Nearly 43 million households in the United States rent their homes, and almost half of them are housing cost-burdened – meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing – the Census Bureau announced in 2024. While living with a roommate can ease this burden and lower someone’s annual housing costs, finding a good roommate can certainly be a challenge. If you’re moving to a new city or simply don’t know anyone who’s looking for a roommate, you’ll likely have to take your roommate search online. Here are some options for how to find a roommate.
Whether you need help managing your expenses, investing your assets or creating a financial plan, consider working with a financial advisor who can meet your needs. Find an advisor today.
1. Craigslist
Let’s start with the obvious: Craigslist. When it comes to finding a roommate, the world’s largest online classified section is hard to beat. The important thing when using Craigslist to find a roommate is to do your due diligence.
It’s a good idea to meet with any potential roommates in person at least once before signing any documents. And the first time you’re meeting with someone in person, you may want to bring a friend in case things go sideways. Also, there are lots of scams floating around on Craigslist, so be cautious. Never give or send anyone money until you’re sure that they are legit. If it’s your first time renting, don’t forget about renters insurance. It can be a lifesaver if your personal possessions are damaged or stolen.
2. PadMapper
With its free, map-based interface, PadMapper makes it easy to find apartments in a particular neighborhood or even on a particular block.
If you already have an apartment or house and are looking for a roommate to fill one of your rooms, download the free PadMapper app for Android or iOS and create a listing.
3. Roomi
Roomi takes helping you find a roommate seriously. The site screens all listings and users before they go live, ensuring that you won’t fall victim to a scam. Its airy aesthetic and easy-to-navigate website is a millennial’s dream. It’s free to create an account, post a listing and search the site. However, for unlimited messaging, you’ll have to purchase a premium membership that costs $29.99 per month.
4. Facebook
Speaking of Facebook, if you don’t mind making your roommate search public, it may be worthwhile to post a note letting your friends know you are searching for a roommate. If you are moving to a new city and know a few people there, tag them in the post.
Otherwise, make sure to set the privacy on your post so that everyone in your network can see and share it. Even if no one you are directly connected to is searching for a roommate, they may know someone who is.
5. Roommates.com
Roommates.com is a dedicated roommate-matching platform that allows users to create detailed profiles, specify housing preferences, and search for compatible roommates based on lifestyle factors. The site offers both free and premium membership options, with features like verified accounts and messaging tools to facilitate connections. It serves users across the U.S. and is popular for its straightforward interface and search customization options.
6. Roomster
Roomster is an international roommate and housing marketplace that connects users looking for shared accommodations. It integrates with social media accounts to provide additional user verification and allows listings to include detailed descriptions and photos. The platform offers both free browsing and paid messaging options, making it accessible for those seeking roommates in major cities worldwide.
7. SpareRoom
SpareRoom is a roommate-finding platform that operates in the U.S. and the U.K., offering listings for rooms, entire apartments, and shared housing. The site provides a range of search filters, including lifestyle preferences and budget considerations, to help users find compatible matches. A unique feature is “SpeedRoommating” events in select cities, where people can meet potential roommates in person before committing to a lease.
8. Alumni Networks
It’s a good idea for college grads to take advantage of their school’s alumni network to find potential roommates. Many colleges have listservs for alumni living in major cities. Monitor the list for roommate requests or send out one of your own. Some alumni associations also have Facebook groups for alumni living in cities like Chicago, Atlanta and Austin.
9. Reddit
For the Redditors among us: many cities have subreddits dedicated to their housing markets. Many of the threads are written by other Redditors looking for housing in the city, so those may be worth a look if you have a room to fill. Otherwise, you can start your own thread and wait for the replies to come in.
How to Vet a Potential Roommate
Before agreeing to live with someone, it’s a good idea to vet a potential roommate to ensure compatibility and reliability. Start by asking about their lifestyle, work schedule and cleanliness habits to see if they align with your expectations. Discuss their past rental experiences and whether they have a history of paying rent and utilities on time.
A financial background check can help confirm their ability to contribute to shared expenses. You can ask for proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or an employment verification letter. If they have rented before, requesting references from previous landlords can provide insight into their reliability as a tenant.
Checking social media profiles can offer a glimpse into their personality and habits, but it’s also helpful to meet in person or via video call to gauge their demeanor and communication style. If safety is a concern, running a background check can provide additional reassurance.
Once you feel comfortable, putting expectations in writing – such as rent payments, guest policies, and cleaning duties – can prevent misunderstandings later. Taking these steps can help you find a roommate who is not only financially responsible but also a good fit for your living situation.
Bottom Line
There are plenty of options for finding a roommate online, whether through classified listings, social media or dedicated housing platforms. Each method comes with its own benefits and potential risks, making it useful to take the time to evaluate compatibility, reliability and safety before committing to a living arrangement. Open communication about finances, household responsibilities, and lifestyle preferences can help prevent future issues.
Tips for Renting
- If you’re unsure of whether you should rent or buy, consider consulting a financial advisor. A financial advisor can help you determine what’s best for your budget and guide you through a big decision like buying a house. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- If you’re a first-time renter, you may be unpleasantly surprised by all the costs you need to pay upfront. Many landlords ask for the first and last month’s rent, as well as a security deposit (often the equivalent of one month’s rent). You may even be expected to cough up the cash for a credit check. It’s important that you ask a lot of questions of what’s expected of you and get the cost details in writing so you have a paper trail of everything you’ve paid. And of course you’ll need to budget carefully for all of these costs so you’re not caught off-guard.
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