<prompt> Human: Hello all,I spent the past 4 years living with family, paid off student loans, established emergency fund, saved invested over 80k, and recently made a job change for more money located closer to Downtown Denver. And now its time to move out on my own. Bringing in 90k annual and Im having a hard time rationalizing paying 300month to my parents to looking at 1700month rentutilitiesparking etc. And this is the cheapest I can find in a safe neighborhood with a nice building. I really want to live in a neighborhood close to downtown for the experience and to avoid a long commute. After all expenses Ill still be able to save and invest 1500-2000 based on current spending habits. What rules of thumb are there for rationalizing living expenses? Edit: to clarify, living with parents is not feasible and dont have the luxury of waiting to find a roommate. So the real question is how do I rationalize the fact that denver rent is crazy expensive? Assistant: On the surface, it sounds like you can afford this apartment, so you have to decide if its worth it. 1400month could help you reach your financial goals sooner, or it can get you an apartment close to downtown - you have to decide the best use for that money.Human: Living with my parents is not feasible at this stage in life... so I guess the real question is how do I deal with the fact of life that denver rent is freaking expensive?  <response>: The same way you deal with everything in life that you dont control? If this apartment is the cheapest one youre willing to rent, then there you are. You either pay the rent, or change your standards. 