8 Websites to Find Like-Minded Roommates

Finding a roommate is never easy, so here are eight websites to help you find someone like-minded to move in with.

Having a roommate not only saves you money but also helps you in making new friends. However, it’s hard to find a like-minded roommate that you'll get along with, especially when you’re searching for the first time.

If you’re having a hard time finding a roommate, these eight roommate finder websites can speed up your search.

1. Roommates.com

Roommates.com is perhaps the most popular website for finding roommates. To begin your search, sign up on the website and complete your profile.

After doing so, Roommates.com suggests potential roommates based on your preferences. It also allows you to search manually. You can narrow the results of a manual search by location range, budget, and move-in date. If you’re rushing to move in, sort the results by Earliest Move-in Date.

On Roommates.com, you will find detailed information about each profile. This includes preferred lease terms, room images, house features, and neighborhood details.

Using its fraud detection tool and verification requirements, it reduces spam and fake listings. Its plans begin from $5.99, which is quite economical provided you find a perfect match.

2. Diggz

Diggz is a relatively new platform that currently serves only 22 cities. However, it has an easy-to-use website with no hidden charges.

Although its matching algorithm ensures you see the most appropriate matches, you can further refine the results using various filters. To deal with scammers, it uses AI-based software and even vets profiles manually.

If you find a suitable profile on Diggz, you can “like” it, and that person will receive a notification. If interested, they'll reach out to you. On making a new profile, Diggz gives you 5 free instant messages. These instant messages allow you to chat with any person without being liked back.

Rather than keeping people in definite categories, like non-smokers or smokers, it uses a scale to show a person’s lifestyle. Although you can find roommates here without paying a dime, purchasing a membership will speed up the process.

Related: How to Find a Great Roommate?

3. Roomi

Unlike most other websites here, Roomi covers hundreds of cities from Toronto to Tokyo. The easy-to-navigate website and simple process make Roomi a popular option.

Like a dating app, its algorithm finds the best-suited person depending on your preferences. Additional verification checks make the process a bit lengthy, but weeds out spammers.

Another notable thing about Roomi is that it secures your first payment by holding, and then transferring it directly to the listing user. Though its team actively works to fight scams, you can read about potential scams on its help center.

It has a free plan, but you’ll need to pay for basic features such as a messaging plan, background check, ID verification.

4. Roomster

Roomster serves hundreds of cities and localities around the world. The standout feature of Roomster is that it links the social profiles of people on its website. So, you can visit their profile, learn more about them, and make the right decision.

Roomster has a simple website with brief profile descriptions, but the person’s social media profile will tell you everything you need to know. Multiple filters and sorting options makes your search quicker.

You can either go for a free account with limited features or purchase a three-day subscription for around $6.

Related: Tools to Fairly Split Chores and Bills With Your Roommates

5. SpareRoom

SpareRoom is another established website for finding roommates. Offering services in the US and UK, it claims to be the biggest network, matching roommates every three minutes.

The process is quite simple. You can either post a listing or browse existing ones through filters. For finding a perfect roommate on SpareRoom, you don’t necessarily have to pay.

SpareRoom makes no compromise on your privacy. It has a team of people for vetting listings and profiles. Moreover, it uses software for detecting and removing scam messages, even before they reach your inbox.

6. RoomieMatch

With its motto being “No scam, no spam, and no scum”, RoomieMatch manually screens all profiles before they go live.

Instead of publishing your information publicly on the web, its algorithm finds suitable people and emails you with the matched profiles. Once you fill the detailed sign-up form, your profile goes for a review. If it gets approved, you’ll start receiving emails.

RoomieMatch lets you create a free account, and then paid subscribers can reach out to you. But, it’s mandatory to purchase a membership if you want to contact people yourself.

7. Craigslist

Craigslist is the go-to website for finding anything in your locality, including roommates. The website supports nearly every city and has a vast network of users.

The downside of Craigslist is that you can’t sort, filter, and verify profiles. Since people don’t have to fill a comprehensive questionnaire, you’ll have to contact them to find out if they are suitable for you.

Craigslist doesn’t have a system for dealing with scammers. So be extra cautious and look out for red flags.

Related: Essential Mobile Apps for People Living With Roommates

8. Social Media Websites

Lastly, we have social media sites such as Reddit and Facebook. These platforms have Subreddits or groups where thousands of people are looking for a roommate.

Although these websites don’t support verification and filtering, they have millions of users from all over the world. For finding such groups on Facebook, search relevant terms, filter by groups, and specify your location.

To get you started, on Reddit check out the /r/redditroommates/ and /r/roommates/ Subreddits. On Facebook, try the Roommates Group and Matesplace groups.

Don’t Forget Your Alumni Network

For college grads, the alumni network is a valuable resource. Most alumni associations have groups on social sites, mailing lists, and forums.

So, you might be able to find a roommate on there as well. This way, you might even find someone you already know, so it will be much easier to adjust and get along with each other.

Using Technology to Live Together

All these websites make it simpler and quicker for you to find a roommate. With such extensive networks, AI-based software, and secure message boards, it’s easy to find a roommate than ever before.

Once you’ve found a like-minded roommate, you can make use of technology to live peacefully together.

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