Lincoln has a lot to offer residents as the capital of the state. Although apartments in Lincoln, NE aren’t as expensive as in major cities like New York City or Los Angeles, Lincoln apartments can still get quite expensive. When you factor in rising rent prices and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s easy to understand why some people may struggle with affording an apartment in the city. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take that can land you a better deal on an apartment, and better your financial situation. Here’s how to afford an apartment in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Save Up
If you’re looking to afford a new apartment, then you’ll want to save up some money. When you sign a lease, not only will you have to pay rent every month, you’ll also have to pay some money upfront. For example, many landlords require a security deposit as a way to protect their property, with the deposit usually equaling one month of rent. Although you’ll get this money back when your lease is over if you take care of your apartment, that could be months or years down the line. Additionally, many landlords require you to pay the first month’s rent upfront, and some may even require the first and last month’s rent along with a security deposit. This can add up to quite the hefty initial payment. In order to afford this, you should cut expenses and save money every month. Not only will this allow you to pay the initial fees, if you save up enough, it’ll also create a buffer that can help you pay for rent down the line.
Live with a Roommate
A fantastic way to cut down on rent prices and make an apartment more affordable is living with a roommate. Living by yourself will result in high rent prices and will mean you’ll have to pay utilities by yourself. On the other hand, living with a roommate can slash your rent and utilities in half, making the apartment much more affordable. However, when you do this make sure your apartment is big enough to house 2 people with no conflicts. Additionally, try to room with someone you know and are comfortable with, just to prevent any roommate disputes in the future. Although living with a roommate may not seem like the most attractive lifestyle option, it can make paying rent so much easier.
Supplementary Income
If you’re already struggling to make ends meet, you might think it’s impossible to save up money or afford another bill. If this is the case, then you might benefit from adding a form of supplementary income. There’s plenty of freelance work available for a side hustle, and options like rideshare and food delivery are becoming more common. Doing these activities may only take up a few hours a week, but can provide you with enough income to have the financial flexibility to afford an apartment.
Shop Around
While you’re looking to get your financial situation in order, it’s important to continually shop around for the cheapest deal possible. Not every apartment listing will be easy to find and you may have to shop around to find really good deals. When shopping for anything, you should always compare prices and try to find the best deal. Many people make the mistake of jumping at the first apartment listing they like, meaning that they potentially miss out on other deals. Remain diligent in your apartment hunt, and you should find a listing that is more than affordable.