When your rent increases, it’s easy to feel blindsided—and even more tempted to pack up and move. One of my Money Chat community members recently asked, “My landlord raised the rent by $100. I’ve been a loyal tenant, and I’m sick of this. Should I move?”

Whew. I’ve been there, and I’ve got thoughts. Let’s talk about it.

The Emotional Reaction vs. The Math

First off, I totally understand the frustration. When you’ve been consistent, responsible, and loyal as a tenant, it’s aggravating to see your rent increase especially year after year. But before you get caught up in emotions (I see you—trust me, I’ve done it too), stop and do the math.

If your rent goes up $100 per month, that’s $1,200 over the course of the year. That might sound like a lot… until you consider what it would cost to move.

The Hidden Costs of Moving

Moving is expensive. Period.

Even if you recruit friends or family to help, you’ll likely still spend $1,500 to $3,000 when it’s all said and done. Between hiring movers, renting trucks, buying boxes, transferring utilities, cleaning the old place and the new one… whew. It adds up fast.

Plus, what if the new place doesn’t meet your expectations? I once moved for the same reason—a rent hike that felt unfair—and I ended up in a place that I thought would be better. It wasn’t. I missed my old apartment’s layout, location, and quality.

Is the New Place Really a Better Deal?

Even if you find a place that’s slightly cheaper, rents tend to rise everywhere eventually. Unless you’re making a major shift—like relocating to a different city or switching to homeownership—you’re likely to face another increase down the road.

So the big question becomes:
Is this move really saving you money? Or are you reacting emotionally without a full plan?

What to Do Instead

Instead of making a costly move, think about how you could come up with the extra $100/month. Could you:

• Pick up a quick side hustle?

• Babysit or pet sit once a week?

• Cut back in a different area for a few months?

There are often small ways to fill the gap that don’t require you to uproot your life. When you make money decisions based on math—not just emotions—you tend to come out ahead.

When Moving Does Make Sense

Of course, there are exceptions.

If your landlord raises the rent astronomically, we’re talking $300 to $500 or more, and you’re already overpaying for the space, it might be time to reassess. Or, if the quality of your home has declined and you’re no longer happy or safe where you are, moving could be the smart choice.

But if it’s just a $100 increase and everything else is working in your favor, take a breath, run the numbers, and look for solutions that don’t require a U-Haul.

Final Thoughts: Make Math-Based Moves

The bottom line? Don’t let a knee-jerk reaction cost you more in the long run. I’ve made that mistake, and I’ve worked with countless others who have too. Make sure your decision is rooted in your financial reality—not frustration.

You’ve got options. And $100/month doesn’t have to be a deal breaker if you’re strategic about it.

Have you ever moved because your rent went up? Regretted it or glad you did it? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel, Coach Dorethia, for more real talk on money and business.