How to Split Roommate Expenses
Groceries, utilities, toilet paper, cleaning supplies—living with roommates means constant shared costs. Here's how to keep the books straight without drama.
What roommates typically split
Groceries (shared items or whole trips), utilities, internet, streaming services, household supplies, and sometimes takeout or delivery. One person often pays the bill or runs the Costco trip, and reimbursement gets forgotten. A running tally prevents awkward "you still owe me for last month's electric" conversations.
Log shared costs as they happen
Create an ongoing Otter trip for your household. Whenever someone pays for something shared—grocery run, electric bill, toilet paper—add it: who paid, who it's split between, and the amount. Equal split or custom shares (e.g., 50/50 or by room size). Settle up weekly or monthly. Everyone sees the same numbers, so there's no dispute.
Works for 2 roommates or 5
Whether you're splitting with one roommate or a whole house, Otter handles it. Add everyone, split equally or by custom percentage, and let the app do the math. No spreadsheets, no IOU notes on the fridge.
Related: How to split a dinner bill fairly