Meet city life, without the city prices
People move to cities for good reasons: better jobs, public transportation, more services, and greater access to community resources. And it pays off: people earn about 23% more on average in U.S. cities than in rural areas, according to recent data.
But the financial upside of urban living is often undercut by sky-high housing costs. In early 2025, the average rent in the U.S. hit $1,825, and in the most expensive cities, it’s much higher: $3,495 in Boston, $3,489 in New York City, and $3,368 in San Francisco—more than double the national average. For many, these prices make traditional rentals out of reach.
At the same time, wages haven’t kept up. Real earnings rose just 1.4% last year, leaving essential and hourly workers struggling to find stable housing close to work, school, or healthcare.
If you want to live where the opportunities are but can’t afford traditional housing, shared housing offers a smarter, more accessible path forward. And PadSplit makes it easier than ever to access.
What is shared housing—and how is PadSplit different?
Shared housing means renting a private bedroom in a home while sharing kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas with other residents. It’s been a practical solution for generations—from students and healthcare workers to retirees and people in life transitions.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, shared housing not only helps reduce housing costs but also promotes faster access to shelter, stronger social connections, and better health outcomes.
PadSplit modernizes this model with a fast, technology-driven platform that connects renters with move-in-ready rooms without the need for minimum credit scores, long leases, or security deposits. Members pay one all-inclusive weekly rate that covers rent, WiFi, utilities, and laundry access.
👉 Learn more about PadSplit’s shared housing model.
5 ways PadSplit makes expensive cities more affordable
1. Save thousands on move-in costs
Traditional apartments often require a credit check, a deposit, and first and last month’s rent, which can add up to $2,500 to $6,000 just to get started.
PadSplit eliminates those barriers. Your move-in costs could be as little as $300, depending on the room and location. That typically includes a one-time move-in fee, your first week’s dues, and a small application fee. There’s no deposit, no utilities to set up, and no long waiting period.
This makes it easier to secure housing quickly, especially if you’re starting a new job, relocating, or in between places.
2. Choose the plan that fits your lifestyle
Not everyone can commit to a 12-month lease, and PadSplit doesn’t expect you to.
- The Standard Plan includes a 12-week minimum stay and then transitions to flexible weekly payments.
- The Premium Flexibility Upgrade allows even shorter commitments for those who need maximum flexibility.
Whether you’re in Atlanta starting a new job, a traveling healthcare worker in Houston, or a student wrapping up a semester in Charlotte, PadSplit offers options that work with your timeline, not against it.
👉 Learn more about PadSplit’s commitment options.
3. Live closer to work, school, and essentials
PadSplit homes are located in well-connected neighborhoods near transit lines, major employers, grocery stores, and schools. That means less time commuting, more time for yourself, and real savings on transportation.
Whether you’re a rideshare driver in Phoenix, a teacher in Orlando, or a nurse in San Antonio, PadSplit lets you live closer to the things that matter without paying luxury prices.
Many members report saving hundreds each month on transportation alone.
4. Keep your budget consistent with all-inclusive pricing
PadSplit simplifies your finances with one weekly payment that covers rent, electricity, water, internet, and laundry access. There are no split bills, no utility setup headaches, and no unexpected fees.
Members also benefit from extras like:
- Free telemedicine access via Teladoc
- A Member Dashboard to manage payments and transfers
- One free transfer if your first home isn’t the right fit
👉 Learn more about PadSplit Member Benefits.
5. Build credit while you rent
PadSplit partners with Esusu, a credit-building platform that reports on-time rent payments to the major credit bureaus. This helps members strengthen their financial profile just by paying their weekly dues on time.
95% of participating members have seen their credit scores improve through the program—some by dozens of points.
For PadSplit member Christy, this benefit was life-changing:
“PadSplit allowed me to save money and improve my credit score by nearly 100 points,” Christy said. “It gave me the space to focus on building a better future.”
What PadSplit members are saying
Across the U.S., PadSplit members are using shared housing to stay close to work, save money, and reclaim control of their housing situation.
In cities like Tampa, Dallas, and Houston, members say PadSplit helped them move on short notice, find stability in a new city, or stop relying on long-term motel stays. For others, it became a stepping stone toward longer-term financial and personal goals.
Whether you’re a student in Charlotte, a healthcare worker in San Antonio, or someone transitioning to a new job in Atlanta, PadSplit offers flexibility, affordability, and a faster path to housing.
A better way to live affordably in the city
In cities where rent is rising faster than wages, shared housing is more than just a budget option. It’s a practical, proven solution.
PadSplit takes that model and adds structure, support, and speed. Instead of paying thousands to move in, you could apply online and move into a fully furnished room in as little as 24 to 48 hours. There’s no minimum credit score, no hefty deposit, and no long-term commitment required.
From essential workers in Jacksonville to students in Phoenix and retirees in Orlando, PadSplit members are finding better ways to live affordably, right where they need to be.
How PadSplit compares to other housing options
| Feature | Traditional Apartment | Extended Stay Motel | PadSplit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly payments | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Minimum credit score | Required | Not required | Not required |
| Security deposit | Often required | Not required | Not required |
| Utilities included | No | Yes | Yes |
| Furnished private room | Often extra | Yes | Yes |
| Move-in time | 1–3 weeks | Same day | Within 24–48 hours of approval |
Ready to get started?
If you’re looking for a simpler, more flexible way to live in a city like Atlanta, Houston, or Dallas, PadSplit is ready when you are.
There’s no deposit, no minimum credit score, and no complicated lease. Just browse available rooms, submit your application, and move in as soon as 24 to 48 hours after approval.
Whether you’re relocating, saving up, or starting fresh, PadSplit gives you more than just a room—it gives you a way forward. ⏩ Find a PadSplit in your city today!
