The $800 Apartment

The traditional rule of thumb says you shouldn’t spend more than 30 percent of your gross income on rent. That means you need to make at least $32,000 per year to spend $800 on your monthly apartment payment.

So just what can you get for that around the country for $800? Here’s a snapshot of apartments that are renting for about $800 on Move Rentals:

Portland, Oregon

$815 — 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath: It’s a tight fit with less than 900 square feet but in addition to two bedrooms, you’ll get an in-unit washer/dryer, a private patio or balcony with storage, and a fireplace. This complex has a hot tub/sauna and fitness center, a playground and offers planned activities and resident events. Want to bring along Spot? Pets are OK. Freeway access makes getting to downtown Portland a snap. (See more apartments in Portland)

San Jose, California
$825 — 1 bedroom, 1 bath: The Terrace apartments offer a courtyard-style pool (think "Melrose Place"), covered parking and laundry facilities. The one-bedroom apartment is a tiny 577 square feet, but that’s typical in the expansive state of California. The complex, built in 1969, is near the freeway, is attractively landscaped and has just 35 units. (See more apartments in San Jose)

Tucson, Arizona
$780 — 2 bedroom, 2 bath: Centrally located in Tucson, the Edgewood Luxury Apartment Homes have several options for your dollar. A two-bedroom, two-bath apartment with 908 square feet is only $780 a month. But for just $60 a month more, you can get a more spacious split-bedroom floor plan with almost 1,000 square feet that is perfect for roommates. Washers and dryers are in the apartments. The complex has a business center, covered parking, a gated entrance with controlled access, and two pools to get you through those hot Tucson summers. (See more apartments in Tucson)

Austin, Texas

$825 — 1 bedroom, 1 bath: This large one-bedroom, one-bath apartment has its own solarium. Other luxuries include a gourmet kitchen with an island, built-in bookcases/shelving and a utility closet with its own unit washer/dryer. The community has a fitness center, pool and spa/hot tub/sauna, sand volleyball courts and a BBQ/picnic area. This is the ideal complex for the renter who wants more for the dollar. (See more apartments in Austin)

Ann Arbor, Michigan
$759 — 1 bedroom, 1 bath: This price gets you nearly 800 square feet with plenty of closet space. If you can swing another $70 a month, you’ll get an extra bedroom and more than 100 square feet of space. The apartments have balconies or patios and utility/storage areas. The complex - Cambridge Club - is two minutes from I-94 and 10 minutes from downtown Ann Arbor. A new walking/jogging trail is a resident favorite. (See more apartments in Ann Arbor)

Bronx, New York
$875 — 1 bedroom, 1 bath: Twenty years ago, $800 would have gotten you a spacious studio apartment with wood floors in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan. Today - not so much. Now you pretty much need to head uptown (way uptown, to the Bronx) to find prices that low, unless you’re planning to pack several people into a very small space. Near the Bronx Courthouse, you can get a 900-square-foot, one-bedroom place at 735 Walton Avenue with hardwood floors and an amazing view of the park. This one-of-a-kind premiere community is minutes from Yankee Stadium and near fine dining and shopping. Small dogs and cats are allowed. (See more apartments in the Bronx)

Hartford, Connecticut

$890 — 2 bedroom, 2 bath: Set in the heart of downtown Hartford, the 250 Main Apartments overlook the bustling cityscape and offer city-style amenities, including a hair salon, deli/market, a fitness center and dry cleaning. Covered parking is available in this high-rise. For $890 a month, you can get a two-bedroom apartment that’s nearly 1,000 square feet. If your budget is tighter, $750 will get you a 530-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment in the same building. (See more apartments in Hartford)

Williamsburg, Virginia

$789 — 1 bedroom, 1 bath: Not keen on a long lease? Parkway Apartments in historic Williamsburg offers 6- or 12-month leases on their spacious 900 sq. ft. one-bedroom, one-bath units that offer a large living and dining area with walk-in closets. The complex has a pool, business center and playground, plus laundry facilities in each building. Public transportation nearby makes getting around easy. (See more apartments in Williamsburg)

Tallahassee, Florida

$825 — 1 bedroom, 1 bath: Thinking about an advanced degree at Florida State University? The Evergreens at Mahan might have the right apartment for you. A one-bedroom unit features either a computer nook or (if you luck out on a third-floor apartment) a fireplace. You’ll get almost a square foot per dollar of rent: 799 square feet for $825. The complex has a residents’ library and a computer lab on the premises to save you treks to campus. (See more apartments in Tallahassee)