<prompt> Human: I make about 3k per month after taxes. I have a very stable job. No student loans. I only have a car loan thats about 250month. I am looking to rent an apartment thats 1200 a month with water, sewer, trash, internet, and cable included. No cat rent! Pet deposit is 300 for both of my cats. Electricity is the only thing I have to pay but I live in the same area and my electricity bill ranges from 30-80. Its a brand new apartment closer to my job. The apartment I live in now is 825 but it sucks! Its old, smelly, drafty, no sun, and the neighbors suck. Im definitely moving out but I just want to make sure Im not screwing myself over. I took the cheaper apartment this year to save money but it was really stressful living here. I just need some reassurance with this decision because I just started living on my own! Assistant: In a low cost of living area, I recommend 30 of your take home for rent. That puts you at 900month.In high cost of living areas NYCSFDCetc you can go up to 40 of your take home which is 1200 for you.So it depends.Human: Its DC metro area...I know I can live cheaper if I go out further but I figured Id cut down the cost of commuting to work?  <response>: Yeah, DC is going to be closer to 40. 