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    I am now single and need advice on living situation

    I (27F) recently got out of a relationship. We were sharing a 1bed/1bath apartment in the Bay Area for $3,4k. I am now having to decide to live by myself in a studio for $2.5k or live in a 1 bedroom in a 2bed/1bath house for $2.2k. Both prices are including utilities. Living in a studio will help me gain independence & grieve fully, but sharing a space with someone will be less detrimental for my finances. I can afford both options and still manage to save/invest. What would you do?

    I am now single and need advice on living situation
    byu/sharkbaitwoohawhaw inFrugal



    Posted by sharkbaitwoohawhaw

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    18 Comments

    2. Boring_Energy_4817 on

      If I went cheaper, I feel like there would be multiple days each month when I would wish I could pay an extra $300 to be alone and have my own bathroom. Up to you, but I’d choose the studio.

    3. siamlinio on

      If you can truly afford either option, how about this? Live by yourself for one year to build yourself back up, and then move in (and split finances with) a roommate after that year is up. It kinda splits the difference that way, and gives you time and space to heal.

    6. annagetdown on

      I think having your own space also leaves options for side hustles, like watching a dog in the house or taking over the living room with a project.

    7. mchang124 on

      $300 a month savings is savings. I believe if you’re living comfortably and can still save/invest about 20% of your income and still have some disposable/discretionary funds left over, you’re good. It will be more about discipline of your finances.

      Something I’ve stuck by over many years is probably what you’ve heard before: emergency fund should have 3-6 months (completely separate and not just a savings account with your bank), have another account that has money for annual expenses (if you have anything that can you pay annually like car insurance, renters insurance, etc), have roughly 3 months of expenses in your current checking account, and allocate the rest to savings and investments.

      Now am I saying to be that strict? Somewhat. But I understand you’ll want to live a bit and travel. I’d also set up a travel fund if that’s your jam.

      What will be helpful is if you can direct deposit your paycheck into multiple accounts every pay period, This I’ve found from personal experience to be very helpful.

    9. Entire_Dog_5874 on

      I know it’s not the right decision for everyone, but for me personally I would choose living on my own over having a roommate without question.

    10. Human_Bad5547 on

      The studio. You’ll be so much better than fine. Take the time to breathe and not have to deal with anyone else. Somebody here suggested try it for a year then if you feel you need a roommate then go for it. Thats excellent advice. All’s well and getting weller. 

    11. WAFLcurious on

      I’m too independent to live with someone else.

      Some things to consider. Have you ever lived independently or did you go from your parent’s house to an apartment with your SO? Do you have the skills to live independently? How well do you know the person you are thinking of sharing the house with? I’d go for the studio but you should consider more than the financial aspects.

    12. girlwholovespurple on

      Studio, all day, every day. You can save $300 across other areas of your budget pretty easily.

    13. JacquiePooh on

      If you can find the right roommate situation, sometimes that’s nice to have someone to come home to or go out with… a built in person. I’ve been pretty lucky to have had good roommates. Depends on what you want though.

    14. ProneToLaughter on

      at $300/month more, the studio is really a no-brainer. At $500-600, still the studio.

      But if you feel bad about it, promise yourself you will eliminate some meals out or reduce some other unnecessary spending. You can probably find $300 of savings easy elsewhere.

    15. otter_759 on

      I am frugal about everything except where I live. I forgo being able to travel, eating out, etc. to be able to afford living alone. The price difference between the two options here is smaller than expected. Totally worth spending a bit more for your own private space with your own bathroom!

    17. chef-keef on

      You’d end up spending at least $300 more a month living with roommates doing social things with them out of a sense of obligation so there’s no real savings there.

      You deserve the studio.

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