How to Find Roommates in a New City: 10 Tips [2025]

The best ways to find roommates in a new city include using your personal network, searching on roommate-matching apps, checking social media groups, exploring co-living spaces, and even asking your landlord for leads. To protect yourself, run background checks, draft a roommate agreement, and stay alert for scams.

This guide breaks down 10 proven strategies, and provides tips on preparing agreements and avoiding common pitfalls.

Finding Roommates in a New City

1. Use Your Network to Find a Roommate

One of the easiest ways to find a roommate is through people you already know. Many people move to new cities for work or school, and HR departments, alumni associations, and student housing boards for off-campus housing often have roommate resources.

Even casual conversations can help. Let colleagues, classmates, or local contacts know you’re looking. A personal referral is one of the safest ways to connect with a trustworthy roommate.

2. Try Online Platforms for Finding Roommates

Dedicated roommate apps and websites expand your search beyond personal connections. Popular options include:

• Sparerozom
• Roomster
• Roomi
• Roommates.com
• Roomie Match
• Rainbow Roommates

Most platforms offer filters for budget, lifestyle, and location. Some use matching algorithms to pair compatible renters. To get the best results, create a detailed profile, highlight your interests, and respond quickly to messages. Being proactive helps you stand out in a competitive housing market.

Roommate Platform Comparison

3. Use Professional Services for Finding Roommates

Professional services, such as real estate agents or corporate housing providers, can help match you with roommates. While convenient, they usually charge higher fees than DIY methods.

If you choose this route, research providers carefully. Ask about their success rates, fees, and vetting process. Be clear about your expectations, such as whether you prioritize budget, cleanliness, or location, so they can match you with someone compatible.

4. Use Facebook to Find Roommates

Yes, Facebook groups can be an effective way to find roommates or sublets in specific cities. Search for housing or roommate groups tied to your area, then introduce yourself and share details about your needs.

Since profiles are not anonymous, it’s easier to check whether someone seems legitimate. Just remember to follow group rules, avoid spamming, and always meet potential roommates in public before exchanging money.

5. Use Reddit to Find Roommates

Many cities have active local subreddits where residents post housing opportunities and roommate searches. Browse threads in r/[YourCity] or housing-related subreddits, and consider posting your own roommate ad.

Be respectful of subreddit rules and cautious with personal information. While Reddit can provide authentic connections, it’s not a moderated rental service, so scams are possible.

6. Use Craigslist to Find Roommates

Craigslist has long been used to find roommates, and it still has plenty of listings. The tradeoff: you’ll need to sift through a mix of serious offers and questionable ads.

When posting your own ad, be clear about your budget, lifestyle, and dealbreakers. If meeting a potential roommate, choose a public space during the day and bring a friend. Craigslist can work, but trust your instincts and prioritize safety.

7. Consider Co-Living Spaces

Co-living spaces are furnished apartments with shared common areas and community amenities like cleaning services or events. They offer a built-in social network, making them great for people new to a city.

The downsides of co-living? Higher rent and less privacy compared to traditional apartments. Before committing, research the company’s rules, community style, and hidden fees. For some renters, the convenience outweighs the costs.

8. Ask Your Landlord for Help Finding a Roommate

Yes, landlords sometimes know other tenants looking for roommates and can connect you with prospective renters. Since they manage the property, they may even have pre-screened candidates.

Be upfront about your budget, lifestyle preferences, and move-in timeline. While not every landlord offers this service, it’s worth asking as part of your search.

9. Run Background Checks on Roommates

Running a background check isn’t always necessary, but it can give you peace of mind. Services exist to check criminal history, eviction records, and credit reports.

If you decide to request one, discuss it openly with your potential roommate. Transparency builds trust and avoids surprises. Combine background checks with your own judgment—personal compatibility is just as important as financial reliability.

Make Sure to Identify Scams When Searching for Roommates

Unfortunately, scams are common in roommate searches. Protect yourself by:

• Never sending money before meeting in person.
• Avoiding ads with vague details or stock photos.
• Using reverse image search to spot reused photos.
• Insisting on a signed lease or subletting agreement.

