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Bit confused by the mentions of 50k and above salary but can’t afford to move out because rent is above a grand

Last I checked a year has 12 months so that should easily work no?



No? That leaves you with a bit over $3k monthly post-tax in a no-income tax state for benefit of the doubt. Applying the 30% of income rule landlords commonly use, that means you can afford about $900/mo max. The average US rent is currently >$1600.

Checking my local area, you'd be able to afford 0.5% of the current listings with that income. I'm certain that most of those units are low income housing with special application processes and eligibility criteria though.


Salaries are usually quoted in before-tax dollars, while paying rent happens after tax. Any place where rent is around “a grand“ also requires a car (and insurance) to survive. That 50k gets used up quickly.


It is doable but highly location based and still really tight. I’m in a tier 2 US city. Our interns wage would equate to $58k annually. A car isn’t needed if in the city. Most people have a roommate, which works out to just over $1k a person.

58 (pay) - 21 (tax) - 13 (rent) -13 (transit) leaves $900/month or $30/day.

Full time grads are around $20k higher….so roughly triple the amount left over.

Or you commute further. I’m mid career and commuted more than hour most of my career because it let me get a better/cheaper apartment while affording a used car.


30% of $50k is $1,250. Up to you if that’s enough margin




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