<prompt> Human: I was recently offered a promotion going from about 48k a year to a little over 60k- not including yearly bonus which based on performance is anywhere between 2-4k which involves relocating to the Houston market, so Im looking for a place to live. Ive fallen in love with a luxury apartment complex in the Montrosemuseum district of Houston. My job is in Katy, but thanks to podcasts I have no problem with commuting and because Im fairly young 26 and moving to a city where I know absolutely no one Id prefer to live in the city itself rather than out in suburbia. I understand paying that amount for rent isnt frugal, but is it reckless? I am splurging based on the location and the apartment itself- it has a gorgeous kitchen with a gas range and I am HUGE into cooking I dont spend much on going out to eat typically, just a few drinks at happy hour once a week or so then home to cook my own meal- I find it therapeutic. Other 1b apartments in the same area run between 1090-1300 and obviously there are plenty waaay out of my price range as well. None of them are nearly as nice.If I lived outside of the city the prices range from 700-1100, but again even ignoring location the apartments themselves are not nearly as nice.Ive lived with roommates in the past, but Id prefer to live alone this time around.Other factors to consider: I have a 2014 Ford Focus with less than 12k miles on it that Im currently paying 290 a month for. It will be paid off in a little under 2 years. I have 4K saved as an emergency fund, and have been contributing 6 maximizing company match to my 401k for the past two years, which I plan on continuing. I also have student loan payments of 300 a month, but no other debt to speak of. Is this a justifiable splurge, or am i recklessly going down the path of financial unsustainability? Edit: UPDATE: I work retail in management so I dont have all that many coworkers, and most are direct reports which technically speaking I shouldnt fraternize with outside of work its rarely enforced, but still policy. Additionally, I rarely commute during rush hour, and often have one or two weekdays off.  <response>: Keep in mind youre paying 1 the difference between the luxury apartment in Houston and the place near Katy between 250 - 650 AND 2 the increased cost of commuting gas, increased maintenance costs, car depreciation, loss of free time.Also, what is your debt? Your monthly payments dont really tell a story. 