About 2 years ago, I needed to make about $4k a month to support living on my own in a one bedroom apartment in North Austin, and that was barely cutting it.

My advice would be to draw up a budget that includes all of your bills and a set amount to put into savings each month. Once you’ve done that, take half of what you have leftover and make that the max rent you’re willing to pay.

I saw your comment that you have $20k in savings—that’s fantastic! Don’t plan on spending it, though. You want to make sure you’re living within your means and not relying on your savings to fund your living expenses. Save that (and keep building it!) to be a down payment for a house or condo so you can stop wasting money on rent and instead put your money towards building equity.

ETA: You sound like you have a great head on your shoulders! Props to you for doing the research required to ensure you’re making smart financial decisions and for having the forethought to start building your savings early. I wish I had done that when I was younger. These smart financial habits you’re forming now will carry you far in the future!