<prompt> Human: Ive frequently read that you should spend no more than 30 of your salary on rent. Im a new grad who just received an offer for 110,000yr. Im located in the Bay Area, so rent is terribly high. Should I spend 30 of 110,000 on rent or 30 of my take home pay? Thanks.  <response>: Please, dont blindly take a number as a percentage of your income and shoot for it as a target. Those are broad rules are written for consumer suckers who dont have any self control. You are making a 6-figure salary and are probably pretty smart. Find what will work for you, and save the rest. My partner and I are in a slightly higher income bracket and are spending a little less than 15 of our combined incomes on a pretty nice apartment. Even in the very expensive area of SF, if you shop around and are willing to live with roommates you can spend 1000 month. 