I’m 22 and just started a new job on £32k a year, and I can’t decide whether to rent near the office or keep commuting. The office is about 40 minutes away with no traffic, usually 45 minutes to an hour each way. I only go in three days a week (the rest is WFH), but on those days I’d have to wake up around 6am and probably wouldn’t be back home until 6:30–7pm if traffic’s bad.
The other option is moving closer. I’ve been offered a 6-month rental where I’d be living with my sister. My share would be £650 a month, bills not included. The flat itself is nice — fully fitted out with washing machine, dishwasher, and there’s even a gym in the building. The area has loads of amenities, which is another plus.
If I stay at home, I don’t pay rent and I can still come and go when I want, so financially it makes way more sense. But I do have other costs like student loan repayments, my phone repayment, etc., so I’m not sure if adding rent on top of that is the smartest choice. On the flip side, renting would give me independence and shorter days, and also things like if I had a late work social, I’d actually have a place to stay nearby instead of worrying about a long drive back.
I’m torn. Has anyone else been in this kind of situation? Did you regret commuting to save money, or did the convenience of living closer make it worth the cost?