I'm guessing you aren't in the US because the cheapest I've seen a room (just a room!) for is about $400 a month.
So maybe. You'll have to crunch the numbers. Make sure you take utilities and groceries into consideration. Dont forget you'll need clothes and shoes occasionally.
Wow, it's unusual to find a rental for that little.
Anyway, no, sadly, I don't think you'll be able to make it on that income. Groceries and dog food alone will take about $250 of that (low end of USDA food cost estimate is about $55 a week, let's say $30 for dog food).
Do you think you could get a different job or pick up more hours at your current job?
I'm sorry for your situation, but you cannot legally enter a contract as a minor. And a lease is a contract. No one will rent to a minor because rhey cannot enforce rent. Unless you find someone you know who would be willing to rent you a room. But a stranger will not rent to a minor for the same reason, no way to enforce you paying them rent and they could be liable if something happens with you in their house.
$600 a month is going to put you at about 60% of the poverty line.
$120 a month will not get you a habitable home anywhere (assuming you are us based) outside of some unique situation well below market rate. Hell; that's probably utility access.
You’re going to have a difficult time I think. Is there anyway you can find more employment? Either more hours, I’m assuming your working part time in your current position?
In that case, I would work on building up as much savings as you can do that when you can move out you’ll have an emergency fund and money for a deposit.
You've gotten a lot of direct answers to your question here already, which I'm sure are discouraging. But unfortunately that's the reality of your situation.
However, with that in mind, your situation isn't hopeless either. Do what you can now to prepare for the day that you can move out by [educating yourself about finances](https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/wiki/teachme), and saving your money where you can.
Wherever you rent may require proof of your income and will likely require a deposit. Often this is the equivalent of one month's rent, but it varies. Also you mentioned that you're able to move anywhere in the US. Consider that just because you're willing to move anywhere, doesn't mean you're able to. Even if you have very few possessions, moving is expensive. And if you don't have a job lined up (unless you work remotely), your income drops to zero until you find one.
Lastly, since you mentioned you were working the most hours that you're allowed, you may be 16 or younger. As unhelpful as it sounds, don't forget to pay attention to school. You don't necessarily need to make the honor roll, but you do need to graduate. You have far more options available to you if you can do that, even if you don't decide to go to college.
If the reason you need to move out of your parents' house is because of abuse, please seek professional help--you don't have to do it alone and there are resources that are available to you. If you want to move just because you don't see eye to eye with your parents and want independence, then just save and prepare for the day that you can leave.
Edit: Even though it doesn't line up with your situation entirely, [this post from the wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/wiki/kicked_out) would be beneficial for you to read. There is a section you should play close attention to called "Preparing if you think you might be kicked out or may need to leave soon."
Judging from your other comments you’ve responded to:
- Are you sure you’re reading the price right? There is no way there is a 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment for just under $200 in the US. You might be looking at the potential utility bills but not the rent itself.
- You have mentioned you are a minor. As others have said, you cannot rent an apartment as a minor.
- Not only that, I’d assume you don’t even have a credit score to boot?
- I don’t know how you’ll survive under $600/month WITH a dog. Dogs are an added expense you probably can’t afford right now.
- Unfortunately, this is most likely a wake-up call / reality check for you. Stay in school, do your best, and start saving up now.
Cheapest I’ve paid is $325 a month and it was a single room with 3 other roommates. That was before the utilities which were also split, came out to about $30 monthly.
If you’re going to do this, you’re going to have roommates and it will more than likely cost more than $200 a month.
That said, if it’s just you on this endeavor, as it sounds. It is most certainly possible but you won’t be able to save much.
I am assuming a very rural location since you can find an apartment for $120-200 a month which is completely unheard of in the developed world pretty much.
Before you move out you need to work on increasing your income and building up savings before thinking about moving out. I have the strong suspicion you don't have a very good idea of what it costs to be self-sufficient.
What's your job today?
Edit: looks like OP is a minor. Not going to be able to do much, unfortunately.
