<prompt> Human: Hi, I posted recently about finding my first apartment without roommates. Id like to know whether or not the general rule of 30 take-home income to rent is even realistic these days? My area for my take-home income 1-bedroom for one person is nowhere near 30. Sure, I can look for a roommate to meet that percentage, but Id like to know how many of you who live alone actually pay only 30?  <response>: From my own experience, 30 is reasonable. That said, its true that rent varies across geography and could vary based on cost-of-living -- though salary should vary accordingly as well.I have a one-bedroom apartment and my rent is 35.9 of my after-tax, after-401k income. 