- For roommates, living with a homeowner offers substantial savings in major US metros - as much as $3,720 per year in Miami and $2,304 per year in New York.
- Across the US, homeowners renting out rooms charge 10% less than the average room rent.
New data from roommate site SpareRoom shows living with homeowners could cut US renters' monthly outgoings by 10% on average, with savings in some metros much larger than that.
Based on March 2025 rental data, roommates living with their landlord in Miami save, on average, $310 per month or as much as $3,720 per year, compared to the average room rent, which includes rentals advertised by agents and landlords who don't live in the property.
Renters who homeshare in New York save, on average, $192 per month or $2,304 per year. And renters in San Francisco and Los Angeles can save upwards of $1K per year by living with their landlords.
| Metro Area | Average monthly room rent March 2025 | Ave monthly room rent in homeshares* March 2025 | Monthly saving | Annual saving | Saving (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $1,555 | $1,363 | $192 | $2,304 | 12.3 |
| Los Angeles | $1,331 | $1,241 | $90 | $1,080 | 6.8 |
| Dallas | $947 | $920 | $27 | $324 | 2.9 |
| Washington DC | $1,281 | $1,211 | $70 | $840 | 5.5 |
| Miami | $1,644 | $1,334 | $310 | $3,720 | 18.9 |
| San Diego | $1,314 | $1,272 | $42 | $504 | 3.2 |
| Phoenix | $933 | $911 | $22 | $264 | 2.4 |
| San Francisco/Bay Area | $1,365 | $1,269 | $96 | $1,152 | 7.0 |
| US | $1,144 | $1,032 | $112 | $1,344 | 9.8 |
*Rooms advertised by homeowners who live in the same property
Matt Hutchinson, spokesperson at roommate site SpareRoom, comments: “For homeowners, renting out a spare room is a great way to earn a passive income, while contributing to rental supply so desperately needed in metro areas especially. But often overlooked are the benefits to roommates who, on average, pay less to live with homeowners - and in homes that may offer a better standard of living. In a recent survey, 72% of roommates told us they spend more than 30% of their income, after taxes are deducted, on rent, so cutting costs is a top priority for most renters.
“Many homeowners advertising for roommates to share their homes are so-called ‘empty-nesters’ – people whose adult children have moved out – as well as those who haven't saved enough to retire comfortably, those who want companionship, or regular travelers who like the security of someone they trust around the house. The savings can be bigger if the homeowner needs assistance around the house, perhaps regular pet sitting, gardening, or cleaning. For those looking for cheaper rent, and happy to help out around the home, this can be a win-win arrangement, but the expectations must be fair and reasonable.
“Whatever the motivation, homesharing adds to rental supply and if more people did it, we'd ease the housing crisis.”