Are roommates a good idea? Weigh the pros of having a roommate. Many renters struggle with those questions while searching for an apartment. Living alone has its perks, but so does living with roommates. If you’re one of the many trying to determine whether you should share an apartment or house, or live alone, here’s what you need to know.

Living alone vs. with roommates: Breaking down the pros

Living with friends or acquaintances can be a wonderful experience, but so can having the privacy that comes with living alone. The decision ultimately depends on what matters most to you at the time you’re looking for a new apartment. Understanding some of the pros of each situation can help you determine what works best for your lifestyle.

The benefits to having roommates

• Added convenience Roommates can bring added convenience to your living situation. For example, while you’re away on vacation, your roommate can let you know if you get important mail or water your plants.

• Help with chores You can split up the chores with your roommates to keep your home in tip-top shape with less individual work or time spent. For instance, you can share grocery shopping duties, and rotate or split cleaning responsibilities. Having roommates can lighten the load for everyone.

• Companionship If you enjoy having someone else around, one or more roommates means you’ll always have someone to turn to or spend time with. Even if you’re not super close, the presence of others in your home can make you feel less lonely.

• Saving money Saving money is one of the biggest reasons renters choose to move in with roommates. Having roommates means you split the total cost of rent, and you can live in a house or apartment, or in an area, you might not have the means to pay for on your own. You can also split bills with roommates like utilities and other important apartment expenses.

Sharing and Splitting bills with roommates offers one of the biggest advantages of having roommates — as long as everyone does their part!