<prompt> Human: I currently live in the US, but I am planning to move to Bulgaria soon-ish. I am self-employed making 35k to 40k USD per year saving most of it safe margin, I might be making slightly more when I move. Not so good for the US, especially the part Im from.One of my primary financial concerns when trying to move to Bulgaria, would be that I dont know how much I should be spending on rent. It looks like theres plenty of great-looking houses modernhigh-quality, non-apartment housing somewhere between 1,500-2,000 per month, for rent. However, that would be from approximately half, up to two thirds of my monthly income. Example of the upper end of quality that Im really hoping I could potentially afford!Im just unsure if Im being unreasonable with my expectations or not. My initial thought was somewhere around 50 or 60 of my monthly income wouldnt be too bad for rent; but apparently, 30 is recommended. Thing is, I would prefer to not live in apartments if I can avoid it. I know they are cheapereasier, and give me more options. But I really just want to live all by myself in a quiet house, without having to worry about apartment neighbors or anything. Considering its where Ill be spending the vast majority of my time working, its important Im completely comfortable with it. After all, part of my reason for planning to move to Bulgaria is for a potentially high quality-of-life, with income that would at best mediocre or even poor in many parts of the US. Is there a reason something as low as 30 from the perspective of a young person who still lives with his parents, lol is recommended then? Is it even relevant at all here?Something to keep in mind is utilities, food etc. are also ridiculously cheap in Bulgaria. I am hoping that would balance it out, allowing me to spend more on living in a nicer house if I dont go overboard with buying a lot of fancy possessions , eating out, dont own a car etc.Is trying to go for that kind of house an absolutely terrible idea with my income, or could it potentially work?  <response>: It would be wise to aim for simplercheaper living arrangements for your first 6-12 months before you spring for a budget crimping place.That way you get the lay of the land and really get a chance to see what your budget looks like. Also you arent so constrained by rent that you have some flexibility if your business or whatever you are doing for income slows down or takes longer than expected to ramp, or if the expenses dont work out quite how you have planned.Not completely related, but have you fully evaluated the tax situation of I am assuming here being a US citizen working in a foreign country and any requirements there may be? Anything Bulgaria specific?Also verify that you are allowed to work in Bulgaria. Work visas, etc. 