Hi renters,

Welcome to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue we’re talking about living with roommates.

As I explain below, having a roommate was a great way to start my post-college life. Now I live with my partner, and we share costs.

My story gets into how much it costs on average to live with a roommate, compared to renting alone. I also go over some tips for getting along.

I’ll be back in your inbox on July 29. Hope you enjoy!

Jessica Swarner

Newsletter Editor, Rent Check PHX

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

👷 Arizona is the eighth-busiest housing market in the country, with nearly 9,000 sales in May. (Phoenix Business Journal, 🔒)

🏘️ Phoenix Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington lays out why she thinks the city has made meaningful progress on housing. (Ahwatukee Foothills News)

🧑‍⚖️ ASU dropped its legal fight over a 124-year-old Phoenix home that it wanted to demolish to make way for its medical school campus. (Arizona’s Family)

📃 Here’s a running list of lawsuits Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed against the Trump administration, including some related to housing funding and discrimination. (Phoenix New Times)

🏠 A bipartisan, federal bill meant to lower housing costs became law after being delayed by President Donald Trump. (The Copper Courier)

🪝 If you have a messy entryway, these products starting as low as $3 can help keep it neat and tidy. (Apartment Therapy)

🛀 Here’s a renter-friendly bathroom project you may want to try out if you’re feeling crafty. (Instagram)

How much does living with roommates save you in Phoenix? Plus, tips for getting along

woman standing at kitchen counter preparing food while another woman sits at a table writing in a notebook

Rent is high in Phoenix—but living with roommates can help ease the burden. (alvarog1970/Shutterstock)

When I graduated from ASU almost 10 years ago, I knew that living alone was not going to be an option for me. I was about to start a job making $15 an hour, and the median rent of $870 for a one-bedroom in Phoenix at the time would have been more than 30% of my monthly income.

I was lucky to spend my four years in college living with a friend who doubled as a great roommate, so we decided to keep a good thing going. We moved into an apartment complex in central Phoenix where I paid around $500 a month for my half of a two-bed, two-bath.

Splitting this cost worked out great for me. I got to live in a bigger space while sharing rent and utilities, which meant I was able to save some money from each paycheck. This arrangement became even more important when I left my terrible job and took on two part-time jobs—a great move for my mental health that I’m not sure I could have done had I been facing a larger rent bill.

Now, according to roommate finder SpareRoom, the average roommate rent in Phoenix is $901 a month. This is down from a record high of $957 a month in 2024, but it’s still much higher than it was even five years ago.

Read the full story

One of our readers asked me to share some East Valley listings, so today’s homes are all in Mesa.

☀️ If you want solar and a pool: This four-bed, 2.5-bath has a nice turf backyard with a pool—but weekly maintenance adds an extra $150 a month to the $2,950 rent. It also has solar panels, which help offset expensive summer AC costs. The 2,039-square-foot house near Guadalupe Road and Country Club Drive also has a garage, a walk-in closet, and a double vanity. It’s available now, and pets are allowed with landlord approval. Renters who sign a two-year lease will receive one month of rent free. Renters who sign for three years can receive a credit that covers the pool service cost for the duration of the lease—but the agreement includes a 4% rent increase each year.

🚪 If you want a cute front porch: This four-bed, two-bath near Country Club Drive and the Arizona Canal is listed for $2,800 a month. Its brick archway and partially fenced-in front porch create a fun entryway to the 1,857-square-foot home. The house also has a backyard pool, garage, and fireplace. Pets are allowed, and the property is available now.

🔑 If you don’t need to fit a whole family: This 790-square-foot home near Center Street and Brown Road is listed for $1,395 a month. The unit features warm colors, a fireplace, and a private yard. It’s available now, and pets are allowed.

If you come across any interesting, weird, or surprisingly affordable listings that you think should be featured here, please send them my way!

Email here

Listings available as of July 21. I’m not paid to share these listings, but that doesn’t mean I can personally vouch for them. Please do your research before applying and signing a lease!

This is a space to share events that are focused on connecting with community and spending time with neighbors.

If you have an event you’d like to submit, reply to this email or email me!

Here’s what’s coming up:

Downtown Core Neighborhood Weekly Hang

When: Every Friday, 7-9 a.m.

Where: Cactus Cloud Cafe in downtown Phoenix

“The best way to build a neighborhood is by having a third space like @cactuscloudcafe to meet at weekly! Join us every Friday from 7AM to 9AM, before the workday begins, even if it’s just to stop by and say hi to neighbors.”

Coronado Pool Party

When: Saturday, July 25, 12-4 p.m.

Where: Coronado Pool

“Join us for a day of fun and games and beat the heat at Coronado Pool! Admission is free for all, and we’ll have free food and treats (first come, first served).”

Free Community Workout + Social Hour

When: Wednesday, July 29, 6:45 p.m.

Where: Orangetheory Fitness, 50 W. Jefferson St.

“Orangetheory Fitness is partnering with Downtown Core Community to provide a free monthly workout! Join us every last Wednesday of the month to sweat it out together, then hang out for a social hour at a nearby spot (suggestions always welcome). Bring a friend!”