Yes, it is. I'm in my early 20s, and I'm stuck living with my parents since I can't afford rent (no one seems to want to hire me, and my current job pays the equivalent of $4/hr. If it weren't for my allowance I'd be in serious trouble due to lack of pay.). I would love to live on my own, and the fact that you can reasonably afford it (by that I mean not some $h7+-hole in the ghetto) is reason that you should do it.
I once lived in an apartment by myself for a year. My parents paid the rent, which I wasn't proud of. But the simple fact that they aren't around makes the biggest difference ever. I had to come back since they weren't willing to pay my rent anymore, and I had no way to keep paying it. I still do grocery shopping sometimes, and I do laundry for my own clothes, so having those things done for me isn't an issue. I may not have utility bills (apart from Internet and cellphone), but I still have bills to pay.
To me at least, the work involved with maintaining your own place is of no matter compared to what you get from living alone. It's so worth it when you don't have to tell your mother that you plan to go to the bars and drink a lot.
Plus the older you get, the more embarrassing it gets. At least in your case it's different, because you CAN but DON'T, not like me where I CAN'T. I'm younger than you are, but I get flack from others because I live with my parents, and not through choice. People say "why not move out?" I always have to tell them "because I can't afford it." I'm reluctant to bring home people I know or just met (so I never do, I always meet them somewhere else), and if I want to "do the nasty" with some girl, I'd have to rent a local hotel room and can't take her home. Plus many people don't want to date those who still live with their parents (and I can perfectly see why).
Living on your own lets you grow more. When I had to move back, I was very sad. I felt like a part of me died.
I'm fully aware of the financial implications. When it comes to this, it's ultimately your choice (assuming you can afford it). To me, my sanity will depend on it. You have to decide which you want more: Additional money or additional freedom (well, I can do almost whatever I want, but I still have to explain what I'm doing. Plus no parties/get-togethers at home and no taking girls home.)? Personally, my plan is that as soon as I can afford it, I'll move out a month or two later, so I can save a little money for some more furniture.
At least you have the option of doing that, a fall-back plan. Unfortunately some people don't have that, and living with your parents sure as hell beats being homeless.
Ben
