Fees, Fees, Fees.
On top of rising rent costs, brokers or landlords may try to hit you with extra fees. When searching online for apartments, make sure to filter out by 'no fee,' so that you'll get all the results that aren't charging you those pesky extra bucks. Also, be sure to ask if utilities are included in rent. That's an extra cost you may have to consider. Get that money, honey.
[Photo via @sophielinnea62]