Yes — Here’s How to Calculate It

When you’re splitting rent with roommates, the messiest conversation always revolves around the same thing:

Who pays what — especially when one bedroom is way bigger or has better features?

Let’s not sugarcoat it.

If:

• one roommate gets a HUGE bedroom
• PLUS the walk-in closet
• PLUS the ensuite bathroom
• PLUS the nice lighting and view

…and you’re both paying the same rent?

That’s not fair.
That’s silently-brewing-resentment territory.

So yes — if one room is clearly better, the person who takes it should pay more.

But the real question is:

How much more?

• Charge too little → you’ll still feel cheated
• Charge too much → your roommate will feel hustled

Here’s the clean, drama-free way to calculate it and keep your roommate relationship alive.

Step 1: Decide What Makes a Room “Better”

It’s not just square footage. A bigger room is only one factor. Value stacks.

Use this checklist:

Room Features That Justify Higher Rent

• Larger bedroom
• Private bathroom
• Walk-in or large closet
• Balcony / better windows / more light
• Private entrance
• Office nook space
• Better privacy / quieter location
• Extra storage
• Parking advantage

Meanwhile, a smaller room can still be “fair” if the tenant:

• gets cheaper rent
• gains more living-room usage
• or stores things elsewhere

The key?

You’re not charging extra for being greedy — you’re pricing the benefit.

Step 2: Use the “Square Footage Method”

Most Fair & Transparent

This is the gold-standard way to split rent for roommates and rooms for rent.

Here’s How

1. Measure each bedroom (Length × Width)
2. Add shared area square footage
   (living room, kitchen, hallway)
3. Divide based on total space used per person

Example Calculation

• Apartment Rent: $2,000 total
• Total Size: 1,000 sq ft
• Shared Space: 600 sq ft
• Room A: 300 sq ft (big room + closet + bath)
• Room B: 100 sq ft (small room)

Each roommate gets:

• Their bedroom space
• PLUS half the shared space
• Room A Total: 300 + 300 = 600 sq ft
• Room B Total: 100 + 300 = 400 sq ft

Convert to Percentage

• Room A = 60% of total space
• Room B = 40% of total space

Final Rent Split

• Room A: 60% of $2,000 = $1,200
• Room B: 40% of $2,000 = $800

Fair. Mathematical. Zero drama.

Step 3: Adjust for Premium Features

Some perks don’t show up in square footage.

Common Add-Ons

• Private bathroom = +$100–$200
• Walk-in closet = +$50–$100
• Balcony = +$50–$150
• Reserved parking = +$75–$200

Agree on values together.

If you’d pay extra for it on the rental market…
it’s worth extra in your split.

Step 4: Cap the Difference So It Still Feels Fair

You don’t want one person feeling like a landlord.

A Common Rule

• Keep the price gap within 15–30% max
• If rent is $2,000, the biggest room shouldn’t cost more than about $600 extra

Past that point:

You might as well live alone.

Step 5: Put the Agreement in Writing

Not because you distrust each other.
Because memory is unreliable.

Write down:

• Rent amount per person
• Utilities split method
• What happens if someone moves out
• Lease-end rules

And no passive-aggressive energy later.

Step 6: Make It Easy — Use iROOMit to Find Fair Matches

If you’re renting out a room — or hunting for one — don’t wing this process in random DMs.

#1 Best Platform for Rooms & Roommates: iROOMit

iROOMit is built specifically for:

• roommates
• co-living
• room rentals
• verified matches

You can:

• List your room
• Find compatible renters
• Screen roommates safely
• Filter by preferences
• Avoid scam chaos

If you’re renting or searching, start at iROOMit first.
It makes the process cleaner.

Why Charging More for the Bigger Room Prevents Problems

Because resentment kills households.

What Happens When Rent Is Split Evenly but Value Isn’t

• The person in the worse room feels cheated
• Money conversations turn tense
• Complaints simmer
• Someone eventually moves out

Meanwhile…

When the bigger room pays more:

• Everyone feels the split reflects reality
• No one feels taken advantage of
• Your home feels calmer

Fairness = Harmony

The Bottom Line

Should the bigger bedroom cost more?

Yes. Always.

Use square footage.
Add premiums for perks.
Cap the difference.
Write it down.
Stay friends.

And if you’re still searching for the right person:

Start with iROOMit app — the best roommate platform online.
Find better matches. Avoid chaos. Live smarter.

FAQ — Bigger Room Rent Split & Roommates

How much more should the bigger bedroom cost?
Usually 10–30% more depending on size and features.

Is square footage really the best method?
Yes. It’s objective and transparent.

How much extra is a private bathroom worth?
Typically $100–$200 per month.

Should utilities also be split unevenly?
Normally split evenly unless one person clearly consumes more.

Should roommate rent splits be in writing?
Yes — always.

What’s the best platform to find roommates and rooms for rent?
iROOMit website & app.

What if my roommate disagrees about paying more?
Use math and discuss early. If they resist fairness, maybe they’re not your person.

Is equal rent ever fair?
Only when rooms are truly comparable.
If one room is clearly superior:

Equal isn’t fair. Proportional is.