Sometimes we may not have the option of

choosing where we want to live. A new job, college

transfer or other factor can force our hand.

Whether the choice is yours or the result of an unforeseen relocation, you need to be aware that in some cities rent is more expensive than others. That could mean not getting renters insurance simply because

you think you can’t afford it.

While cities like New York and San Francisco generally come to mind as the most expensive, you might be surprised to learn that there are five other places, based on someone’s income

that can make it necessary for you to get a roommate in order to afford your rent.

The average monthly rent in New York was $1,228 and $1,598 for San Francisco in 2014 and that still didn’t qualify them as the most difficult cities in which to meet the rent.

In a recent survey – according to data released from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies – the share of American households that rent their residence

rose to a 20-year high of 35.5% in 2014. Known as the 30 percent rule, the conventional financial wisdom for years has held to the belief that you shouldn’t

spend more than 30% of your income on housing. However, times have changed and that rule may be outdated given the share of renters aged 25-34 paying more than

30% of their income on housing increased from 40% to 46% from 2003 to 2013.

The Harvard report also states – of that group – those with more than half their income going toward rent rose from 19% to 23% over the same

period. That is not good news for renters wishing to go it alone, without an additional person sharing their apartment.

Using data from Harvard’s housing study, Make Room, a group attempting to raise awareness of the struggles of paying rent across the country has constructed a list of

5 U.S. cities where you’ll most likely need a roommate to make the monthly rent.

5. Fresno, Calif.

• Typical median annual household

income: $26,600

• Amount household can afford in

monthly rent: $ 665

• Amount household spends on rent

and utilities: $870

• Percentage of households paying

more than half of income for rent and

utilities: 32%.

4. Los Angeles

• Typical median annual household

income: $40,000

• Amount household can afford in

monthly rent: $1,000

• Amount household spends on rent

and utilities: $1,260

• Percentage of households paying

more than half of income for rent and

utilities: 32.3%.

3. New Haven, Conn.

• Typical median annual

household income: $30,000

• Amount household can afford in

monthly rent: $750

• Amount household spends on

rent and utilities: $1,020

• Percentage of households

paying more than half of income

for rent and utilities: 32.9%.

2. New Orleans, La.

• Typical median annual

household income: $27,000

• Amount household can afford

in monthly rent: $675

• Amount household spends on

rent and utilities: $ 903

• Percentage of households

paying more than half of income

for rent and utilities: 35%.

1. Miami, Fl.

Typical median annual household

income: $32,000

• Amount household can afford in

monthly rent: $800

• Amount household spends on rent

and utilities: $1,100

• Percentage of households paying

more than half of income for rent and

utilities: 35.7%

Your annual income and size of

your residence will dictate

whether you need a roommate

or not to make the rent. If you

have to share the rent, make

sure to ask for references and

as much background

information as possible,

including a credit report before

you hand over the keys to your

front door.

In either case, be sure to get renters insurance to

protect your stuff from theft or damage from an

unforeseen event. Bundle your auto insurance and

renters policy together to save money on both. Why

not get a free renters insurance quote today?

Do you currently have or do you plan to get a

roommate in the future to help you pay the

rent? How will you go about it?

Feel free to share your

thought in the comments

section below!