[BellaLucia]

I'm looking to move out asap.

[Dinahgirl]

These are the basic things you will have to pay for when you live on your own:

rent
electricity and other utilities such as gas, water
cell phone bill
food
car,gas and insurance (if you have a car)

You will probably have to pay first, last and security when you get an apartment, so take your anticipated rent payment and multiply x 3 for that first month. Also, don't forget deposits to get things like electricity. Cable and internet access are going to be big expenses also.

To answer your question, you'll have to do some research to find out how much these things cost in your town.

Good luck!

[Scarlett]

It depends on what situation you are moving out into.....if you want your own apt vs. maybe finding a place on craigs list w/room mates. I would focus more on your financial situation more than an actual amount of money...are you making enough to pay the rent and expenses? Also take into account if you want to compleatly furnish the place or if you are alright with some used furniture that you can collect from neighbors, relatives etc.

I would say enough to buy everything you need for the apartment plus save up enough so that you can live for 3-4 months (all expenses included) and always keep at least that amount in your bank account. That way if you loose your job or something happens you will be alright and have enough time to find a new job. You don't want to be freaking out about the rent and needing to wait for checks to clear so that you can pay the rent.

[blondebritbrat17]

If this is going to be your very first place, you're going to have a lot of deposits even on your cable, electricity and phone most likely. If I remember correctly my first apartment I spent close to 800 bucks in apartment deposits, electricity,and phone/internet. Expect to pay more if you're going to be bringing any cats or dogs, expect anywhere from 300 nonrefundable deposit and then another 300 deposit that MAY be refundable but I've never gotten mine back yet. I did without cable in my first apartment and no cell phone and my phone and internet service was VERY basic. Then I spent close to another 500 dollars in buying household things and food, bath towels, small kitchen appliances, dishes. If there's a Goodwill in your area I'd go to that for used small appliances and dishes and even used furniture. I wish I had gone to the place that's nearby me that is CCA-like Goodwill and we shop there occasionally when we're dead broke ha and we're bored and I've been surprised at the good quality of furniture I see there ranging anywhere from 50 bucks-chair to 400 dollars(couch and loveseat) and appliances and dishes for under 5 bucks. If you don't want to do that then go to Walmart or Target and get everything there. I had no decorations in my first apartment, meaning no pictures no curtains, only had a loveseat, my computer desk, computer and computer chair then my bed and my dresser and my clothes, my tv, and vcr and tv stand. My first apartment was extremely basic to say the least.

[Glory87]

I was working as a waitress as college, so I wasn't rolling in dough. This was back in the early 1990s and I found a roommate, then we found an apartment for 500.00. We split the deposit and moved in. I was already paying my own car insurance, so I just added renter's insurance to my policy.

First - find out how much it would cost to rent. Then, see if there are any potential roommates that you could stand living with. Find out what kind of deposit/first month/last month scenario you will need. Call the power company and see if they will want a deposit. Calculate what you will NEED for your new place (dishes, glasses, potholders, spatula, basic pots/pans - the very basic stuff) and add that to your estimate (you can get good deals on that kind of stuff at Salvation Army or good will).

[BellaLucia]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I make $300-500/wk as a substitute teacher. I am looking to room with someone.

[Justwant2Bhealthy]

Don't forget to consider boarding houses or roomettes or bachelorettes; I stayed in these in college and loved them. They come furnished already; you just pay one price and move in. Some even supply small appliances; they are a great way to start out becuz the cost is much lower than a place of your own.

Sharing an apartment with a stranger can work out or may turn out badly, so that's why I opted for the others. I have done it all; roomed, bachelorette, apartments, house, and even been a landlord and ran a rooming house for women.

Many rooming houses have for women only or men only, which is the best way. When they get mixed, problems can occur. A well-run rooming house can turn out to be a gem; some even offer lunches or dinners for an extra cost; or you can just rent the room. This is especially great for single people and a good way to save up money for an apartment or home of your own down the road.

Most rooms are big enough to have a bed, night table, dresser, small table and chair, a tv, desk, and closet. Some even a have a kitchenette or den that you may share with other people. Look around and ask around at places like churches or colleges/universities that often know of the best places. Some bachelorettes offer a bedroom and livingroom with a small kitchenette; some have private baths; some shared. It depends on the place; and the price usually reflects all the extras you include like phone and internet.

I recommend that you put some money in savings every pay check; and leave it there. Put it in a non-checking savings so you can't get it out without making a trip to the bank. Take your time and look around to find the best place. Unlike apartments, you won't have to pay deposits and other fees: just one month in advance and that's it. Some charge by the week or month, as you prefer (and I just loved that option).

Today, with things so expensive ~ rooms, roomettes, and bachelorettes are a real bargain. They are less hassle, less expensive, have less baggage, no leases, and so on. You only need your clothes, personal stuff, and maybe a bit of linen (like towels or bedding) to start out ... very worth considering.

Wish you the best in your search ROSEBUD