How should we split $2,000 rent fairly with $62k vs $37k incomes?

Question

One brings in $62K and the other brings in $37K. They don't want a joint bank account, and they don't touch one another's money (We can already predict how things are going to go in the future, but w. e.) For now let's pretend it will work between them, and the rent is $2,000.

I'm saying that if each contribute around 2% of their salary towards rent, the one with 62K pays $1,200 and the 37K pays $800. That way the expense has the same, damn close, strenuous % effect on their income.

But one of them don't agree... What do you think?

Static_In_The_Attic · Accepted Answer

Splitting the rent is splitting the rent & 50/50 is the only fair way to go.

If the individual making $62k pays more in rent & the individual making $37k pays less what happens if the individual making $62k looses their job will the individual making $37k pay more? Of course not so keep it fair & split it 50/50.

Are you two in a relationship or are you two just roommates?

Are you two going to share a bedroom or have separate bedrooms?

The individual making $62k can also get a cheaper place of their own to save money if the individual making $37k expects them to pay more.

If both individuals are in a relationship & the individual making $37k or vise versa does all the cooking & cleaning maybe that individual should send the cleaning bill to the individual making $62k or vise versa.

If both individuals are in a relationship allow me to predict the future.

Another Marriage Down The Tubes!

slatyb · Accepted Answer

Mostly the person making more should pay most of it, not in proportion. by the way 2% won't come close to covering $2000/month. I don't know if "brings in" means net after taxes and other deductions, but assuming it does, then the rent is $24,000/year and that's close to 25% of the total income of $99K. I think the one earning more should pay more than 24% to somewhat equalize the amount of disposable income for both. If I were the one earning $62K and my long-term partner was earning $37K, I would add them together, giving $99K/year, then subtract all the joint expenses: rent, utilities, joint entertainment, etc., and divide the remainder in half for each partner to use as they please. So three accounts: a joint account and two individual accounts. I never want to be in a relationship where one partner has to ask the other for permission to spend money.

Razp_Sorbet · Accepted Answer

My partner and I split 30/70 but he earns more than twice as much as me and I work less hours than him so I do more of the housework

Nikki1989 · Accepted Answer

50%. If one can't afford it, they can seek a better-paying job. Those incomes are very low for this modern, expensive world.

goaded · Answer

$2000 a year? Neither should care! "The average annual cost of rent in London is currently £26,316" (About $35k.)  "Average Annual Salary £69,700"

Purpleronnie · Answer

Given the salaries almost make 100 , then I’d split the rent / expenses accordingly (approx 62.5% / 37.5% )

There is nearly always disparity in earnings within relationships and that seems fair to me.

If one doesn’t want it like that then they are entitled to get their own place and pay 100% 🤷‍♂️

Master_Debator · Answer

I voted 50/50... but I think your idea would work if the sex is manditory as well as cooking and cleaning. Lower income people need to learn their place... even in a relationship.

Cyfris · Answer

I like your idea but the honest truth is they need to do whatever works for them. I pay rent you pay power and food, there is no balance there is just finding the ground where you can both afford the things you need and some of the things you want. I've made substantially more but had substantialy higher debt and was paying for the car, insurance, furniture and all our dates. she was paying half of rent power and internet.

Theunfadeable · Answer

When you have two unmarried adults splitting a $2000 rent then the rent should be split equally. . People I really need embrace adulthood, quit acting like children, learn to live within their means and stop expecting other adults to pick up their slack. Just cause your partner works harder than you doesn’t give you the right to squeeze them for extra money to take pressure off of you. They deserve to save money and benefit from the situation just like you do

HighValue · Answer

If one person sacrificed their time and money earlier in life to get that kind of job and make more money, they shouldn't be punished for it when in a relationship. Split it equally seems more fair.

For me personally, I would cover the whole cost of a mortgage because if things didn't work out I would be keeping the house 100% myself. However, if it is just rent, it should be split equally in my opinion.

