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Risk the move to Seattle or Stay Put in Small City?

I'm from Oregon and now have been unemployed for awhile. I've lost all hope of landing a job in my city (even though I have a M.A degree, no one will hire me). Now in order to get job prospects I have been looking in Seattle and a couple of people are interested in me. I figured Seattle might be better for job prospects, so I'm planning a move there. However, I'm floored by the cost of living an apartment rents. I don't think I can cut it out there financially, and I checked apartment ratings and there seems to be alot of shady landlords and bad neighborhoods and bad reviews for the apartments withing my budget range (about $600-700 a month). Also, it seems like landlords jack up the rent by 20-30% after a lease (which I didn't think was legal). So, I don't know if it is a better choice--- to stay put where I pay only $500 for an apartment and save on gas (but have NO job prospects), or live in Seattle and pay huge amounts on rent and gas, but could get a job? Help! BTW, I love Seattle....it's a great city. I just don't know if its financially sound to live there. Also, I CAN'T do the roommate situation. My disabled sister will be living with me, and so far, no one will take couples. She might also have a hard time getting a job, which makes me the head of household.

Public Comments

1. You have to have a safety net to move, either a solid job on the side that you can do from anywhere, or savings in the bank, or some assets you can sell. If you were alone, I would say $2500 would be enough, but still risky. With your sister, you will need to rent a studio and plan on no income for 30-60 days, so you need $6000 at a minimum (for rent, food gas, phone, etc). BTW, landlords don't "jack up the rent." Everything is in the lease. Some people actually read the lease. If it says it can go up by $500 at the end of the lease in 6 months, then it could go up $500 (or higher). If it is a fixed lease, the prices if fixed for the term of the lease, then goes to month to month in most cases.