Author: /u/issamood3

Hey Everyone, what are my chances realistically of living in Houston?

I’m single and was just offered a entry level job in my field for $18/hour, full time totaling $38,000 a year. I’m looking to get a studio or 1 bed (preferred) apartment between $750-900 a month. I know rent has been going up during the pandemic and am wondering if this is a realistic or feasible rate? I am willing to pay up to $950 max if I felt like it would be safer or closer to work. I’m no stranger to long commutes but am a new driver and have heard traffic/drivers is bad in Houston. Am willing to do an hour max for commute but ideally would like that around 30 mins. What are the safe/affordable places just outside the med center? Safety especially is a huge one for me. I’ve looked at many listings and the med center apartments are too small and too pricey. Also concerned about roach infestations. How common/serious of a problem are those? I am a very clean person (meticulous really).

I have never lived alone so I have no prior rental history and don’t plan on having any roomates. I have a really good credit score of 750 and about $10k in savings so what are my chances of getting approved for an apartment?

Rough outline of my estimated expenses per month if I move:

Rent: $900 likely

Utilities: $350 (water, electric, gas, sewer/trash, internet)

Gas: $150

Health & Dental Insurance: $200

Food: $300

Other: $50 (pet rent, netflix, etc)

I overestimated the expenses and underestimated the income and my car personally eats a lot of gas so I know that that will definitely be a good sized expense for me. Maybe my rent or gas or something else is unrealistic or am I missing something else entirely? I’m not sure about taxes and how much that would be monthly in Texas? I know some people say to take out 1/3 of your monthly for taxes, but that seems a bit much to me.