Let’s be real—sharing a home with roommates in your adult life probably wasn’t part of your five-year plan. But with rents soaring and the cost of living showing no mercy, here you are. And honestly? It’s not a bad place to be.
Breaking the stigma: Living with roommates as an adult is practical, affordable, and—dare we say it—sometimes even fun. Plus, you’re far from alone. More and more adults are choosing this lifestyle, and for good reason. Based on Diggz’s data, from 2016 to 2020, the percentage of adults in their 30s living with roommates remained stable at around 17%. However, by 2025, that number has climbed to 22%, reflecting a clear shift in housing trends.
What’s driving this growth? Soaring rents, delayed homeownership, the lasting financial impact, and a shift in societal norms.
We spoke with Kyla Lamontagne, who’s had her fair share of roommate experiences, about the ups and downs of co-living in adulthood:
“I loved living with roommates! I also didn’t love living with roommates—it was always a mixed bag depending on how I was feeling, what was going on in my life, and who my roommates were. But I loved the space it afforded. I loved living with a dog I wasn’t responsible for because it was my roommate’s. I loved having someone for movie nights and impromptu happy hours. Our apartments were bigger than anything I could afford alone—and for most of my 20s, having roommates wasn’t just a choice, it was a necessity. But more than the cost savings, it was just fun having someone to share things with!”
So if you’re still wondering whether splitting rent and sharing chores in your 30s makes sense, stick around. We’re breaking down why it’s not just a smart move—it might just be your best one yet.
The Perks of Having Roommates in Your 30s
Bigger Budgets, Better Spaces
Splitting rent isn’t just about saving money—it’s about upgrading your lifestyle. According to Diggz data, young professionals (ages 22–29) have the highest roommate budgets at $2,049, indicating that they are willing to spend more for convenience and prime locations. Adults in their 30s follow closely with an average budget of $1,732, looking to balance affordability with upgraded living spaces.
For context, the average one-bedroom apartment in the U.S. costs around $1,500, while a two-bedroom averages $1,900. That’s a $550 rent difference when split between two people—huge savings!
Even if affordability isn’t a concern, having a roommate means you can opt for a better apartment with top-tier amenities—think in-unit laundry, a gym, or even a rooftop lounge. And let’s not forget the extra cash in your pocket. More money for weekend getaways, spontaneous takeout nights, or finally signing up for that overpriced but so-worth-it pilates class.
Built-in Social Life
Life in your 30s can feel a little…isolating. College made it easy to find friends, but now? Work friends are great, but not always “let’s binge a whole Netflix series together” great. And after a long day, the last thing you want is to muster up the energy for a night out just to avoid feeling alone.
Having a roommate means there’s always someone around—whether for a post-work vent session, a shared dinner, or just coexisting in comfortable silence. Kyla shares:
“With my roommate, I share my biggest triumphs and my deepest dispairs. We negotiate kitchen organization and living room arrangements. We eat dinner together and complain about work. We learn what it means to consider another person’s comfort, even if it means not exactly getting our way.”
A roommate isn’t just someone to split rent with—they’re part of your daily life in ways that can be surprisingly fulfilling.
Skill Sharing: Learn (and Teach) as You Go
Think of roommates as built-in life coaches. One of you might be a home improvement whiz, while the other is a meal-prepping pro. Before you know it, you’re swapping skills—fixing leaky faucets, learning the perfect pasta sauce recipe, or even picking up budgeting hacks from each other. Living with someone else means constant, unexpected learning, whether it’s about home maintenance or the best way to keep houseplants alive.
For Cat Thompson, who moved in with roommates at 37, the experience was a surprising growth opportunity:
“Since moving into my house-share, I’ve been introduced to new social circles, learned I’m terrible at chess, and developed a fondness for red borscht after a culinary crash course in Eastern European cuisine.”
Shared Responsibilities: Divide and Conquer
Household chores hit differently in your 30s. No one wants to be the only one taking out the trash or dealing with the dreaded sink full of dishes. Most roommates divide responsibilities early on, ensuring a fair system for:
✅ Cleaning shared spaces
✅ Taking out the garbage
✅ Running the dishwasher
✅ Maybe even cooking together (if you’re lucky)
And it’s not just chores—you share furniture, appliances, and even pet-sitting duties. Take it from a fellow renter, who was finally able to travel thanks to having a roommate:
“I actually took my very first trip after moving in with my roommate. I’ve had my cat for years and couldn’t imagine leaving her with a stranger from an online pet-sitting service. But my roommate also had a cat, and they quickly became besties. They kept each other entertained while we took turns watching them—it was the perfect setup.”
Even if you’re not a pet parent, having someone around to water your plants or grab your packages while you’re away is a game-changer. A roommate can be more than just a cohabitant—they can be an extra layer of support in your daily life.
The Unique Challenges of Roommate Life at 30+
Living with roommates in your 30s comes with its own set of challenges—because, let’s face it, you’re not the same person you were in your early 20s. You have stronger opinions, established habits, and a lot less patience for passive-aggressive sticky notes about dirty dishes.
