Three common methods
An equal split divides the rent by the number of people. A split by income gives each person a share equal to their income divided by the combined income. A split by room adjusts for size, a private bathroom, a window or a parking space. Some households combine them.
Worked example
For $3,000 rent, an equal split between two people is $1,500 each. If one earns $5,500 a month and the other $3,500, the shares are 61.11% and 38.89%. That works out to $1,833.33 and $1,166.67.
Neither answer is correct for everybody. It is a starting point for a conversation.
Do not forget the rest
Agree who pays utilities, internet and shared supplies and how. Decide who is on the lease and what happens if someone leaves early. Put the plan in writing, even if it is a text everyone agrees to. A lease often makes every named tenant responsible for the whole rent, so you may owe the landlord even if a roommate does not pay you.
Try the calculator
Run your own numbers in the free rent split calculator. It works in your browser and nothing you enter is saved or sent.
Common questions
Is an income split fair?
That is for the roommates to decide. Some people like it and others prefer equal.
How do I split utilities?
Add them to rent for one total or split each bill separately.
What if someone moves out?
Check your lease and local rules, and agree on a plan for finding a replacement.
This guide is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rates, fees and rules change, so confirm current terms with the lender, store or agency involved. All dollar figures are invented examples.