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[quote=Anonymous]Hi - I recently took a hefty pay cut to make the move from biglaw to government.  I've worked on getting rid of a lot of expenses but am now trying to decide where to live.  I'm used to living in the city in a safe and clean managed building.  However - I'm now trying to find a new 1BDR to live in (previous apartment is definitely too pricey) and I feel like I can't afford anything.  I'm a single female, and above the age where I'd like to have a roommate.  I'm trying to rationalize spending a decent amount of money to just live in a building that I like in a neighborhood that is safe and convenient to the metro.  I could move further out but part of the reason I went to the government was to have more time to socialize and date and all my friends are in the city, so living further out would seem to make that more difficult.  I'm also very conservative when it comes to safety and although there are some great buildings in up and coming neighborhoods I don't think I'd personally feel comfortable living there.

So, I guess my question - is, does it ever make sense to pay more than maybe you should (I wouldn't go broke and would still be able to contribute to retirement and save a tiny bit of money) for a place you actually want to live if you think it will make your day to day life better?  Common sense says I should suck it up and live in something cheaper - but I just know I'll hate it. (I've tried it before). I know I'm lucky to even make this choice since many people don't even have the option or have kids to take into consideration.  I also realize I might just sound like another spoiled person complaining that they can't have everything.  Just looking for some advice one way or the other.  I'm also thinking government might not be forever, so it's possible in a few years my income will go back up, but of course I can't really count on that.

I've always heard not to spend more than 30/35% of your pay on rent -- do people usually calculate this based on gross income or take home or net after taxes (but not including retirement)?

Thanks in advance.  [/quote]

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