Seems like everything has gotten expensive and complicated these days. And sure, you can make it "easy" by renting...until you look at how much rents are. Also, do yourself a favor and don't figure how much you're giving away to a landlord every month, and every year. Here's something to think about. Instead of throwing away money on rent, you could own a cute 2 bedroom home in Barre Town. Maybe it's a starter home, maybe it's a forever home. Doesn't matter (is your apartment your forever home?). Good-sized, eat-in kitchen, open layout, a wood stove, and 2 bedrooms make this an easy to live in and easy to afford HOME. There's a nice front porch, and a surprisingly quiet and private backyard with a stone patio. Unfinished basement makes for additional storage or a workshop. Convenient location to Hannaford's, Barre, and 89. This home is a good candidate for a low or no down payment mortgage (VA, FHA, VT FHA, Rural Development).  Start building your own equity, and get out of the rent race.