What Are Some Ways That Someone Can Save Money on Their Rent? Ramsey Tips That Actually Work

Rent: The Secret Saboteur

Can I just say the thing we’re all thinking? There is absolutely nothing worse than staring at your bank account the day the rent hits. I mean, ouch. Where did all that money even go? Suddenly, you’re eating oatmeal for dinner… again… and wondering if you’ll ever actually build savings. Honestly, it can feel like you’re stuck on the world’s priciest treadmill.

I’ve been there. We all have. And if you’re following Dave Ramsey’s advice—or just want more breathing room each month—it isn’t all doom and gloom. Yes, your rent is a huge part of what are some of the costs of living on your own? ramsey, but with some creativity, you can cut those numbers down and still sleep in a bed (instead of your car).

Do You Even Know What You’re Paying For?

Ever Compared Your Rent?

Here’s how it usually goes: We want a safe place, close to work, with at least the potential for fast internet. So we sign the lease, toss it in a drawer, and kind of forget about it. But rents can jump quietly, especially lately—sometimes by hundreds each year. And here’s the kicker: You might not even realize you’re paying more than your neighbor.

Quick Table: Is Your Rent Out of Whack?

Have you checked your local listings lately? If not, now’s the time. My pal Jess realized her “steal of a deal” was actually $120 more than the guy two doors down. She made a quick phone call, calmly pointed out the market rates, and boom—her landlord shaved $75 off her rent. It’s not always a slam dunk, but it’s definitely worth asking. That’s cash for your pocket, every month.

Is It Time to Re-Evaluate?

Before you do anything drastic, try this: sit down with your budget—an honest, old-school budget. It’s pure Ramsey, and maybe a little boring, but trust me, nothing has given me more financial control than listing what comes in and every little thing going out. If you don’t know where your money’s going? It’s probably leaking away, quietly, in sneaky places. Think of it as your sanity check before the rent horror movie begins. More on budgeting below, promise.

Move Smarter, Not Harder

Would You Relocate for Less Rent?

Here’s a wild thought: what are some ways that someone can save money on their rent? ramsey says, sometimes you just have to move. No, not out of the country… but maybe out of that “hip” neighborhood that’s suddenly charging luxury hotel prices for a closet-with-walls.

This isn’t about downgrading your life. It’s about tweaking your priorities for a while—because where you live can be the difference between always scraping by, and actually building a buffer for those “life happens” moments.

Case in point: My Downsize Story

I’ll go first. Once upon a time, I paid extra for a place above a coffee shop. It sounded dreamy, until the rent rose (again). That year, I moved ten minutes away—same square footage, $300 less per month. Was it trendier? Nope. Did my bank account thank me every month? Absolutely.

If you currently live alone, consider whether a roommate makes sense. I know, I know—no one wants to fight over whose turn it is to buy toilet paper. But splitting the rent even for a year, as research on spending habits (and pretty much every money expert) confirms, can literally halve your monthly expenses.

Let’s Get Tactical: Real Ramsey Moves

What Else Can You Negotiate?

Cue the scary landlord music… but wait! Here’s the truth: Landlords are people too. If you pay on time and keep your place nice, they want to keep you. Your best weapon? Ask. What are some ways that someone can save money on their rent? ramsey strategies include:

• Signing a longer lease. If you’re planning to stay, ask about an 18-month or 2-year lease. Landlords love stability and will often reduce your rate for the promise of no vacancy headaches (Ramsey show highlights).
• Negotiating extras. Parking fees, pet fees, utility hookups—sometimes these are more flexible than you think. When my lease went up, I negotiated free parking for a year instead of a rent hike. It was basically like putting $50/month back in my pocket.
• Waiving small fees. Are you paying for a gym you never use? Need that “concierge” package? Bundle your asks: “If I renew, could we skip that $25 valet trash fee?” You’d be shocked at what managers will do to keep a good tenant.

