I tracked every dollar I spent in Charlotte for 6 months as a renter. Here's the breakdown.

Rent $1,720, utilities avg $145, renter's insurance $28, parking $0 (included), groceries $380, restaurants $290, car payment + insurance $485, gas $95. That's $3,143/month before subscriptions, clothes, or anything fun. Take-home on my $72k salary is $4,750. I save $1,607/month. That feels ok until I think about ever buying something here.