Find A Roommate In Chicago | Best App To Use

Chicago is booming, but soaring rents and high living costs are making solo apartments harder to afford. Average rent in the city recently hit around US $2,200 per month for many units. This makes sharing housing a smart choice for students, young professionals, and anyone moving to the city. Want to find a roommate in Chicago without stress or endless searching? The right app can turn that goal into reality.

Meanwhile, when looking for a roommate in Chicago, some questions often raises like:

• How do I find someone trustworthy and compatible in a city as big as Chicago?
• Which neighborhoods or apartments offer the best value when split with a roommate?
• How can I match with a person whose habits, budget, and schedule fit mine?
• What’s the easiest, safest way to find a roommate and avoid scams or mismatches?

You’re in the right place. This page guides you to the best app for finding a roommate in Chicago, an app that helps you match with compatible roommates, manage shared bills and chores, and make shared living smooth and stress-free. Scroll down and you’ll discover exactly how to find that ideal roommate in Chicago, step by step. Ready to make Chicago living affordable, friendly, and comfortable? Let’s get started.

Also See: Find Roommates in Calgary | Best Apps To Use

What is the Average Cost of Living in Chicago?

Here are some typical monthly costs for someone living in Chicago. These numbers are approximate averages based on recent public data. Actual spending may be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle, neighbourhood, and whether you share (for example, using Platuni).

#1. Housing / Rent

• A 1‑bedroom apartment in city centre Chicago costs about US $1,800–2,900/month as of 2025.
• For a 2‑bedroom apartment, rent is roughly US $2,400–4,000/month in central or nicer areas.
• Sharing housing with roommates (e.g. via Platuni) can significantly reduce these costs, making living in Chicago far more affordable.

#2. Utilities & Internet

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, water, etc.) for a modest apartment often run US $150–250/month.
• Internet or cable with a typical residential plan tends to cost around US $60–120/month.

Also See: Best Apps to Find International Student Housing in Boston

#3. Food & Groceries

• Groceries and everyday food expenses for a single person usually range between US $400–550/month, depending on diet and shopping choices.
• Dining out or occasional meals at restaurants will add extra costs, but keeping a moderate budget helps control overall spending.

#4. Transportation

• Public transport in Chicago (buses, train) is widely used. A monthly pass or regular commuting by public transit tends to cost around US $75–105/month.
• If you own a car, costs will be higher, including fuel, parking, and insurance, which increases your monthly expenses.

#5. Total Monthly Estimated Cost (Single Person, Moderate Lifestyle)

A single person living alone (1‑bedroom + basic utilities + groceries + transport + modest personal expenses) in Chicago can expect to spend around US $2,500 – 3,500/month (and possibly more, depending on lifestyle and location).

If you share housing through Platuni, splitting rent, utilities, and maybe other costs, your monthly burden can drop significantly, often making living in Chicago much more affordable while still enjoying city life.

Also Read: 10 Best Affordable Restaurants In Chicago

10 Best Apps to Find A Roommate In Chicago

In no particular order, we have listed the best apps to find roommates in Calgary. Carefully go through the list to choose the app you can use.

#1. Platuni

Platuni is the ultimate platform if you want to find a roommate in Chicago without stress. This app connects students, young professionals, and anyone moving to Chicago with verified and compatible roommates. You can build a detailed profile with your lifestyle, budget, and move-in preferences. Platuni also includes a compatibility quiz to match you with people who share your habits and values.

Messaging and chatting with potential roommates happens securely inside the app. You can also manage shared bills, chores, and even important housing documents. These features make Platuni not just an app for finding a roommate in Chicago, but a complete co-living solution that keeps life organized and fair after you move in.

Try Downloading the Platuni App Today

• Download the App on the App Store
• Download the App on the Play Store

#2. Roomster

Roomster is a popular app with a large pool of roommate listings in Chicago. It allows you to filter searches by budget, location, lifestyle, and preferences. Each profile is verified, helping you avoid scams and connect safely with people you might live with.

Roomster makes it easy to browse rooms and potential roommates in one place. You can message directly through the app and arrange meetings confidently. This makes it a convenient choice for anyone wondering how to find a roommate in Chicago quickly and safely.

Also Read: Best Apps to Find International Student Housing in New York

#3. Roomi

Roomi is especially popular among students and young professionals. It provides verified room listings, sublets, and spare rooms in Chicago. Users can set preferences for lifestyle, budget, and housing type, helping them find a roommate in Chicago who matches their needs.

Roomi also allows in-app messaging and offers flexible options for short-term and long-term housing. Its easy-to-use interface makes searching for a compatible roommate faster, reducing the stress of moving to a big city.

#4. Roomgo (formerly Easyroommate)

Roomgo lists many shared housing options in Chicago. You can browse active ads, see roommate profiles, and contact potential roommates directly. The platform is straightforward, which makes it ideal for people who want to find a roommate in Chicago without complicated steps.

Roomgo’s search tools allow filtering by price, location, and lifestyle, helping you focus on compatible living arrangements. This app is great for anyone who prefers exploring a wide range of options and making informed choices.

#5. RoommateFinder.co

RoommateFinder.co provides access to many profiles and room listings in Chicago. You can browse free listings, check profiles, and connect directly with potential roommates. Its simple interface makes it easier to find a roommate in Chicago, even for first-time users.

This platform is suitable for students, young professionals, and anyone moving to the city. It helps users save time and effort while finding compatible roommates, which makes settling into Chicago life smoother and more affordable.

Also See: International Housing in Columbia | Best Options for Students

#6. iROOMit

iROOMit is a reliable platform for anyone looking to find a roommate in Chicago. It lists verified rooms and roommates across many U.S. cities, making it easy to compare options. Users can create profiles, set preferences for lifestyle and budget, and search through multiple listings.

