing expenses, like utility costs. When setting your budget for a new place, be sure to follow these tips to prevent overspending.

Orange Apartment Building 1

Calculate How Much to Spend on Rent Step 1: Evaluate your total income. If you have a roommate, combine your incomes together and follow the same process. (Although if you fear you might not want to live with a roommate forever, perhaps budgeting on one salary can be beneficial.) Step 2: If you choose to spend 25% of your income on rent and utilities, multiply the gross income by 0.25. Step 3: Divide the total amount from Step 2 by 12 months, and you will have the recommended maximum amount to spend on rent and utilities. Example: (The following income rates are from the 2013 average starting salaries for recent graduates via CNN Money.)

No Roommate

You & Roommate

Step 1 Income:  $44,000 /yr Combined Income: $37,000 + $61,000 = $98,000 /yr
Step 2 $44,000 x 0.25 = $11,000 / yr $98,000 x 0.25 = $24,500/yr
Step 3 $11,000 / 12 months = $917/month $24,500 /12 months = $2042 /mo
If you plan to spend only 25% of your gross income, and are making $44,000 a year without a roommate, it is recommended that you spend no more than $917 on rent and utilities. If you budget 25% of your income toward rent and utilities, and make a combined income of $98,000 with a roommate, it is recommended that you spend no more than $1021 for your portion, if rooms are equal. It is our hope that these tips help you avoid overspending on rent during your next apartment hunt. To find reasonably priced apartments in your area, visit ForRent.com. For more ways to save money on rent, be sure to browse the Apartment Living blog for great ideas!
Related Topics (1)

Recommended Posts

Baby Girl's Nursery DIY

Baby Girl's Nursery DIY

On this wonderful last day of the week we fondly call Friday, I wanted to introduce to you the winner of the Coolest Space in Your Place photo contest: Beckie Farrant! Her entry of Baby Girl’s Nursery received the most votes and was awarded the grand prize of $2500! To celebrate, here is the post […]

read more
Water & Energy Saving Tips

Water & Energy Saving Tips

Going green is instrumental in keeping our planet alive. So do your part to make sure you aren’t overusing our resources and depleting our reserve. Here are some water and energy saving tips for your home. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are an efficient lighting source for your home. They conserve energy by using less wattage […]

read more
Energy Saving Tips for Winter Months

Energy Saving Tips for Winter Months

With the winter months upon us, cranking up the heat may seem like the obvious option to keep warm. Homes around the United States are losing money each winter through their high cost heating and water bills. Using these energy saving techniques, you will save money each month and keep your home better insulated. Set […]

read more

Pick a Category or Topic

Categories

Topics