On average, how much would it cost monthly to live on your own in Phoenix? (apartments, rent)

[MetalGrand]

So long story short, me and my girlfriend plan on getting an apartment together at the end of summer. We both make $8.25 an hour and plan on going to school full time and work 30-40 hours a week (Keep in mind I might get a promotion making $ 9.75 an hour but its not for sure yet). We want rent a one bedroom apartment somewhere in North Phoenix. Apartments close to where I live now have a rate of $550 monthly for a single bedroom. I just want to know on average how much it costs to survive in this city?

[matyoka]

Metal,

I am new to the Phoenix scene so here is what I learned so far... The farther you go from phoenix, the cheaper the rent. First year we rented a 3 bedroom home in the Johnson Ranch community(San Tan Valley) for $800. I believe the two bedroom homes were $600 or so. Gas, water, electricity, phone, cable and internet came to about an extra $500/month during the cool months. Our electric bills for the monsoon season were $300 and up. Now, you didn't mention the number of vehicles in the household and insurance is a plus. Groceries for two people are in the vicinity of $400/month. With $2000 per month combined net salaries, you will make it from paycheck to paycheck, but that's about it... I hope this helps.

ps: I didn't touch on the cost of fuel, a pretty sizeable expense.

[Steve Pickering]

Depends on your lifestyle. Same as any city. Don't do drugs, smoke, or drink booze, and you should make it fine.

[LBTRS]

Originally Posted by Steve Pickering

Depends on your lifestyle. Same as any city. Don't do drugs, smoke, or drink booze, and you should make it fine.

Agreed, very had question to answer without knowing your lifestyle. Do you live within your means or do you need the 75" flatscreen TV and drive a Mercedes on your $2000/month income?

I personally would find it very hard to survive on $2000/month but that is because of my lifestyle. There are thousands and thousands surviving on that amount, or less, in Phoenix so it can be done if you adjust your lifestyle accordingly.

[matyoka]

Totally agree with the last 2 posters.

[tripper76]

You should be fine. When I first moved here a couple years ago, I made $9.25/hour. I got a studio apartment in an older complex. But it was close to everything, was clean and well maintained, quiet and I felt safe. Also all utilities were included, which was a big deal. My car was paid off also. I was able to live just fine. I didn't worry about having cash for things. But I also did not go out much, cooked a lot of my own meals, etc.

Finding the right place to live is important. If you can get a decent place, centrally located for your work and play and includes utilities, you're golden. The electric can get crazy out here and not having to worry about that bill is nice.

[matyoka]

What landlord is crazy enough to include utilities these days? It's a great gesture, but finding an apartment like that will be very very hard.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by matyoka

What landlord is crazy enough to include utilities these days? It's a great gesture, but finding an apartment like that will be very very hard.

There actually are a fair number I see around town that include utilities, usually electric and water. They tend to be older places and aren't always the nicest places, though.

[Kimballette]

Originally Posted by matyoka

What landlord is crazy enough to include utilities these days? It's a great gesture, but finding an apartment like that will be very very hard.

It's my understanding that most places that pay for utilities also control the thermostat, which might not work out well if you want to keep the apartment cooler than the owner is willing to pay for.

[Bondurant]

Originally Posted by MetalGrand

So long story short, me and my girlfriend plan on getting an apartment together at the end of summer. We both make $8.25 an hour and plan on going to school full time and work 30-40 hours a week (Keep in mind I might get a promotion making $ 9.75 an hour but its not for sure yet). We want rent a one bedroom apartment somewhere in North Phoenix. Apartments close to where I live now have a rate of $550 monthly for a single bedroom. I just want to know on average how much it costs to survive in this city?

The combined income eclipses what I make. I don't live like a king but I make it. Along Bell you will find plenty of places offering deals. In this economy you're likely to find deals all over if you're willing to look.