If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Report suspicious listings to the platform or authorities.

Preparing a Roommate Agreement

Before diving headfirst into moving in, taking a step back to establish clear expectations and responsibilities is crucial. This is where a roommate agreement comes in – your roadmap to a harmonious living environment.

What Should a Roommate Agreement Include?

A roommate agreement is a written document that outlines how you’ll share responsibilities. While not always legally binding, it prevents conflict and builds accountability.

Key items to cover:

• Rent amounts and due dates
• How utilities are split
• Cleaning schedules and chores
• Guest policies
• Shared vs. private spaces

Being specific, like who cleans the kitchen and how often, helps avoid misunderstandings. Creating this agreement sets the foundation for a smoother, more respectful living arrangement.

Need tips on sharing utilities? Check out our guide on how to split utility costs with a roommate.

What Questions Should You Ask a Potential Roommate?

The right questions reveal if your lifestyles will mesh. Beyond surface-level topics, ask about:

• Daily routines: Do they wake up at 5 a.m. or stay up past midnight?
• Guests and partners: How often do they host? Are overnight visitors a concern?
• Household habits: Do they clean weekly or wait until dishes pile up?
• Finances: Are they comfortable using apps for bills and paying rent on time?
• Work-from-home setups: Noise and space needs differ between remote and in-office workers.

These conversations clarify expectations early and prevent conflicts later.

Check out our in-depth article on 36 questions to ask a potential roommate.

How Much Money Can You Save With a Roommate?

Sharing rent and utilities usually saves hundreds of dollars a month. For example, the average one-bedroom in Los Angeles costs $2,543, while a two-bedroom split with a roommate averages $1,887 per person—a $656 monthly savings. In high-rent cities, the savings can be even larger.

In expensive metros, the difference is even more pronounced. Here’s a snapshot comparing average one-bedroom rents to per-person rent in a two-bedroom:

How To Stay Safe When Meeting Potential Roommates

Prioritize safety throughout your search. Arrange first meetings in a public place, like a café, and consider a video call before meeting in person. Share your plans with a friend or family member, including the person’s name and where you’re going.

When touring apartments, schedule daytime visits and never transfer money before verifying the lease and landlord. Trust your instincts: if someone dodges questions, pressures you to commit quickly, or refuses transparency, walk away.

Looking for a New Apartment?

Finding roommates in a new city doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Use your network, roommate apps, and community groups to expand your options. Stay safe by verifying identities, drafting a roommate agreement, and avoiding scams.

Ready to find an apartment where you can split costs with the right roommate? Take our Apartment List quiz and find your perfect pad!

FAQs about Finding Roommates in a New City

Do people use Bumble to find roommates?

Yes, Bumble BFF allows users to connect for friendships and sometimes roommates. While not the most popular method, it can work if lifestyle compatibility is your priority.

How do most people find roommates?

• Leveraging existing networks: Sharing your search with friends, family, colleagues, or even alumni networks can yield unexpected connections.
• Online platforms: Websites and apps like Roomster, Roomi, Spareroom, and Craigslist offer diverse options, but require careful filtering and awareness of potential scams.
• Social media groups: Facebook and local subreddits often have groups specifically focused on finding roommates or housing, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals.
• Co-living spaces: These offer furnished apartments, shared amenities, and built-in communities, but come with higher rent and less privacy.
• Professional services: Real estate agents or corporate housing companies can offer convenience, but at a higher cost.

Is there a social media app for finding roommates?

Apps like Roomster, Roomi, and Spareroom function specifically for finding compatible shared living situations. These offer detailed profiles, matching algorithms, and communication features to facilitate the process.

Can landlords refuse to allow roommates?

Yes, depending on your lease. Some landlords require all roommates to be on the lease, while others limit occupancy. Always check your rental agreement first.

What happens if my roommate breaks the agreement?

If your roommate violates your roommate agreement or lease terms, you may be held responsible. Document issues, communicate clearly, and escalate to your landlord if needed.