How to Split Utility Bills Without Ruining Friendships

Apps, ground rules, and smart habits for stress-free shared expenses

Living with housemates can be fun, affordable — and let’s be honest — occasionally awkward, especially when it comes to splitting utility bills.

Whether it’s electricity, water, WiFi, or streaming subscriptions, unclear expectations and poor tracking can lead to misunderstandings and resentment. But don’t worry — with the right tools and some simple rules, you can divide costs fairly and keep the peace.

💡 Step 1: Decide Which Bills You’ll Split

Start by listing all shared monthly expenses. These might include:

• Electricity
  
  
• Water & gas
  
  
• Internet/WiFi
  
  
• Netflix, Disney+, or Spotify Family
  
  
• Household items (toilet paper, dish soap, cleaning supplies)
  
  

💬 Tip: Have a quick discussion at the start of the lease to agree on what’s communal and what’s personal.

📱 Step 2: Use the Right Apps to Track & Split

Gone are the days of sticky notes and passive-aggressive spreadsheets. Try these free apps built for shared living:

✅ Splitwise

• Track who owes what, for which bill
  
  
• Automatically splits recurring payments
  
  
• Sends friendly reminders
  
  
• Supports multiple currencies (perfect for expats!)
  
  

✅ SettleUp

• Visual timeline of past payments
  
  
• Group tracking for shared utilities
  
  
• Great for housemates who rotate paying different bills
  
  

✅ Google Sheets (with automation)

• If you prefer custom control
  
  
• Set up monthly formulas and share edit access
  
  
• Add reminders via Google Calendar
  
  

🔐 Tip: Keep it transparent — everyone should be able to view the shared expense log at any time.

📆 Step 3: Set Ground Rules Upfront

Avoid friction later by establishing these rules early:

• Due dates: Set a clear deadline each month (e.g., all payments due by the 5th)
  
  
• One person collects and pays, or rotate responsibility
  
  
• Receipts/screenshots of payments should be shared in a group chat
  
  
• If someone moves out, agree how to prorate bills and refund shared deposits (like WiFi routers)
  
  

📌 Bonus tip: Save account login info (e.g., for SP Group, MyRepublic) in a shared password manager like Bitwarden — but only if everyone agrees!

⚖️ What’s a Fair Way to Split?

While equal division is easiest, you might want to tweak based on:

• Room size (larger rooms with aircon may pay a bit more for electricity)
  
  
• Usage habits (e.g., someone working from home 24/7)
  
  
• Couples (do they count as 1 or 2 shares?)
  
  

Discuss openly and agree as a group — then stick to it.

🧠 Final Thought: Transparency = Harmony

Money and friendship don’t always mix — but they don’t have to clash either. By using clear systems, good tools, and mutual respect, you can keep your house running smoothly (and your group chat drama-free).

Looking for housemates who share your values (and utilities fairly)?
 💡 Find like-minded co-living spaces at www.CoHomes.sg — where community and clarity go hand in hand.
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