Should an Aggie grad pay down high-interest debt before stretching for a luxury apartment?

Quick answer

Usually, Grant would not want a luxury-apartment premium to crowd out important financial priorities such as high-interest debt, basic savings or essential transportation. A nicer apartment can absolutely be worth more when the budget comfortably supports it, but qualifying for the rent is not the same as having room for it. Compare the lifestyle upgrade with what that monthly premium prevents you from doing financially.

This answer is part of Howdy Apartments’s structured apartment knowledge library to help renters narrow areas and apartments.