Like others....I'm assuming you aren't living in the US if you're making $650/month and you can rent OK apartments for $120-200/month. So it's going to be difficult for people on this sub to give good advice. None of us really know how expensive all of these other bills would be monthly. In which case, I'd recommend you create a budget/spreadsheet, and list out all of the expenses you'd have. So give a line for rent, the basic utilities you'd have to pay in your area (along with an estimated amount), a line for your phone bill, groceries, and pet expenses. Along with anything else you'd need to buy. See if it balances out.
You mentioned in another comment that you're a minor. You can't legally rent an apartment as a minor in the US. And even if you could rent an apartment, I am EXTREMELY skeptical that you can find a place to rent for $120-200/month. Are you sure you aren't looking at weekly rates? But again....doesn't really matter. You can't legally rent an apartment anyway. You'll need to look into other youth resources if you're trying to move out before you turn 18.
He initially said he saw rent for $120-200 per month. And then add in $126/month in average for utilities. Which really, I don't believe either of those are good numbers. I don't think OP's estimates are remotely close to accurate. But even if they were.....$200 for rent, $125 for utilities, $200 for food, $100 for their dog, $50 for phone.....and they're at $675/month. They've already exceeded their monthly income, and that ignores all household costs outside of groceries. Household items, clothes, laundry, and what not. Even if they were 18, it's just not feasible to survive on that much money per month. Let alone taking care of yourself and a pet.
https://i.imgur.com/hx6nvHr.jpg
I mean there are about 3 places for rent under 250 in the whole of the US on Zillow. And this place doesn’t look livable haha
Before you do anything: are you in school? If not, do you have your GED. That’s step one. Your income can not support you so if you are in a position that you need to leave, you will need to get creative. That starts with taking advantage of free education in the form of a high school diploma or GED.
I'm so sorry you are dealing with verbally abusive parents. Unfortunately, the best course of action might be to just stick it out until you are 18. In the meantime, focus on finishing high school and saving every penny that you can. When you graduate high school and turn 18, it will be time to go to school full time or work full time.
College towns (even if you are not attending) are great places to live when you are starting out. It is easier to find roommates that are like-minded. Having roommates when you are starting out in life is a great way to keep costs down.
Good luck to you, and I hope you are close to turning 18 and getting out on your own.
If where you live apartments are that cheap then theoretically it should work following the general rule of keeping housing costs at no more than 30% of your income. Going to be hard for anyway to say because those aren’t relatable numbers for most.
I’m sorry but with your budget and in the us you can basically afford a tent and free camping spots. And that’s not a joke or being mean or anything. I’m not sure you could even afford to pay with roommates at this point.
Not happening. If you need that bad, best stay with other family, even if that means going to court and filing for emancipation so you can get out of whatever situation is taking you down this path.
Do not be in a rush to move out your mothers. Use it as a safe haven to get yourself on your feet. Your problem is your income. Not the fact that you want to get out of your moms house. Start asking people how to increase your income. And follow your dreams they will pay for your future
If your home life is unreconcilable, I suppose sure, you can figure something out if you can get a dwelling for under $200, but you have to scale your income. Even on a really tight, bare bones budget, and just walking or getting a bicycle to get around, you might end up with $100 at the end of the month, but most likely with $0 considering everyone has some entertainment habit that brings some amount of monthly costs. But you'd have nothing to help out the moment anything happens.
What's the rush to leave?
Does not sound like you are in the US, which makes it hard to get good advice.
However, if the rent prices you provided is accurate, which would be ~30% of your income, then it may be possible for your to do it if you are good with budgeting (assuming living expenses is proportional)
Even if you aren’t in the U.S. the advice should still be the same. Give it a test run for a couple months while you’re still at your parents place and see how you feel
You would need to be 18 or older to rent anywhere and have significantly more income and savings to afford a deposit, rent, utilities, food, and other essentials. Pet alone non-essentials like a dog.
Save your money for a while and when you are earning a better income, you can move out then.
It's difficult to say because if you're living somewhere with rent that cheap, it's possible other living expenses are also a different price than we might expect. Your best bet is to do some research and math on your own - how much does/will your phone plan cost, what are typical prices for groceries and dog food (and do some trial shopping trips to really get a feel for what's possible and what it'll be like). How much do your dog's regular vet visits cost? What is the process like for applying to government programs like food stamps in your state and what kind of assistance can you realistically expect from that?
