<prompt> Human: EDIT: As this seems to have started a bit of a discussion, Im all for listening to everyones opinions and ideas, but I am curious as to where everyone is living and everyone elses expenses. Vancouver is constantly ranked among the most expensive cities in the world. I love it here. It is my home. It is my families home, but it sure as shit is very unaffordable for people of my generation. There are many many people here in my generation that probably do not abide by the rules of thumb simply because its a choice we make to live in a very expensive, world class city. Im 25 and Ive always wanted to live in the city. Ive stumbled across an apartment that Im interested in in the downtown core of the area I live in. 1600month gets me rentheatwaterelectricity. I would in theory be left with Internet 80, food 300 to be on the safe side transportation about 150 for gas for carpooling with a friend and entertainment expenses.My monthly take home is about 2700-2900 depending on how many hours I pull a week. And I have about a 6000 emergency fund and no debts. If I go this route, my girlfriend will be moving in with me in probably October after she goes away for the summer for work. So my rent will be deducted once she moves in with me. Does this seem outlandish? Id love to live in the city all my friends have since moved into the city and its such a great vibe in the city I live in. Im tired of the burbs...Assistant: Most people here will say its a bad idea, but honestly, there are several things you need to consider.- are you going to have a car and the related expenses?- do you plan on staying there long term?- what are your income growth expectations?Heres why I ask. I moved into a 1 BR apt in NYC making around 60k. I was paid twice a month, and my rent ate an entire paycheck. The first year absolutely sucked, but I work in an industry where your pay escalates pretty quickly. Within 2 years, my income was high enough that the rent wasnt an issue. I made the financially dumb decision in year 1 knowing that my income was going to catch up and that I had no intention of moving. I stayed in that place for 6 years.So to answer your question if its outlandish: it depends.Human: No car. Ill be selling mine as I dont need it if I move into the city and parking is expensive. I can probably sell it for 3500. My expenses are pretty minimal. With my rough and tumble budget Id have about 500month left over for entertainment and savings. Chances are I would be fine not saving anything for the summer while my girlfriend is away. When she moves in shell probably cover 600 of that rent as she makes less than I do and we have talked about uneven sharing of rent and we are both fine with that idea until she is making more money. I can understand the general rules of thumb. But I dont have many of the expenses that many have, as well as the utilities are included in the rent which makes the rent cost a little bit cheaper. If I sell my car Ill have enough for first rent and deposit so I wont eat into my emergency fund and my 6000 is a comfortable enough nest egg for me to sit on for 4 months while my girlfriend is away.  <response>: Hate to be that guy, but what if something happens between you and your girlfriend and you dont end up getting that extra 600 bones for rent? 