<prompt> Human: So Im nearing my decision to rent an apartment of my own. Ive read and read all about the 30 rule and I have taken it into consideration while doing my apartment hunting. Only issue is that my location makes it impossible to hit that mark unless I have a roommate. However, Ive been contemplating whether or not the extra few hundred dollars make it worth it. I have no debt. Credit cards all paid off. Ive already been investing in my retirement since I got hired full time as an engineer that money is out of sight and out of mind. My goal was to get my own place a few months after landing a job. Now a few months have passed and Im ready to make a decision. I value both my physical and mental health and after a year of living with 3 roommates in a 2 br apt, Ive noticed Ive been stressed, frustrated, and overall not happy. Advice?  <response>: Personally, I will NEVER EVER live with a roommate again. Your sanity is worth very much. If you can afford your bills, save for retirement, save for emergencies, etc, etc, then ABSOLUTELY live alone. Do not go by some arbitrary . As long as you can afford your bills, then do what makes you happy. Dont discount how much your happiness is going to impact your sanity. 