How much should your rent be? This is a question that every renter should consider when looking for a place to live. Though the question can mean two very different things! How much should your rent be based on your location? And how much should your rent be, according to your income? Discovering the answer to both of these can help you find the right apartment and we are here to provide some guidance!
Average Rent For Your Area
The rental market in your area is influenced by a number of factors, including demand, supply, competition, and the apartment’s location. The cost is also affected by the size of the apartments and the amenities provided by the community. If the community offers more features, facilities, or additional services, the same size apartment in two communities could cost radically different amounts.
In Harrisonburg, Virginia, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere between $500 and $1500, with the average around $900. In addition to features, size, and location, there are a number of specialty factors that can decide if an apartment is higher or lower than the average market rate.
Income Based Apartments: Income-Based, Subsidized, or “Affordable” apartments will typically be offered at lower than the average rent in a given area. However, the renter must prove their income is at or below a certain threshold in order to qualify for these apartments. This helps low-income earners afford housing where the rental market has become too expensive for their income.
Luxury Apartments: Luxury apartments often offer larger apartments and more amenities than the average community. This will be reflected in a higher rent than a standard community offering the same amount of “bedrooms”. Luxury apartments are usually catered towards ‘renters by choice’, or individuals who prefer renting to owning because of the convenience it provides.
Student Apartments: Apartments offered directly to students can usually be found in any city near a large university. TShorter leases, proximity to the school, and the opportunity for roommates to split the apartment are all perks that these apartments may offer. Their rent will usually be set near the housing allowance or dorm costs of the local university. This may be higher or lower than the market rate depending on your town. If you are a student, be sure to research apartments in your university town that are not marketed as “student apartments” as well, especially if you will be living there all year instead of just during the semesters. If you’re prepared to drive to school and sign a year-long lease, you might be able to find a more affordable apartment.
Senior Apartments: Similar to student apartments, Senior or 55+ Apartments are offered to older adults who meet an age requirement. These apartments will often have amenities oriented for older individuals, as well as the benefit of having neighbors who are all around your age. Some senior apartments may be more affordable for those in their retirement age, while others may be more expensive if they include additional services like meals, transportation, or organized community events.
There are other types of specialty apartments as well, though we’ve tried to cover the most common ones you will see. When searching for an apartment it’s important to look into the application process and see if you need a special qualification before deciding on it.
Rent For Your Income:
The “30% Rule” is a typical guideline for determining how much rent you should pay based on your income. Ideally, you should set aside 30% of your gross monthly income (i.e., before taxes) to cover your monthly rent and utilities. When you apply for an apartment, your landlord may use this regulation as well. Your income may be requested on the application to ensure that you can afford the apartment you are applying for.
However, for many renters, finding an apartment under that restriction can be impossible. More and more renters are opting for apartments that cost 40% to 50% of their monthly income, or even more! Especially if you live in a high-cost location yet don’t qualify for low-cost housing. If you find yourself in this situation, here are a few ways to help make this work!
Save On Your Apartment Utilities: Reducing your utility’s cost is one of the best ways to help reduce your monthly housing cost. You could also forgo optional utilities such as cable tv to help save hundreds a year. Check out our Saving On Your Apartment Utilities blog post for lots of tips for reducing your costs!
Share The Space: Having someone else split the rent and utilities, whether it’s a spouse, long-term partner, or a roommate, can make them more affordable. However, it’s important to ensure any person over 18 living in your apartment is on the lease! You may be in violation of your lease if you sublet or take on a roommate without first informing your landlord. But if you decide to have someone move in after you’ve signed your lease, ask your community’s management about adding a second person to your lease so you know how to do it legally.
Pick Your Location Wisely: The location of your apartment can do more than dictate your rent, but also the conveniences you are near. An apartment outside of town will be more affordable but will require you to commute to work or to school. An apartment near your work or school might be more expensive, but if you can walk or take public transport, you can save on needing a car and gas expenses. If your apartment is close to a lot of takeout places or far away from a grocery store, you might be more tempted to order food, instead of saving money by cooking from home. Consider the pros and cons of each location to help you decide!
As with many things, the amount of your rent payment depends on you! What do you need and what can you afford? Figuring out these factors first can help you narrow down your choices and find the best apartment for your budget!