Should the higher earner pay more rent or mortgage?

Many couples worry that “pay more if you earn more” is unfair — or that 50/50 is unfair when incomes differ. The calm way through is to pick a rule that balances affordability and fairness: both people should have a sustainable leftover and a plan that still works under stress tests.

Last updated: 2025-12-17

Built by Brandon

Methodology

Compare 50/50 vs proportional vs custom

Opens the main calculator prefilled so you can see how different split rules change who pays what — and what each person has left.

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What “pay more” can mean

“Higher earner pays more” can mean different things. Some couples want equal leftovers (so the higher earner pays more). Some want equal contributions (50/50). Others want a stable, memorable rule (like 60/40). None of these are automatically right or wrong — what matters is that you agree it and it stays resilient.

A useful default is proportional splitting, because it tracks income changes automatically. But a custom split can be easier to live with if it’s close enough and reduces friction.

Worked examples (with numbers)

Example 1: proportional reduces stress for the lower earner

Total shared cost: £2,982 / month

Proportional: A £2,068 · B £914 · 50/50: A £1,491 · B £1,491

Selected mode: proportional · Leftovers: A £2,232 / B £986

Open this scenario in the calculator Run stress tests

Example 2: custom split as a stable agreement

Total shared cost: £3,200 / month

Proportional: A £1,950 · B £1,250 · 50/50: A £1,600 · B £1,600

Selected mode: custom · Leftovers: A £1,788 / B £1,412

Open this scenario in the calculator Run stress tests

How to agree the rule without tension

Start with proportional (it’s the cleanest baseline).
Check if 50/50 is still comfortable for both.
If you want stability, pick a custom split close to proportional (e.g. 60/40 or 70/30).
Stress test it (+1%, +2%, and one-income) and agree a review trigger.

FAQ

Is paying more “unfair” to the higher earner?

Not inherently. A higher contribution can be fair if it’s agreed, sustainable, and reflects a shared goal. The key is avoiding hidden resentment: make the trade-offs and leftovers explicit.

Is 50/50 ever the best option?

Yes — especially when incomes are similar and both leftovers stay healthy. If 50/50 is comfortable for both, it’s hard to beat for simplicity.

What split should we choose if incomes are very different?

Proportional is the cleanest starting point. If you need a stable rule or want a specific outcome, choose a custom split (like 70/30) and validate it with stress tests.

What about deposit differences?

Deposit contributions affect equity and risk. Many couples treat deposits separately (tracked as equity) and still use income-based splits for monthly affordability.