Kyla, who has navigated both the highs and lows of roommate life, sums it up perfectly:
“It becomes SO MUCH HARDER to compromise on things the older you get! That’s why I wanted to keep living with roommates as long as possible—I was constantly flexing that negotiation muscle and working on compromise! Those are such valuable skills to have as an adult. In a ‘me’ centered society, it’s a great reality check that not everything is about you. There’s a ‘we,’ and that person’s needs are just as important as yours.”
1. Boundaries and Privacy: Space Matters More Than Ever
Remember in college when someone could barge into your dorm at any time, and it was just whatever? Yeah, those days are long gone. In your 30s, personal space isn’t just a preference—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s needing alone time to recharge after work or simply wanting a kitchen that doesn’t feel like Grand Central Station, setting boundaries is key.
2. Different Lifestyles: When Opposites Coexist
Roommate harmony gets tricky when you’re dealing with:
- Early birds vs. night owls—One person’s “just getting started” is another’s “please, for the love of sleep, go to bed.”
- Tidy vs. messy—At 30+, cleaning habits are pretty set. If one roommate loves a spotless space and the other is more relaxed, it can lead to tension.
- Work-from-home vs. out-all-day—Some need a quiet space for Zoom calls, while others just want to blast music and unwind.
Finding balance means clear communication and (sometimes) a bit of compromise.
3. Financial Disparities: Budgeting Differences Add Up
In your 30s, money matters—but not everyone is on the same financial page. One roommate might be all about high-end organic groceries and fancy gym memberships, while another is trying to keep costs low. These differences can make things tricky when it comes to:
- Splitting utility bills—Are we keeping the AC blasting in summer or sticking to fans?
- Groceries & household items—Do we all chip in for shared essentials, or is it every person for themselves?
- Upgrading the apartment—One person might be fine with IKEA basics, while another wants to invest in high-end decor.
Having an open conversation about financial expectations before moving in can prevent resentment later.
4. Significant Others: When Plus-Ones Become Unofficial Roommates
A classic roommate dilemma: One person starts dating someone, and suddenly, that person is always there. While this can happen at any age, people in their 30s are more likely to move in with a partner—officially or unofficially.
Some common issues:
- The never-ending sleepover—When does a “guest” become a third roommate?
- Bills & responsibilities—If someone’s partner is constantly using utilities and shared spaces, should they contribute?
- Space & privacy—A plus-one means an extra presence in the common areas, which can change the apartment dynamic.
Setting expectations around overnight guests (or even implementing a “guest cap” per week) can help keep things fair.
How to Make It Work Smoothly
Living with roommates in your 30s isn’t just about splitting bills—it’s about coexisting in a way that keeps the peace and (hopefully) makes life easier. Here’s how to make sure your shared space runs smoothly:
1. Set Clear Expectations from Day One
Bills, chores, guests—talk about them before they become an issue. A simple chore chart can work wonders, and if you’re using Diggz to find a roommate, you can match with someone who aligns with your lifestyle. Want a spotless kitchen? Prefer a guest-free apartment? Finding someone on the same page makes all the difference.
Also, be clear on what expenses and items you’ll share versus keep separate. Need tips? Check out this guide on how to split expenses with your roommates.
2. Respect Each Other’s Space
A closed door = quiet time. Just because you live together doesn’t mean you need to be joined at the hip. Alone time is essential, and setting boundaries—whether it’s about noise levels, work schedules, or bathroom time—helps keep things smooth.
3. Communicate Like an Adult
Your 30s are not the time for passive-aggressive Post-it notes. If something is bothering you, address it early before it turns into a full-blown issue. Monthly roommate check-ins (even if it’s just over a casual dinner) can help keep things running smoothly.
4. Find Ways to Bond
Sharing a space is much easier when you actually like the person you live with. Take it from someone who didn’t bond with their roommate until a year in—moving apartments together turned into an unexpected bonding experience. Hopefully, you won’t need that level of chaos to connect! Instead, try bonding over shared hobbies, a favorite TV show, or even just the occasional takeout night.
A little effort goes a long way in turning a roommate into a friend—or at least someone you genuinely enjoy living with.
Conclusion: Why It’s Worth It
Living with roommates at 30 isn’t just about splitting rent—it’s about affording a better lifestyle. With shared expenses, you get access to bigger apartments, better amenities, and extra savings to put toward travel, dining out, buying your first home, or even just a solid emergency fund.
But beyond the financial perks, there’s something comforting about knowing you’re not coming home to an empty space. The sound of keys hitting the entry table on a quiet Wednesday? Jarring. But add the hum of a TV in the background or the smell of something cooking in the kitchen, and suddenly, home feels a little warmer.
It’s easy to think of having roommates in your 30s as a step back—like some extended-stay version of your parent’s basement. But the reality? It’s a step forward. A smart, financially sound, and even enjoyable way to live.
If you’re looking for a roommate who matches your lifestyle, check out Diggz—because finding the right roommate makes all the difference.