While these one-bedroom apartments are definitely still pricey — and I currently pay less to live in a shared apartment in Brooklyn — you get what you pay for. Being able to live alone and have access to amenities like a gym, pool, and outdoor recreation is simply unattainable in my current city.
Of course, "affordable" to one person may be completely out of reach for someone else. In Austin, you would need a $94,455 salary to be a renter and "live comfortably," according to Go Banking Rates. In New York City, you would need to earn $128,552 to do so.
While these apartments may seem like a great deal to me, it's completely possible — and likely — that people from other cities and other parts of the country may disagree. I also don't know if I can afford to live on my own just yet, whether in New York or Austin. For now, having roommates is simply the better financial decision for me.
With some smart budgeting and a few years' time, however, I could see myself being able to afford one of the cheaper apartments I saw. While I love my current apartment, being able to live alone is certainly tempting — especially after seeing firsthand what I could get.