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

Tips to Get You Ready for Tailgate Season!

Tips to Get You Ready for Tailgate Season!

Are you ready for some football? If you’re like most Americans, chances are good you are probably marking off the days on your calendar until the season starts. And, we’re not just talking about partying with the big boys in the NFL; for the first time in history, attendance at NCAA college football games broke […]

read more
Safety Apps for College Students

Safety Apps for College Students

Have you ever been at the library on campus late at night cramming for an exam? Have you ever decided to go running by yourself when it’s dark out? Have you ever walked to your apartment off-campus alone? All college students have walked alone at some point.  To protect yourself, download one of these safety […]

read more
A Night In With Your Valentine

A Night In With Your Valentine

Valentine’s Day night is bound to be one of the busiest nights for restaurants, theaters and all other forms of entertainment.  It’s important to show you’re special someone that you care; however, you don’t have to battle the masses to show your love!  ForRent.com has some great ideas for how you can have a perfect […]

read more
Refresh Your Decor Without Breaking The Bank

Refresh Your Decor Without Breaking The Bank

Moving is a great time to purge things that you’ve collected over time and create a fresh start in your new apartment. When you begin the packing process, you realize just how much stuff you have and may not need anymore. You may also find a few forgotten gems that you can easily refurbish for […]

read more
6 Simple Ways to Save Money

6 Simple Ways to Save Money

Recession or no recession, everyone likes to save money.  But let’s be honest, it’s not everyone’s forte.  Some people are shop-a-holics.  They spend excessive amounts of money on items they do not need, whenever they have money.  Some people simply eat out a lot.  Either way, if you find yourself living paycheck to paycheck wondering […]

read more

Pick a Category or Topic

Categories

Topics