The app provides secure messaging, helping you safely communicate with potential roommates before meeting in person. iROOMit is perfect for people who want to save time and energy while ensuring they choose someone compatible to share an apartment or house with.

#7. Roomistry

Roomistry uses a smart matching system that considers lifestyle, habits, and budget to help you find a roommate in Chicago who truly fits your living style. It reduces the stress of mismatched roommates and provides a safer, more organized way to connect with others.

You can view detailed profiles, check compatibility scores, and message potential roommates directly on the app. Roomistry is ideal for anyone who wants a thoughtful approach to how to find a roommate in Chicago without endless searching.

Also See: Find Affordable Off Campus Housing In Harvard University

#8. Roomiyo

Roomiyo lets you search for shared homes, rooms, or even list your own space. It works well for both short-term and long-term rentals in Chicago. Users can filter by rent, location, lifestyle, and move-in dates, helping them find a roommate in Chicago that fits their exact needs.

This app allows you to communicate securely with potential roommates, making it easier to finalize living arrangements. Roomiyo is a flexible solution for anyone wanting convenience and control in their roommate search.

#9. Craigslist Housing & Rooms

Craigslist remains a widely used platform for those looking to find a roommate in Chicago. It provides a large number of local listings for rooms and shared apartments. Users can filter by location, price, and type of housing.

Although Craigslist is free and has many options, it requires careful screening of potential roommates to ensure safety and compatibility. It works best for proactive users who want direct communication and a wide variety of choices.

#10. Facebook Marketplace & Housing Groups

Facebook Marketplace and local Chicago housing groups are great tools to find a roommate in Chicago. Many people post rooms, apartments, or shared housing opportunities with detailed descriptions and photos.

You can join groups, browse postings, and message potential roommates directly. Facebook’s active community and verification tools make it easier to find trustworthy roommates. This method works well for people who prefer social engagement and want to see real-life profiles before making decisions.

Also See: What are the Best Neighborhoods In Los Angeles

How To Find Roommates in Chicago Using the Platuni App

Learn how to get started with the Platuni app here;

#1. Create Your Free Platuni Account

Start your roommate search by signing up on the Platuni website or app. Provide basic details like your name, location, and email. The app personalizes your experience and shows better roommate options based on your input. Creating a profile is quick and smooth, allowing you to start searching immediately.

Download the Platuni App Today

• Download the App on the App Store
• Download the App on the Play Store

#2. Build Your Roommate Profile

A complete profile improves your chances of finding a compatible roommate. Include lifestyle details, rent budget, preferred apartment type, move-in date, and any special preferences. Platuni’s matching system uses this information to connect you with roommates who share your values and habits.

#3. Take the Roommate Compatibility Quiz

Platuni offers a short quiz to assess compatibility. It covers daily routines, cleanliness, noise preferences, guests, and shared expenses. The app calculates a compatibility score to suggest roommates that fit your lifestyle. This feature makes Platuni smarter than other apps for finding roommates in Chicago.

Also Read: Roommate Compatibility Quiz | Find Your Ideal Housemate

#4. Browse Verified Roommate Matches

After completing your profile and quiz, Platuni presents potential roommates in Chicago. You can filter matches by location, budget, and lifestyle. All profiles are verified, so you can trust the suggestions and avoid scams. Platuni’s advanced matching ensures that your search for a roommate is efficient and reliable.

#5. Chat Safely With Potential Roommates

Use Platuni’s secure in-app messaging to get to know your matches. You can ask questions about habits, routines, and house rules before meeting in person. This ensures safety and helps build trust, making it easier to choose the right roommate.

#6. Join or Create a Room Listing

Platuni lets you join an existing room listing or create your own. You can share details about your apartment, available room, rent, and house rules. This feature attracts the right roommates and avoids random inquiries.

Also Read: How Much Rent Can I Afford in NYC | NYC Rent Calculator

#7. Finalize Your Roommate Choice

Once you find a suitable match, finalize your decision through the app. Platuni encourages clear and transparent communication, allowing you to agree on rent terms, move-in plans, and shared responsibilities.

#8. Use Platuni Tools After Moving In

Platuni doesn’t stop after you move in. The app helps manage chores, split bills, and track shared maintenance tasks. These tools keep co-living organized and harmonious, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone in the household.

Also Read: Tired of Having the Worst Roommate Ever? Do This

Frequently Asked Questions About Apps to Find A Roommate In Chicago

What is the easiest way to find a roommate in Chicago?

The easiest way to find a roommate in Chicago is to use a trusted roommate matching app like Platuni. These apps let you set your budget, lifestyle preferences, and location. They also provide verified profiles and secure messaging, making it faster and safer to connect with compatible roommates.

How much does it cost to use roommate apps in Chicago?

Many apps, including Platuni, Roomster, and Roomi, offer free basic accounts for browsing and messaging. Some platforms may have premium features for advanced filters or verified profiles. Sharing housing through these apps can save you money on rent and utilities.

How do I know if a roommate is trustworthy in Chicago?

Apps for finding a roommate, like Platuni, often verify profiles with identity checks and provide ratings or reviews. Always communicate through the app before meeting and ask questions about habits, schedules, and house rules. Meeting in public places before moving in adds extra safety.

Can I find short-term or long-term roommates using these apps?

Yes. Apps like Platuni, Roomi, and Roomiyo let you specify whether you need a short-term or long-term roommate. You can filter listings and matches based on move-in dates, lease length, and lifestyle preferences, helping you find exactly what you need.

Can I manage shared bills and chores through these apps?

Yes, some apps, especially Platuni, provide tools to manage shared bills, assign chores, and track expenses. These features make co-living organized and reduce conflicts, helping you maintain a peaceful household.