Let’s be real: if you feel like your rent is too high, you’re definitely not alone. It’s getting harder and harder for people across the U.S. to keep up with high rent. Whether you’re living in a big city or a smaller town, chances are, you’ve looked at your monthly rent and thought, “This is just too much.”
But don’t panic—there are things you can do to make it a little easier. The key is to focus on smart, everyday ways to handle rising rent. This can be everything from properly budgeting for rent, to finding low-cost renting options, and more.
1. Understand your Situation
The best place to start when dealing with high rent? Know your numbers. A good rule is to spend no more than 30% of your monthly income on rent, but the reality is that lots of people are spending more than that.
Take a few minutes to figure out:
- What you bring in each month
- What bills and expenses you have to pay (like food, gas, utilities)
- What you might be able to cut back on
You don’t need to get fancy—just use a notebook or a free budgeting app. Once you see everything laid out, it’s easier to figure out how to budget for rent and what you can afford. If your rent payments are taking over your whole paycheck, it might be time for a change.
If you don’t have a budget in the first place, you should start to put one together. But if you don’t know where to start, don’t worry! Check out this guide on how to put together a zero-based budget and take a look at the example below.
2. Look Into Cheaper Housing Options
If your rent is too expensive, you might need to think about finding a more affordable place. Here are a few ideas for low-cost renting:
Use Housing Sites That Let You Filter by Price
Websites like Zillow, Apartments.com, HotPads, and AffordableHousing.com let you search based on your budget. You can set price alerts, so you’ll get a heads-up when something new pops up that fits what you can afford.
Tip: Look just outside the area you live in right now. A short move—even just a few neighborhoods over—can lead to big savings on rent.
Talk to Local Experts
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Some nonprofits and government-approved groups can help you search, apply, and even understand what to expect from affordable housing programs.
- HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: They offer free help and can walk you through your options. Visit hud.gov.
- Mercy Housing: A nonprofit that helps people find affordable rentals across the country. Visit mercyhousing.org to learn more.
- Community organizations like Catholic Charities or Salvation Army may also offer support for rental searches and moving costs.
Use Social Media & Community Boards
Sometimes the best deals aren’t posted on big websites. Check local Facebook housing groups, bulletin boards at grocery stores or libraries, and apps like Nextdoor. You might come across a listing that isn’t being advertised anywhere else.
3. Build an Emergency Fund (Even Just a Small One)
Having a bit of money stashed away can be a lifesaver if something unexpected comes up. If you can, try to put even $10 a week into a separate bank account for emergencies.
Your goal should be to save one month income if you can—but honestly, any amount helps. That way, if your car breaks down or you lose hours at work, you’ll have something to fall back on to help cover rent payments.
4. Know Your Renter Rights
You’d be surprised how many people don’t know their rights when it comes to renting. Every state has different rules, but most places have laws to protect tenants from unfair treatment.
For example, your landlord usually has to:
- Give notice before raising rent
- Keep your place safe and livable
- Follow the law if they want you to move out
Landlords and tenants both have responsibilities, so it’s important to know what yours are. You can visit this site to search for the Landlord-Tenant laws in your specific state. If something feels off, look it up or ask for help.
5. Pick Up Extra Cash If You Can
If your rent is eating up most of your paycheck, bringing in a little more money could help a lot. Here are a few quick ways:
- Do a side gig like driving for a ridesharing company, babysitting, or dog walking
- Sell things you don’t use anymore
- Rent out a room (if it’s allowed)
Even just a few hundred bucks a month can give you some breathing room and help with rent payments.
6. Get a Roommate
One of the easiest ways to cut rent costs? Share your space. If you’ve got the room and feel comfortable, finding a roommate could cut your rent in half. Just make sure you talk through expectations before you move in together—trust us, it helps.
Sharing rent can mean more manageable rent paymentsand fewer financial worries.
7. Stay in the Loop
Keep an eye on what’s going on in your local housing market. Are new apartments being built? Are there city programs that help with rent affordability? It never hurts to stay in the know.
Sign up for alerts on rental sites, follow local housing groups online, and talk to neighbors. Being informed helps you make better choices and avoid getting stuck with high rent when there might be better deals out there.
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article, including any references to companies or products, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for individualized financial and/or legal advice. We are not a credit repair organization as defined under federal or state law and we do not provide "credit repair" services or advice or assistance regarding "rebuilding" or "improving" your credit. We make no representation that we will improve or attempt to improve your credit record, history, or rating through the use of the resources provided through the FreshStart Blog or CreditFresh website. The views and opinions expressed by any guest contributors, as applicable, are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of CreditFresh.
