21 percent of my income (after-tax) was spent on rent in the last six years.

Americans are spending about 26% of their median income on rent.

Here’s where I stood:

• 2009: 9.5% – Rented a 2/2 with a roommate (800 sq ft)
• 2010: 17.8% – Rented a 1/1 (625 sq ft)
• 2011: 25.2% – Rented a 2/1 (900 sq ft)
• 2012: 23.7% – Rented a 1/1 (870 sq ft)
• 2013: 20.3% – Extended the lease
• 2014: 21.6% – Extended the lease
• 2015: 23.4% – Extended the lease

I guess the percentages would have dropped by a lot if I used my pre-tax income…