New apartment? Costs, what to expect?

Question

I am planning on moving in with my boyfriend. He gets about $625 a month and i get approximately $450 (attending college soon). We are planning on getting a 1 bed 1 bath apartment together. But I would like to know what kinds of expenses and unexpected expenses we have to look forward to. If any of you could send me some advice on what I should do so that we survive in our apartment together...i would greatly appreciate it. thanks

Answer 1

well first off a decent apt is going to cost you at least 900.00 -1,000.00 a month and that is in a decent neighborhood so I would be re thinking moving at all with your money . and then there is the electric ,water ,sewer and phone . It does not seem like you all have the funds to afford it . I would re think sorry . I wish you luck .

Answer 2

its really expensive and bills are always unexpected.
1. security deposit, some places, its right upfront and other places you need co-signers or you need 3x amount of rent to put a security deposit, all places are different
2. depending on where you live 1 bed 1 bath can cost more than 800$ depending on where you live. if you want ot live in a good neighborhood
3. bills can range from water, sewage, trash, electricity and then the "splurge" such as internet, cable,since you're going to school internet is probably really important. plus paying for cellphones (unless if your parents are paying for some)
4. if you don't have any history of credit. such as paying for bills, some company expect deposit when you intiate services
5. there are tons and tons of stuff to buy if you don't already have spares. some apartments come with fridge/microwave and others do not. so "looking" or buying a fridge will be very costly, buying pots/pants/utensils/trash cans/vacuum/desks/chairs if you don't already have them, buying/moving t.v.s, mattresses/bed stands/ moving clothes

moving is NOT easy
6. if you're on a lease you're stuck with it. lets say you don't want to live there b/c "something happens to your relationship" you're stuck with that apartment until your lease ends
7. unless if you have parents to back you up and your parents are financially stable and willing to help you with costs b/c somehow you spend your paycheck on your louis vuitton or whatever, apartments are way out of leagues with your kind of paychecdks.


if you have really really nice parents who are willing to pay for about 75% of the costs your budget looks really tight. esp if you have a car and have to pay for gas and so on and so forth..
so good luck

Answer 3

Be sure your rent includes utilities (heat, water, & power) That way you won't have any surprises at the end of the month.
This will also allow you to budget better. & choose your neighborhood carefully, you may not like living on the wrong side of the tracks only to save a few dollars in rent.

I hope everything works out & best of luck to you!

Answer 4

Some will require first months rent, last months rent, plus a security deposit. Some just first months rent plus a security deposit. If neither of you have had utilities in your name, each utility company will require a security deposit. You will also need to eat and buy neccessities like TP and soap and toothpaste, cleaning supplies, stuff like that.