Besides the monthly rent payment, consider what other expenses there will be.
Are utilities included in the rent? Does the rent include heat and hot water? Does it include electricity?
Does the rent include basic cable service?
Is there a security deposit that must be paid before moving in? If so, how much is it? Is it one full month's rent payment or less than that?
How much of the security deposit can you get back when you move out, assuming you leave the apartment in good condition. Some landlords state upfront that a "cleaning fee", often ranging from $50-$75, will be deducted from the security deposit before you get your deposit returned to you. They might use this fee towards cleaning the carpets after you move or for any other needed cleaning of the apartment. Of course, they must make this cleaning fee known to you before they rent the apartment to you.
You may also want to consider whether your landlord requires you to provide references before you can sign a lease or rent the apartment.
Question #3 : Do you want to live in an apartment complex or a private home divided into apartments?
You may be more likely to have your own private entrance if you live in a private home divided into apartments. If you live in a building in an apartment complex, you will be sharing a front door with the tenants of the apartments on your floor. If it's a building with three or more floors, you may be sharing a front door with many people. This front door to the building is usually a locked security door and each tenant has his or her own key. But there are also apartment buildings out there with front doors having no lock and which are open to anyone at all times of the day or night.
In addition, when living in an apartment with no private entrance, you are likely to hear the noise and conversations coming from the shared hallway outside your apartment as the other tenants come and go.