Home, money and work
First apartment budget
A common rule of thumb keeps rent near 30 percent of your income, and lower if your other costs are high. A first apartment budget also has to cover electricity, internet, renters insurance, groceries, transport and a buffer. List what leaves your account each month, add move-in costs, then see what is left to save. For the basics, see our first budget hub. General education, not financial advice.
Start free
Budget CalculatorType your monthly income and bills and see a simple, realistic plan for needs, wants and savings.Open it, no costRead first
- Grow8 min readHow to Make a First Budget That Survives a Bad MonthBuild a simple budget in one evening, with room built in for the surprise bills and short months that break most plans.
- Grow8 min readHow to Know What a First Apartment Really Costs to Move IntoAdd up the deposit, fees, utilities, furniture and first-month extras before you sign, so move-in day does not surprise you.
Products for this
Start here
Your First Simple Budget: A 30-Day Money Workbook
Needs, wants and savings in plain English, a worked example, a spending log and a month-end review.
30-day money back on every paid product. Digital, nothing is mailed.
Common questions
How much rent can I afford?
Work from your own numbers, starting with the 30 percent rule of thumb above. For the basics, see the first budget hub.
What costs surprise people?
Utility deposits, internet set-up, renters insurance, parking, laundry and furniture are common ones. Keep a small buffer.
Should I split bills with roommates?
Agree in writing who pays what and how, before the first bill arrives. The roommate kit (coming soon) will have templates.
Do I need renters insurance?
Many landlords require it, and it is usually inexpensive. The basics guide explains what it covers and what to ask your agent.
More on home, money and work
- First apartment costs
- Thanksgiving dinner timing
- Household binder
- Cash stuffing budget
- Layoff first 72 hours
- First budget
- Pet emergency fund
- Sole proprietor basics
- Late invoice what to do
- First ten customers
- Sunday weekly planning
- Emergency fund in 90 days
- Side hustle after 50
- Declutter in a weekend
- Interview in 48 hours
- Return to work after a break
- AI for small business owners
- Credit score basics