Roommate Expense Splitter
Track shared expenses, manage monthly bills, and calculate fair settlements with roommates. Keep everyone honest and avoid awkward money conversations.
Roommates
Add Expense
Expense Summary
Total Expenses
$0.00
Per Person
$0.00
Managing Shared Living Expenses
Common Shared Expenses
- • Rent: Usually the biggest monthly expense
- • Utilities: Electric, gas, water, trash
- • Internet/Cable: Monthly service fees
- • Groceries: Shared pantry items
- • Household supplies: Cleaning products, toilet paper
- • Renter's insurance: Often can share a policy
Best Practices
- • Establish clear rules before moving in together
- • Designate who pays which recurring bill
- • Set a regular settlement date each month
- • Keep a shared expense log or use an app
- • Discuss large purchases before buying
- • Be flexible with small amounts (under $5)
Bill Assignment Strategies
Rotating Responsibility
Each person pays certain bills and you settle the difference monthly. Good for tracking who handles what.
One Person Pays All
One roommate puts all bills on their account and collects from others. Simplest for the landlord and utilities.
Joint Account
Everyone contributes equally to a shared account that pays all bills. Requires trust and good record-keeping.
Splitting Rent Fairly
Factors to Consider
- • Room size: Larger rooms may pay more
- • Private bathroom: Often worth a premium
- • Closet/storage space: Extra space = extra cost
- • Natural light: Windows and views matter
- • Noise levels: Street-facing rooms may be cheaper
Room-Based Calculation
A common fair approach: Calculate rent based on square footage. Measure each bedroom and divide rent proportionally. Add a premium for special features like en-suite bathrooms.
Example: In a 2BR with rooms of 150 and 120 sq ft, the larger room pays 55.5% and smaller pays 44.5% of total rent.
Expense Categories Explained
Fixed Expenses
These stay the same each month and are easy to budget:
- • Rent
- • Internet/cable
- • Renter's insurance
- • Parking fees
Variable Expenses
These fluctuate and need regular tracking:
- • Electricity (seasonal)
- • Gas/heating
- • Water
- • Groceries
- • Household supplies
Frequently Asked Questions
What if someone uses more utilities than others?
For significantly different usage (like one person working from home all day), consider splitting utilities 60/40 or having the heavy user pay a larger share. Track for a month or two to establish a fair ratio.
How do we handle groceries — split or separate?
Many roommates keep groceries separate for personal items but split staples like milk, bread, eggs, and cooking oils. Create a "shared pantry" fund or take turns buying communal items.
Should guests contribute to expenses?
Occasional guests don't need to pay. But if someone's partner stays 4+ nights a week, they're essentially a part-time roommate and should contribute to utilities. Discuss this upfront.
What if a roommate is consistently late on payments?
Set up automatic payments where possible. Have a house meeting to discuss. If it continues, document everything — you may need it if the situation escalates. Consider a written roommate agreement.
Living Together Successfully
- • Communicate openly: Money problems fester when ignored
- • Document everything: Keep receipts and a shared expense log
- • Set expectations early: Discuss money before moving in
- • Be flexible: Life happens — work together on solutions
- • Settle regularly: Don't let balances grow too large
- • Use technology: Apps make tracking and settling easier