Cut the Fluff: Curb Unnecessary Spending

Ramsey drives this point home: small changes = big results. Sure, you can’t change your rent overnight, but you can go line by line and cut the silly stuff. Streaming subscriptions, takeout, clothing splurges… even groceries. My trick? Pretend you’re moving soon. Suddenly, that ugly lamp and extra pots you never use? Sell them. The stuff AND the spending; you’re clearing space and funding your future.

Try This: Sell, Save, Side Hustle

Got old electronics, fitness gear, or a pile of shoes your feet outgrew? List them. I once funded a week of groceries purely through Facebook Marketplace. Then there’s the side-hustle gang: whether it’s dog walking or Uber, that extra income can go straight into your “get out of this rent cycle” fund. There’s real power (and unexpected joy!) in seeing your number tick upward, even by a few bucks each week.

Roommates: Necessary Evil or Secret Weapon?

Is Sharing Space Worth It?

I won’t sugarcoat it: living with other humans is messy. People leave dishes in the sink, forget about trash day, and sometimes “borrow” your granola. But here’s the payoff—splitting rent, utilities, even groceries for a year can save you thousands. Yes, thousands. It might just be the difference between surviving and actually building towards real financial freedom.

Full honesty—some of my happiest (and most frugal) memories happened in shared apartments. One year, our budget meetings turned into game nights… we cheered whenever we hit a savings milestone. Does it work forever? Nope. But even a year or two of pocketing those savings can put you lightyears ahead for your next move.

If you’re feeling skeptical, try reading what are some of the costs of living on your own? to see how even small changes can shake up your monthly totals. And remember—this is usually temporary. Even Ramsey himself says roommates can be a short gap to get you to your real goals.

This is Bigger Than Rent

With lower rent (or a new roommate), you might notice something else change: the freedom to be generous. Sound weird? Hear me out. When your “four walls” costs are down, giving isn’t just a someday goal—it’s totally doable now. Check out explain how renting or buying a home is connected with someone’s ability to be generous? ramsey and you’ll see how giving gets easier as your own expenses shrink.

Stack Those Small Wins

What About Utilities?

Okay, let’s not leave out the sneaky money-eater: utilities. They’re part of what are some of the costs of living on your own? ramsey right alongside rent. You don’t need to freeze in winter or sweat in July, but… maybe that industrial-strength AC isn’t your friend. Try a few Tips for saving money on utilities:

• Negotiate utility-included rent. Sometimes it’s a better deal if your landlord covers water/gas.
• Use blackout curtains to keep the place cool (or warm!) instead of blasting air/heat.
• Ask your neighbors how much they pay; it’s not nosey, it’s friendship research. The answers might surprise you.

Long-Term: Renting vs. Owning (Or, Don’t Panic About Both)

Is Buying the Fix?

Not always. In fact, Ramsey Solutions warns against diving in just because you’re panicked about rent hikes. Instead, shore up your current budget first. Analyze your savings and goals using methods from why is it important to do the five foundations in order?, and you’ll understand why the fundamentals matter more than trends. It’s not about chasing houses—it’s about building a foundation that lets you buy (or rent!) with confidence, not regret.

Want a real example? My cousin spent two years renting with a roommate, funneling their extra $350/month into a down payment fund. They skipped takeout, hustled on weekends, and eventually bought a little starter home—without stretching so thin they lost sleep. It wasn’t always fun, but it was totally worth it.

Ready to Break Free?

Rent doesn’t have to own you (even if it feels that way right now). There’s power in the little choices: the roommate, the phone call to your landlord, the guts to move—or just reviewing your spending and selling your clutter. You’ve read through these what are some ways that someone can save money on their rent? ramsey strategies, so here’s my nudge: don’t just nod along… pick just one thing to change this week.

Start a side hustle. Call your landlord. Invite a friend to split utilities—or just audit your budget and sell something, anything, for a quick win. Each little change means actual freedom (not oatmeal dinners forever).

And maybe share your progress with someone who gets it. Drop a comment below with your first step. Still need inspiration? Skim through explain how renting or buying a home is connected with someone’s ability to be generous? ramsey. Let’s cheer each other on, because this stuff—frugal living, smart money moves, grown-up wins—is way more fun (and possible) when you’re not alone.