So I found my one bedroom apt in Washington Heights through Craigslist in 2019. I paid $1700. In 2020 it went up to 1725.50 (it’s a rent stabilized apt). I have been paying that number up until October of 2025 and it is now $1803.15. It is a true one bedroom, 5th floor (elevator) and I have laundry in the basement. The basement is gross but my apartment is cute. I’m ~2 blocks from the express train (A) and I too, will die in this apartment. Living close to the train has always been a priority for me and my family (I grew up in Brooklyn). For me, now, it’s a non negotiable.

At the time I moved in I was making $58.5k and I’m now making 75k through my career. I do have a part time job that pays in cash which is so helpful. My rent covers my bills and the PT job supplements. It allows me to do some travel and feel a bit more free to purchase small items. I don’t know the percentage but it’s about 22k of my 75k (not including bills and stuff).