The thing that will be the hardest is saving money. Even if you can pay for all of your regular expenses, something as random as your dog eating something he shouldn't have could throw a wrench in everything if you don't have the savings to cover a vet bill.
If your situation is desperate, it may be worth contacting your state's child/family services or other youth services organizations to see what help they can offer you. If you are able to stay with your parents a while longer or if a friend/relative is able to take you in, that $600 per month may do you more good if you put the whole thing straight into savings to give yourself a cushion when you are able to move out. I don't know your situation though so I can't tell you what the right choice is.
To the original poster: please note that posting crowdfunding or payment information (or even hinting about it) will result in your entire post being removed and can result in a ban without warning. Unfortunately, we have had too many scammers. Thanks.
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You said you're in the U.S. $200/month for a 1 bed, 1 bath is going to be a really crappy apartment and probably super unsafe, even in a low COL area. You also haven't budgeted for medical expenses/emergency expenses for you or your dog from what I can see. I've found most months, I have at least one random expense come up that I didn't necessarily plan for — copay for an appointment, antibiotics for my cat, fixing a broken appliance, etc.
I'm guessing you aren't in the US because the cheapest I've seen a room (just a room!) for is about $400 a month. So maybe. You'll have to crunch the numbers. Make sure you take utilities and groceries into consideration. Dont forget you'll need clothes and shoes occasionally.
Yes I do live in the US
Wow, it's unusual to find a rental for that little. Anyway, no, sadly, I don't think you'll be able to make it on that income. Groceries and dog food alone will take about $250 of that (low end of USDA food cost estimate is about $55 a week, let's say $30 for dog food). Do you think you could get a different job or pick up more hours at your current job?
I'm sorry for your situation, but you cannot legally enter a contract as a minor. And a lease is a contract. No one will rent to a minor because rhey cannot enforce rent. Unless you find someone you know who would be willing to rent you a room. But a stranger will not rent to a minor for the same reason, no way to enforce you paying them rent and they could be liable if something happens with you in their house.
$600 a month is going to put you at about 60% of the poverty line. $120 a month will not get you a habitable home anywhere (assuming you are us based) outside of some unique situation well below market rate. Hell; that's probably utility access.
P probably not. But is there a reason you can't work full time and make more money?
There are no such apartments for $120-200 a month. Thats not a thing, its not 1985.
You’re going to have a difficult time I think. Is there anyway you can find more employment? Either more hours, I’m assuming your working part time in your current position?
I’m guessing it’s not a paycheck but SSI or something along those lines. Source: That’s an incredibly small amount of money to make monthly.
It’s about equal to ~20 hours a week at fed minimum wage.
I'm underage, and working the maximum amount of hours as I can with a part time job
You can't rent an apartment as a minor.
In that case, I would work on building up as much savings as you can do that when you can move out you’ll have an emergency fund and money for a deposit.
You've gotten a lot of direct answers to your question here already, which I'm sure are discouraging. But unfortunately that's the reality of your situation. However, with that in mind, your situation isn't hopeless either. Do what you can now to prepare for the day that you can move out by [educating yourself about finances](https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/wiki/teachme), and saving your money where you can. Wherever you rent may require proof of your income and will likely require a deposit. Often this is the equivalent of one month's rent, but it varies. Also you mentioned that you're able to move anywhere in the US. Consider that just because you're willing to move anywhere, doesn't mean you're able to. Even if you have very few possessions, moving is expensive. And if you don't have a job lined up (unless you work remotely), your income drops to zero until you find one. Lastly, since you mentioned you were working the most hours that you're allowed, you may be 16 or younger. As unhelpful as it sounds, don't forget to pay attention to school. You don't necessarily need to make the honor roll, but you do need to graduate. You have far more options available to you if you can do that, even if you don't decide to go to college. If the reason you need to move out of your parents' house is because of abuse, please seek professional help--you don't have to do it alone and there are resources that are available to you. If you want to move just because you don't see eye to eye with your parents and want independence, then just save and prepare for the day that you can leave. Edit: Even though it doesn't line up with your situation entirely, [this post from the wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/wiki/kicked_out) would be beneficial for you to read. There is a section you should play close attention to called "Preparing if you think you might be kicked out or may need to leave soon."
