Moving out: Utilities and Groceries?

Question

Hi,

I'm 19 and thinking about moving out of my parent's house and into the real world, while paying for college on my own.

So, I'm trying to figure out how much I would need to make in a month/if I could truly afford moving out and working my current job.

Rent varies, obviously but, how much does one person spend on utilities for a month (avg.) and how much does one person spend on groceries in a month (again, avg.)?

Thank you for your help.
-Britt

Answer 1

I would say you could get heat, lights for about 200 a month. Food is very adjustable depending on your style. If you expect good meals, organic foods, fresh fruits and veggies year around you can spend as much as $400 for a single person. If you are willing to live on Mac and Cheese, bag salad, shop sales, eat in season local produce you can live on $100-150 a month.



If you are a young lady who has dates paying for dinner and go to your parents on Sunday and mom sends home leftovers you can live on very little groceries.

Answer 2

Moving out can be very expensive. Most apartments require a 12 month lease. If you have trouble paying rent or lose your job, you will have to pay a big penalty to break the lease early. The penalty to break a lease early is often 2-3 months rent plus an administrative fee paid in one lump sum. It can easily cost you between 2000 and 3000 dollars.



Here are some rough guidelines you can use when you start planning the move to your first apartment.



Monthly Rent = annual salary divided by 12

Security Deposit = one month’s rent

Furniture = one to two months’ rent

Starter Equipment = $250-$500 (Check Amazon for great prices on top brands.)

Starter Pantry & Staples $75-$100



Example @$30,000 starting salary:

First Month’s Rent $750

Security Deposit $750

Furniture $1,125

Starter Equipment $ 375

Starter Pantry & Staples $ 85

Total Initial Cash $3,085



Example @$20,000 starting salary:

First Month’s Rent $500

Security Deposit $500

Furniture $500

Starter Equipment $ 250

Starter Pantry & Staples $ 75

Total Initial Cash $1,825



In addition to your rent payment, you will have utilities such as water and electricity. You also might have a cable bill, phone bill and internet bill. The costs add up very quick. It would be more affordable for you to live with your parents while you're still in school. You won't be able to save much money while paying for school and an apartment.

Answer 3

Gee there are so many variables. Food: if you are cooking your own food(real cooking not nuking tv dinner) - at least $50/week. That is a modest diet. Call your local utility companies and ask about average costs for say a 1 bedroom apartment. Sometimes heat and water is included in rent. Depends. Call the local cable/internet co, likewise. Most young people starting out need to share an apartment and the costs for a few years.

Answer 4

Most apartments include utilities, so once you pay the rent, you don't have to pay for heat, water, electric, etc. You DO still need to pay for phone, Internet, and cable in most cases.



As far as groceries, it's harder to tell, it depends on what you like to eat. The average household spends $100 to $150 per week on groceries, but that's usually more than one person.



To save on groceries, buy staples like TP in bulk (find a friend with a Costco card and you can buy stuff together), avoid prepared foods (it's healthier too), and eat more veggies and beans and less meat (ditto).

Answer 5

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You can create a blog too. You can generate money just ranting about your interests.



1. I say clip coupons all the time and buy sale items.



I once helped my family turn a $200 grocery bill into a $80 bill for scan and clipping coupons. trust me it is worth it.



2. Put all coins in a jar then cash them in.



3. Buy out off season clothes for cheap at places like plato's closet



4. research sales online



5.research the lowest gas prices in your area (www.gasbuddy.com)



6. have a set amount you put away if you have a job like 15%



7. set financial goals



8. rent movies from the library

______________________________________

SHOPPING RULES



1. never carry credit cards



2. make a list



3. don't carry all your money with you



4. look at different store prices

Answer 6

It depends on where you live, what is your life style, If you cook your own meal or eat fast food.