Most often, rent is the single largest bill you will have to pay each month. Understanding the cost
of housing in the city(ies) you are contemplating for job hunting can be very important in your decision
to choose one job offer over another. Because rent is such a large expense, you need to carefully
consider the location, size and amenities of various apartments. Be sure you understand what is and
is not covered by the rent payment (e.g., utilities, cable) before you make comparisons. Once you sign
the lease, you are obligated for this payment for (most often) a year; moreover, you will incur additional
expenses if you decide to relocate. Commuting time and expense are also considerations. A more
expensive apartment in a location that allows you to walk or ride the train to work may be more economical
overall than a less expensive apartment in a less accessible location. Be sure to gather as much
information as possible to make a good decision.
If you expect to move to a city familiar to you and/or to family/friends, it may be easier to find an
affordable apartment in an acceptable neighborhood. If you are moving to a new city, this may be more
difficult. You can conduct a search for an apartment by looking at apartment rental web sites, online
newspaper ads, etc. These sources will provide helpful information for budgeting purposes; however,
before you commit to a specific apartment, you will want to visit it to determine whether the building
is well-kept and to develop a feel for the neighborhood and surroundings.
3.3