How to split expenses as a couple

Each person pays 50% of shared expenses. It's the simplest option and works well when incomes are similar. If one earns much less, it can feel unfair.

Each person contributes a percentage based on what they earn. If you bring in 60% of the household income, you pay 60% of shared expenses. This is the fairest method when there's an income gap.

You keep your own accounts and create a shared fund for common expenses (rent, food, bills). Each person pays their share into it every month. It gives independence and clarity at the same time.

Whatever method you pick, sit down once a month to look at the numbers together. With Neto each partner can track their own spending and net worth privately, without connecting the bank.

Related: the 50/30/20 ruleexpense tracking in Netohow to budget on iPhone.

There's no correct split, there's one that works for you. To decide:

1. Put the numbers on the table. Without knowing what each of you earns, any split is guesswork.
2. Choose based on the income gap. If you earn similar amounts, 50/50 works. If one earns considerably more, splitting proportionally stops the lower earner from living worse.
3. Separate shared from personal. A joint account for shared costs and the rest kept separate removes half the arguments.
4. Revisit it when things change. A raise, a period out of work or a move all change what a fair split looks like.

The method matters less than talking about it. Clear accounts don't prevent money problems, but they do prevent misunderstandings, which is most of them.