Anonymous · Answer

Let me guess he wants to do a 50/50 split with you paying $1k and him paying $1k in an ideal world that would be all fine and dandy BUT that doesn't take into consideration the kids tuition school supplies uniforms gas for cars groceries electricity unexpected repairs that may pop up. If he pays the $1.2k and you pay the $800 that extra money from both you and him should be going to those other expenses as in that extra $200 from you should be going to the kids expenses and food gas for the car repairs on the house and whatever else may happen his money should go to phones electricity and whatever else or find a way of figuring out the other daily expenses who can pay for what and how much it will all be

snowboarder720 · Answer

None. Together they earn 99k. The 62k person should pay $1250 The 37k person should pay $750 The reason is they are paying the ratio of the amount of income they earn from the total.

Anonymous · Answer

You should split the rent 50/50. You not earning as much as your housemate is your problem, not theirs. Why should they be punished for working harder than you?

The only exception would be is you have an arrangement where you do all the house chores.

Anonymous · Answer

Unless the one who makes 62k wants to kick in 1200 then it should be split 50/50.

Imho the person who makes 37k really can't afford more than 930 in rent and should tell the one who makes 62k that they will pay 50% but they going to have to find a cheaper place. No more than 1860 a month. Then the person who makes 62k can decide if they want to cough up 140 more a month, or downgrade their living a smidge.

strateguy632 · Answer

Your idea is not fair. "Fairly split" is pay SAME. Regardless of whatever roommate or partner earns. Unless major gap of earning, then ask for 100 less but not 400 less!

permanentem · Answer

A fair split would be half of the rent. It doesn't matter if you make more or less than your roommate. You still are both purchasing half the access to the property you are renting.

Drumlin2001 · Answer

What other joint expenses are there? Open a shared account, do 50/50, paying in half of all joint bills each. Any excess just sits there as aa emergency fund for joint costs, broken boiler etc

jshm2 · Answer

Considering it's 2 of you and you are using the exact same resources a 50/50 makes more sense.

Telekinetic-Potato · Answer

1500 each whoever makes more pays utilities

KimmySchmit · Answer

If you are unmarried as of yet id split it 50/50 on the rent to be fair.

MrChinaski · Answer

50-50. They either are mingling finances or they aren't. Only unhappiness will flow from having a foot in each camp.

Lliam · Answer

50/50 if they are just room mates. 2% if they are a couple.

Anonymous · Answer

Depends. Does she believe in equality? If so then she should pay half. Is everything else the same as far as food, water, electric, money for fun, etc.

Maybe_Maybe_not · Answer

Equity is de facto fair, proportional shares make much more sense than equal shares.

LazerBean · Answer

50/50. If the one person doesn't like the cost of the house, they can go find a different house.

Tomislav7 · Answer

62k does 1300 37k does 700. Or proportionate to salary. Going 50/50 will hurt low earner much more, and assuming nobody shares then low earner needs all the leniency as possible

Ariesman81 · Answer

The 80/20 split is fine provided the one making less brings value in other parts of the relationship.

Bklynbadboy12 · Answer

I wouldn't split anything with that person I'd dump them. If were living together its our money I dont care if I make the most. I pay the bills but I dont want a selfish partner

jahaims · Answer

50% you each pay 1k. Males and females are equals after all.

LiamJHayden · Answer

As roommates, 50/50. As a couple, whatever they can agree upon.

Anonymous · Answer

I don't even want to think money neither give advice 😧☹️

AgentG111 · Answer

You need a contract.

Mike_Hum · Answer

50/50. You aren't taking up 2% space.

noohair · Answer

I think 50/50

Agape93 · Answer

I say half and half.

How should we split $2,000 rent fairly with $62k vs $37k incomes?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

How should we split $2,000 rent fairly with $62k vs $37k incomes?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

We're glad to see you liked this post.