This question was submitted to Kids Help Phone by a young person and answered by one of our professional counsellors.
Question
So just to start off, i’m way to young to move out but I was wondering if i can ask a few questions. If you guys cant answer these questions that’s fine. I was really just wondering what moving out and living on your own involves and how much it costs. And what’s the legal age to move out? How much money would you need to have to support yourself to live in your own? I know some of these questions are kind of general and also depend on what job you have. I hope the questions aren’t too difficult answer.
Answer
I believe I have a clear understanding of your questions, I will try to answer them as best I can, but many of your questions are based on individual situations. I’ll begin by addressing your question regarding legal age to move out. Based upon the province you’ve indicated that you live in, legal age to move out is 18. You can move out at an earlier age, but only if you have parents consent. You’re asking some important questions around how much it would cost to financially support yourself. Of course, rents are different in every Province, so maybe a way for you to get an idea about how much rents are in your area, you can do some research online. There are online sites that advertise apartments up for rent, so even though at this point you aren’t of legal age to rent an apartment, looking will give you an idea of the cost of rent in your area. It may go up a bit by the time you’re able to rent, but it will give you a general idea. So based upon what rent in your area costs, other expenses might include hydro, heat and water (if they aren’t included in your rent), which could add up, so if you’re on a budget, it would be important to look for an apartment that offers all inclusive, meaning your water, heat and hydro are included in the cost of your monthly rent. Further expenses would include food, phone/data bill, cable bill (if you use cable), internet bill (if you want internet access in your home), commute to and from work or school, clothing… to name some of the general costs involved in supporting yourself. This of course would be based upon your personal monthly budget, which will be dependent on having a job and what your monthly income is. I hope I’ve been able to give you a helpful understanding of what you might be having to plan for when you are of legal age to move out! Be well.
