<prompt> Human: Disclaimer: Id like to call out in advance that, yes, I have extremely fortunate financial circumstances. This post is in no ways meant to be a bragging post, nor meant to belittle the larger challenges that those with less fortunate circumstance face. I believe that everyone, regardless of circumstances, has challenges important to them and should be able to ask for advice.Here are my key stats: 25 years old working out of college for 3 years now 75,000 annual salary software developer No outstanding debt car paid off, no college debt, credit cards paid off monthly 70,000 in 401k mostly Roth and some traditional 60,000 in liquid assets in savingschecking accounts. Currently live at home with parentsI want to move out to an apartment, as I feel like Im stagnating by continuing to live at home. I would very much want a 1 bed1 bath apartment, rather than split a 22 or larger with others since theres nobody I already know to do this with, and Im weary of rolling the dice with strangers.However, the cost of renting in my area Orange County, CA is very high. For a 1 bed1 bath apartment in this area, the typical low end for one that is not falling apart or in an unsafe area is around 1500mo even so, these are typically already quite old and renovated buildings; its not unusual to see 2000 for newer ones. These costs also usually only provide a portion of the utilities, with the rest for you to also cover.Currently, I am maxing out annual contributions to my 401k, which leaves me with a net income of about 2700mo. If possible, my priority would be to try to maintain this rate of 401k contribution, and pretend like I never had that income. When looking at various budgeting guidelines, like the 502030 rule, 1500mo rent other fixed costs out of 2700mo net seems like a clear _no_. From this perspective, with fixed costs eating such a large portion of my net income, I dont think there would be much money going into savings month after month.But, instead, should I be considering something like the 502030 in the context of my existing 401k contribution rate? For example, if I were not contributing to my 401k at all, my net income would be somewhere around 2700 1400 4000mo true net income. From this perspective: The 1400 to 401k would be in the savings category of the 502030 rule, and amount to 35 of my true net income. For fixed costs, lets round the 1500mo rent other fixed costs up to 2000mo. Then for the 502030 rule, Im coming in on target at about 50. This would leave 600mo or 15 for other flexible spending which I think i can work with.With this high level budget, lets assume that all of the income would be burned through each month. Would this pseudo paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle be bad? Despite it appearing to be paycheck-to-paycheck from month to month hence my use of pseudo, in reality this would include maxed out annual 401k contributions; and I already have more than enough liquid for emergencies.I am torn between my desire to move out for my own personal growth vs. the alarms in my head from how I was raised that say taking on this amount of rent is completely out of the question especially compared to the much lower expenses I have now, living with my parentsOther misc. thoughts: Without reducing 401k contributions, one small option would be to switch to more traditional and less Roth contributions so that my taxable income is a little less to take home a smidge moreAny feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.  <response>: Sometimes, you need to look past the numbers. If you feel stifled at home, and can afford to move out, then go ahead. I assume you will get raises as time goes by so your psuedo paycheck to paycheck lifestyle will be temporary. Your dissatisfaction with living at home may be permanent. 