FOR PARENTS

Can Roommates Help With the Cost?

See how roommate income can reduce your housing costs and make buying more affordable.

California State University, Monterey Bay · Seaside, CA

Run the Roommate Scenario

College or UniversityProperty priceNumber of bedroomsYour student’s roomNumber of roommatesExpected rent per roommate

Advanced ownership assumptions

Vacancy allowance (%)Monthly property taxesMonthly HOA / association

Estimated Monthly Breakdown

Total monthly ownership cost$5,053

Roommate contribution (3 × $1,369)−$4,107

Estimated family housing cost $946

That’s 81% lower than paying it all yourself.

Still unknown: property taxes, HOA / association cost. They are not represented as confirmed $0 costs.

Verify rental and occupancy rules

Check HOA restrictions

Allow for vacancy

Plan for utilities and repairs

Understand how lenders treat projected rent

Confirm insurance implications