How much rent can you afford to spend on rent? Here are some ways to figure it out and other things to consider if you're moving to the Buckhead area.
Let’s face it. Buckhead apartment rent can be expensive, but it is definitely within reach if you know how to manage your money. First, it is important to assess about how much rent you can afford. A conservative ratio that you can use is 25/35. This means that your rent should cost you no more than 25% of your monthly income and your overall debt (including rent, utilities, insurance, car payment, etc.) should not count for more than 35% of your monthly income.
Start by tallying up your other costs like the ones mentioned above, aside from rent. If you make $4,000 a month before taxes, for example, you could spend up to $1,400 on everything and still have money for incidentals, savings and investments (or shoes). If your car insurance, car payment, cell phone and credit card payments equal $650 a month, you can spend about $750 on rent. If you want to be even more accurate, estimate utility costs and factor those in.
Though this may seem like a low figure, it is the budget-friendly ratio. Other ratios are more around 28/36. It is important, however, that you know where your money is going so that you know where it is possible to save. If you have little-to-no debt, it might be completely fine for you to rationalize a higher rent payment. Also, think into the future. Are you up for a promotion at your job? Do you know what the salary increase might be? Does your job work on commission? If so, how do you plan to prepare for a low-performance month? How might your rent come into play with all of this? Thinking about these questions will allow you to prepare for your financial future and choose the right Buckhead apartment for you.
Now that you have your finances on lock, try calling PROMOVE, Atlanta’s free apartment locating service. They will help you find the best apartment in Buckhead that will suit all your needs and your budget. PROMOVE’s dedicated team will be with you from the initial search until you get your key on move-in day. Happy hunting!
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