What are you Associates spending on rent?

How much are you Associates spending on rent these days? Seen a lot of threads discussing Analysts rent etc. but less so for Associates and beyond. 
 

Do you still stick around the 40x rule or are you way below/still sharing apt?

Obviously depends on the individual case, but curious to benchmark as someone who has stuck around the same price range of ~2k since analyst and considering potentially making a large jump to the 3.5-4k range for a substantial upgrade.

25 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, the discussion around rent for Associates making between $275k to $325k suggests that there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. However, there are some insights and benchmarks that can be gleaned:

  • The general rule of thumb mentioned is spending 25-30% of pre-tax income on rent, but this is considered somewhat outdated. For an Associate in that income bracket, this could theoretically mean spending around $6k-$7k a month on rent.
  • One user shared that they live in downtown Chicago and pay around $2,500 for a one-bedroom place with good amenities and proximity to work and social spots. They mentioned the benefits of living in a nicer place, including a better lifestyle and positive impressions from guests.
  • Another user highlighted the discipline of saving $200k within the first three years, which suggests a more conservative approach to spending on rent.

As for the 40x rule, which suggests that your annual income should be at least 40 times your monthly rent, it seems that some Associates may choose to spend well below this threshold to prioritize savings or investments.

Ultimately, the decision to stick to a certain rent range or opt for a substantial upgrade to a $3.5k-$4k range for a better living situation depends on personal financial goals, lifestyle preferences, and other financial commitments.

If you're considering making a jump in your rent expenditure, it might be wise to evaluate your overall financial situation, including savings, investments, and lifestyle needs. Remember, while a nicer place can offer comfort and status, financial security and the ability to invest or save for future opportunities should also be considered.

Sources: How much do you spend on rent as an associate making 275-325?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I'm in a similar boat. Paying $2k in NYC Hells Kitchen in a 3 bedroom with the boys but moving out in a few months to a 1BR. Hoping that $3-3.5k is doable for NYC but looks like that's only really possible in Queens. Curious to hear from others. 

"I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse."
 

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