It really depends on how much of your monthly cash flow has to go towards debt and loans. If you have no or minimal debt then you can probably make it at $18. I was able to live relatively comfortably in the sense that I didn't exactly have to pinch every penny in 2018 making $18 an hour with a $400 car payment paying 650 for rent. I know those numbers are out of date now but it should at least provide some comparison

I was figuring I'd be screwed at any less than $18. I currently make $16.25 and live out of county. This is why I need the student loan thing to go through and actually happen. I have $4300 left in loans. It would also make moving out so much easier.

Cheap apartments ARE out there, you just can't expect 3 bedrooms for your 5 dogs and 3 kids like many of the unreasonable people out there. I look on zillow every day out of boredom at work to see what's in the market. $16.25 would probably not be the easiest way to make it with today's prices but if you are frugal enough I would guess it could potentially be possible. Almost all landlords require proof of income that you make at least 3 times the monthly rent.

>Almost all landlords require proof of income that you make at least 3 times the monthly rent.

This is so ridiculous in today's world. We don't want to pay people decent money and then ask the world of them. It legit makes me want to cause violence.

Anyways. I'm probably looking for a new job next month. I'm not convinced where I am is worth staying. And on another note I'm fine with a 1 bedroom. I don't have pets and they're honestly like a child and cost money too. Not worth it for someone like me.

> This is so ridiculous in today's world.

Just wait until you see the process for getting a home mortgage lol. You could show proof that you can effortlessly afford DOUBLE the monthly mortgage payment by what you afford in monthly rent and they will still say you can't afford it.

My response is and would be that they're on drugs. I'm not even joking.

Lakewood? Probably about $20 if you’re single and want to live alone.

Lakewood is one of the pricier, pumped up rental markets around though.

Not high enough unfortunately. Rent is approaching $2000 for a double and younger folks have to pack in 4 to 6 to a unit to afford to live here.

All I really need is a one bedroom. No roommates or pets.

It's part of the reason I'm considering old Brooklyn as that was also recommended and the above is true for me. I understand rent is going up in the city but it's also going up everywhere else unfortunately.

You aren't in touch with reality if you think small single bedrooms are even remotely close to $2000 a month. You can find them all day under $1000

I'm just going on what I hear rent is in my neighborhood for doubles. Similarly, I see doubles on either side of me filled to the brim with young unrelated adults.

That being said, I wasn't talking about single bedrooms I'm talking about the up-and-down doubles that saturate Lakewood. They are usually two bedroom units.

I'm not sure what the info is on single bedrroms but I do see a bunch of younger folks having to room together to afford basic two-rooms. That's all I was trying to offer.

I hope you find the info you're after.

There are still a ton of duplexs under $2000. All you have to do is go on zillow or somewhere and filter by under $2000 and there are a TON at all different price points.

https://bashify.io/images/ycwkDF

Alright I'll grant that I don't look at Zillow. Like I said, I'm just going on what I hear in my neighborhood.

There are plenty of 1/2-bed apartments for under $1000 in Lakewood. Granted they aren’t the most updated and some of the property managers aren’t the best, but they exist. I rent a 2-bed apartment for $775 in Lakewood.

Lakewood is a little more expensive compared to other cities in Cuyahoga county, specifically houses whether you buy or rent. The apartment complexes also vary based on features, amenities and management. You get what you pay for it in Lakewood. However I’ve seen some very cheap apartments here, as low as $650/mo for a 1-bed. I agree with the other comment that said about $20/hr for a single person and you’re set.

> I agree with the other comment that said about $20/hr for a single person and you’re set.

$20 is still prohibitively difficult to get in today's market. Yet businesses want to act like everyone suddenly has money. What a joke.

Sounds like even renting is gonna be an uphill battle in Lakewood. Too many jobs don't even start at 20.

It definitely depends on the field or position you work. Minimum wage (or close to it) jobs like retail just don’t cut it for renting in Lakewood, unless you work full time, work multiple jobs or have a housemate.

>Sounds like even renting is gonna be an uphill battle in Lakewood. Too many jobs don't even start at 20.

You're not wrong. I believe we're in a bubble, but I've been wrong before. If you have reservations about affordability, there are a lot more options available in Cleveland just east of 117th or south of Lakewood in West Park (Cleveland).

Plenty of good housing and safe neighborhoods to choose from nearby, but you'd need a lot of luck/connections to get something decent in Lakewood right now.

I'm in manufacturing. See other comments. I'm at $16.25. will be looking for other employment before long.

West Park is a consideration. Also Old Brooklyn as I mentioned elsewhere.

Living? 20+ Surviving? 16

Not true at all. None of my friends can find spots like that. Everything is 1300+ and GRAY.

It is true, you just have to know where to find them. You won’t find much on websites like apartments.com or even Zillow for places in Lakewood. You have to look on property management websites and reach out directly about upcoming vacancies. Lakewood is a hotspot so landing a rental for a reasonable price is a bit competitive. It could also be that some of your friends are looking for a certain standard that is not in line with their budget.

edit: Also you’re right, places love the grey lol. All my walls are grey. I’m just happy they aren’t white tho

What websites would you recommend then?

I rent a 2BR for 700 on Madison. Cheap places are out there , your best bet is driving around looking for “for rent” signs from the smaller independent landlords. A lot of the property management companies are impossible to get ahold of it seems

I appreciate this comment. I can even do just fine with a one bed. I'll be looking for other employment too before I move.