<prompt> Human: Hi! Im hoping to rent an apartment in Chicago this fall to share with my girlfriend. Right now Im barely clearing 1000 a month but I know Ill have more job opportunities available in the city I freelance and am willing to waitress or do something else like that for a bit to save up Our budget is between 800 and 1200 dollars. 400-600 each Would it be irresponsible to go for a place at the higher end of our budget? What other advice do you have for a first time city renter? Thank you!!  <response>: 400 on 1000 is pushing it. Youre already rent-poor at 40 of your income. You really dont wanna go over 30, and many landlords use that as a metric for renting to someone. I would increase your income andor look for something a bit cheaper. Ask what the utilities cost esp in winter cause heat can get expensive. Ask about bedbugs, esp cause Chicago, a history of bedbugs in the building is bad news doesnt matter if its in a different unit. Use crime maps to make sure youll be in a decent area. 