Crunching the Numbers: Is a Luxury Apartment Really Worth It?

This article originally appeared on the Springs "You're Home Blog."

Do the words "luxury apartment" conjure up visions of dollar signs flying out the window? A luxury apartment may have a slightly higher price tag attached, but rent comparisons go deeper than face value. Take a look at some of the upscale amenities that are included with our Springs luxury apartment homes and how they can actually save you money in the long run.

On-Site Fitness Center

According to research site Statistic Brain, the average monthly cost of a health club membership is $58. As if that's not enough to give you pause, you pay that fee no matter how much or how little you use the facility, and Statistic Brain estimates that $39 of that monthly charge is wasted. It adds up to almost $770 per year, not even taking into account travel expenses to and from the gym.

Free Coffee Bar

Caffeine addiction doesn't come cheap these days. U.S. News & World Report puts the average price of a brewed cup of coffee at $2.70. If your taste runs to gourmet drinks such as café mocha, you can expect to pay close to $4. The total bill for one cup of java five days a week? Anywhere from $700 to $1,000.

In-Home Washer and Dryer

Personal finance site The Simple Dollar priced out the various elements of doing laundry at home vs. at a laundromat. Savings per load came out to $2.15 per load, so even at a conservative estimate of two loads per week, that's an extra $225 in the bank each year.

Car Care Center

A clean car may not really run better, but it's certainly more fun to drive. Consumer review site Angie's List estimates that the cost of a basic car wash runs from $6 to $9, with premium services such as wheel cleaning and clear-coat protection tacking on additional charges. At one wash per month, annual savings can run from $75 to $250.

When you look at the real costs, how can you NOT afford a luxury apartment? Your time, convenience and comfort are priceless. Stop in today and talk to a helpful member of our friendly on-site management team to learn more about these and other amenities that put Springs Apartments above the rest.