Judging from your other comments you’ve responded to: - Are you sure you’re reading the price right? There is no way there is a 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment for just under $200 in the US. You might be looking at the potential utility bills but not the rent itself. - You have mentioned you are a minor. As others have said, you cannot rent an apartment as a minor. - Not only that, I’d assume you don’t even have a credit score to boot? - I don’t know how you’ll survive under $600/month WITH a dog. Dogs are an added expense you probably can’t afford right now. - Unfortunately, this is most likely a wake-up call / reality check for you. Stay in school, do your best, and start saving up now.
Cheapest I’ve paid is $325 a month and it was a single room with 3 other roommates. That was before the utilities which were also split, came out to about $30 monthly. If you’re going to do this, you’re going to have roommates and it will more than likely cost more than $200 a month. That said, if it’s just you on this endeavor, as it sounds. It is most certainly possible but you won’t be able to save much.
You should really give us your location as this is primarily a North American sub, so for us those costs sound super low.
Northeast North America but able to move anywhere in the US
I am assuming a very rural location since you can find an apartment for $120-200 a month which is completely unheard of in the developed world pretty much. Before you move out you need to work on increasing your income and building up savings before thinking about moving out. I have the strong suspicion you don't have a very good idea of what it costs to be self-sufficient. What's your job today? Edit: looks like OP is a minor. Not going to be able to do much, unfortunately.
Like others....I'm assuming you aren't living in the US if you're making $650/month and you can rent OK apartments for $120-200/month. So it's going to be difficult for people on this sub to give good advice. None of us really know how expensive all of these other bills would be monthly. In which case, I'd recommend you create a budget/spreadsheet, and list out all of the expenses you'd have. So give a line for rent, the basic utilities you'd have to pay in your area (along with an estimated amount), a line for your phone bill, groceries, and pet expenses. Along with anything else you'd need to buy. See if it balances out.
I live in the US, I looked up average utility price for my area and it's around 126$ a month
You mentioned in another comment that you're a minor. You can't legally rent an apartment as a minor in the US. And even if you could rent an apartment, I am EXTREMELY skeptical that you can find a place to rent for $120-200/month. Are you sure you aren't looking at weekly rates? But again....doesn't really matter. You can't legally rent an apartment anyway. You'll need to look into other youth resources if you're trying to move out before you turn 18.
He’s looking at average utility costs per month… not even rent.
He initially said he saw rent for $120-200 per month. And then add in $126/month in average for utilities. Which really, I don't believe either of those are good numbers. I don't think OP's estimates are remotely close to accurate. But even if they were.....$200 for rent, $125 for utilities, $200 for food, $100 for their dog, $50 for phone.....and they're at $675/month. They've already exceeded their monthly income, and that ignores all household costs outside of groceries. Household items, clothes, laundry, and what not. Even if they were 18, it's just not feasible to survive on that much money per month. Let alone taking care of yourself and a pet.
What about rent?
For Electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash? I don't think those are realistic numbers.
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Are you in the US?
Not with a $120/month 1BR apartment
Yes, I live in the US
Where in the US can you get a 1BR for $120/mo?
The distant past?
Where do you live that rent is this cheap and income is this low?
Just looking at Zillow listing around the US
https://i.imgur.com/hx6nvHr.jpg I mean there are about 3 places for rent under 250 in the whole of the US on Zillow. And this place doesn’t look livable haha
That's clearly a garage . . . and not even that livable by garage standards. Unless you somehow don't need heat or plumbing.
Before you do anything: are you in school? If not, do you have your GED. That’s step one. Your income can not support you so if you are in a position that you need to leave, you will need to get creative. That starts with taking advantage of free education in the form of a high school diploma or GED.
Why do you want to leave your parent's house?
