The Cost of Living...Together

Dear Alisa and Gina,

My boyfriend and I have decided to move into an apartment together. He makes three times more money than I do. Should we split expenses 50/50, or should I suggest that he pays more since he makes more? ~ Girlfriend

I think he should suggest he pays more since he makes more. But, if he doesn’t offer, then yes, split the expenses 50/50. (However, every time you go out, make him buy you dinner.) ~ Gina

I’m interested to hear how you’re deciding how much to pay for rent. Clearly splitting 50/50 puts you into a very different kind of neighborhood. That would be a good place to start the discussion about how you’re going to split expenses. If he doesn’t offer to pay the same % of his salary that you’re paying from yours, that would be a good way in to a deeper discussion of how you relate to money. That’s a huge conversation worth having as soon as possible. ~Alisa