<prompt> Human: Also, when youre calculating this, does rent include utilities or is it just the cost of the living space? Most of these calculators were using say we can comfortably afford anywhere between 950 and 1100, but this seems really high to me considering my brother makes about 10hr full time and can barely eat while paying 400mo rent. As far as utilities go, wed need electric, heat, and internet. If Im missing anything let me know. Trash, sewer, and hot water are all included in the apartment. No need for TV or land line. Our biggest outgoing expense other than heat would probably be clothes to try to save on heat and toiletries. Id need gas for my car and we work in the same plaza, so carpooling will be happening.  <response>: The general rule around here is to spend no more than 30 of your monthly take home on rent. But less is obviously better as long as its not a slum, etc. 