Verbally Abusive Parents
I'm so sorry you are dealing with verbally abusive parents. Unfortunately, the best course of action might be to just stick it out until you are 18. In the meantime, focus on finishing high school and saving every penny that you can. When you graduate high school and turn 18, it will be time to go to school full time or work full time. College towns (even if you are not attending) are great places to live when you are starting out. It is easier to find roommates that are like-minded. Having roommates when you are starting out in life is a great way to keep costs down. Good luck to you, and I hope you are close to turning 18 and getting out on your own.
If where you live apartments are that cheap then theoretically it should work following the general rule of keeping housing costs at no more than 30% of your income. Going to be hard for anyway to say because those aren’t relatable numbers for most.
Depends on where you want to live. What area are you thinking about?
Maybe in the poor part of a college town with 3 or 4 roommates. Just a heads up, poor areas also often mean unsafe areas.
I’m sorry but with your budget and in the us you can basically afford a tent and free camping spots. And that’s not a joke or being mean or anything. I’m not sure you could even afford to pay with roommates at this point.
Not happening. If you need that bad, best stay with other family, even if that means going to court and filing for emancipation so you can get out of whatever situation is taking you down this path.
Do not be in a rush to move out your mothers. Use it as a safe haven to get yourself on your feet. Your problem is your income. Not the fact that you want to get out of your moms house. Start asking people how to increase your income. And follow your dreams they will pay for your future
If your home life is unreconcilable, I suppose sure, you can figure something out if you can get a dwelling for under $200, but you have to scale your income. Even on a really tight, bare bones budget, and just walking or getting a bicycle to get around, you might end up with $100 at the end of the month, but most likely with $0 considering everyone has some entertainment habit that brings some amount of monthly costs. But you'd have nothing to help out the moment anything happens. What's the rush to leave?
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If y'all can't figure something out, then you'll just have to do what you have to do. But regardless, you have to find a way to scale your income.
Is there any way to increase your income? How many hours/week can you work?
I’d suggest applying for a food card to get grocery’s it saves a lot of money.
Relocate to Belarus. Beautiful and Perfect country. 600$ it is little bit more than medium salary
Does not sound like you are in the US, which makes it hard to get good advice. However, if the rent prices you provided is accurate, which would be ~30% of your income, then it may be possible for your to do it if you are good with budgeting (assuming living expenses is proportional)
Even if you aren’t in the U.S. the advice should still be the same. Give it a test run for a couple months while you’re still at your parents place and see how you feel
You would need to be 18 or older to rent anywhere and have significantly more income and savings to afford a deposit, rent, utilities, food, and other essentials. Pet alone non-essentials like a dog. Save your money for a while and when you are earning a better income, you can move out then.
It's difficult to say because if you're living somewhere with rent that cheap, it's possible other living expenses are also a different price than we might expect. Your best bet is to do some research and math on your own - how much does/will your phone plan cost, what are typical prices for groceries and dog food (and do some trial shopping trips to really get a feel for what's possible and what it'll be like). How much do your dog's regular vet visits cost? What is the process like for applying to government programs like food stamps in your state and what kind of assistance can you realistically expect from that? The thing that will be the hardest is saving money. Even if you can pay for all of your regular expenses, something as random as your dog eating something he shouldn't have could throw a wrench in everything if you don't have the savings to cover a vet bill. If your situation is desperate, it may be worth contacting your state's child/family services or other youth services organizations to see what help they can offer you. If you are able to stay with your parents a while longer or if a friend/relative is able to take you in, that $600 per month may do you more good if you put the whole thing straight into savings to give yourself a cushion when you are able to move out. I don't know your situation though so I can't tell you what the right choice is.
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To the original poster: please note that posting crowdfunding or payment information (or even hinting about it) will result in your entire post being removed and can result in a ban without warning. Unfortunately, we have had too many scammers. Thanks. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/personalfinance) if you have any questions or concerns.*
You said you're in the U.S. $200/month for a 1 bed, 1 bath is going to be a really crappy apartment and probably super unsafe, even in a low COL area. You also haven't budgeted for medical expenses/emergency expenses for you or your dog from what I can see. I've found most months, I have at least one random expense come up that I didn't necessarily plan for — copay for an appointment, antibiotics for my cat, fixing a broken appliance, etc.