Finding an affordable apartment doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or convenience. With the right strategies, you can enjoy a quality lifestyle while keeping your living costs in check. These apartment budget tips can help you make smart decisions as you plan for your next phase of life.
At Bell Management, we offer apartments with premium amenities at an affordable price. 17th Place Apartments in Webb City is ideal for individuals, college students, and families looking for a welcoming community to call home. Whether you’re here for the long or short term, our apartment budgeting tips will help set you up for financially savvy success.
Why Affordable Apartment Living Matters
As housing costs rise, finding an affordable apartment is more important than ever. Budget-friendly apartments allow renters to save money, reduce stress, and focus on what matters most. Whether you prioritize building savings, pursuing education, or enjoying the small things in life, choosing the right apartment can make a big difference.
17th Place Apartments in Webb City stands out with the right combination of price and perks. Residents enjoy modern amenities, spacious layouts, and an inclusive community–all at a price designed for real budgets.
What Does Affordable Living Really Mean?
Affordable living isn’t just about paying less rent. It’s about understanding the true cost of apartment life. Rent will likely be your largest expense. At Bell Management, we make the process easy with stress-free online rent payments. Let’s take a look at some of the other expenses you’ll need to include in your budget:
Utilities: Electricity, water, gas, and internet can add up to $200-350 per month, depending on usage and local rates.
Fees and Extras: Application fees, security deposits, and pet fees can impact your upfront and ongoing costs.
Location: Proximity to work, school, public transit, and grocery stores can affect how much money (and time) you spend on transportation.
17th Place Apartments is ideally located near shopping, dining, and major employers in Webb City. This makes it easy to balance affordability with accessibility. When evaluating an apartment, look at the total monthly cost, not just the apartment rent. Consider what’s included (like utilities or amenities) and how the location fits your daily life.
Budgeting for Success as an Apartment Renter
One best practice for budgeting for an affordable apartment is to keep your rent at or below 30% of your monthly income. A reasonable rent will fall within this range. Use the 50/30/20 method: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings or debt repayment. Here’s how to start calculating your take-home income and listing all monthly expenses:
Total Take-Home Income Minus
- Rent
- Utilities
- Groceries
- Transportation
- Insurance
- Subscriptions
- Savings
Lower Utility Costs
Choose apartments with energy-efficient appliances and good insulation. Bell Management prioritizes effective maintenance and the highest standard of living. If you ever have any issues as a tenant at 17th Place, just call maintenance or fill out a maintenance request to get prompt support.
Meal Planning and Grocery Budgeting
It’s possible to prepare and enjoy healthy meals at your apartment without breaking the bank. While grocery store prices always seem to be on the rise, here are some smart strategies to spend less on your favorite eats and treats.
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Plan meals for the week and make a shopping list to avoid impulse buys.
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Buy in bulk for non-perishables and split costs with roommates (if applicable).
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Cook and store food at your apartment–batch cooking saves time and money.
Furnishing Your Apartment on a Budget
Some furniture items, like mattresses, should probably be bought new. You can find affordable options on Wayfair and pay in installments if needed. For other furniture items, think outside the big box stores! Check out local thrift stores in Webb City and Joplin for gently used furniture. You can also find great deals from local sellers on Facebook Marketplace to help you stick to your budget.
Creative Storage and Small Space Layouts
At 17th Place Apartments, there’s surprisingly ample storage space in each apartment size. Maximize storage space using vertical shelves and under-bed storage. Our walk-in closets provide convenient storage and accessibility for your clothing, shoes, and other items.
Multi-functional furniture, like ottomans with hidden storage, is also a great choice for apartment dwellers. The kitchen space at Bell Management properties offers plenty of storage for food, dishes, and cookware. To make your apartment feel larger, make use of light colors, mirrors, and natural lighting to open up the space.
Minimizing the Day-to-Day Cost of Living
There’s only so much you can do about external living costs. However, with a little proactive finesse, there are some things you can do to keep your expenses down. These tips may or may not apply to you, depending on your rental situation, so tailor them as needed.
Share Expenses With Roommates
Split rent, utilities, and household supplies evenly to ensure fairness.
Use apps like Splitwise or Venmo to track shared costs and payments.
Draft a roommate agreement to avoid potential misunderstandings.
Cut Unnecessary Subscriptions and Services
It seems like there’s a subscription for everything these days–but how many are really necessary?
Take an inventory of your monthly subscriptions (streaming, apps, memberships, etc.) and cancel those you don’t use.
Use apartment amenities at 17th Place–like fitness centers, the pool, and sports courts–instead of paying for memberships.
Are You Not Entertained? Affordable Apartment Hosting Tips
Just because you’re saving money doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Hosting on a budget at your apartment can actually save you (and your friends and family) money. For instance, organizing a potluck dinner or game night allows everyone to contribute one or two things while enjoying a full feast. This is much more cost-effective than dining out.
Take advantage of community spaces at 17th Place Apartments for move marathons or themed parties. This offers a change of scenery without spending money out on the town or renting a venue. With our on-site features, you’ll always have the right space for a casual dinner, celebration, or family gathering.
How 17th Place Apartments in Webb City Helps You Save
Here are some of the all-in-one amenities we provide renters at our affordable apartments:
Clubhouse with free WiFi
Business center and laundry room
Fitness center, pool, and movie theater
Outdoor playground, basketball court, dog park, and grilling areas
Balance Cost Savings and Quality at 17th Place Apartments
At 17th Place Apartments, you get the best of both worlds: quality amenities, a prime location, and a price that fits your budget. Connect with Bell Management today to discover your dream apartment.
