Should we split the mortgage and bills 50/50?
50/50 is popular because it’s simple and feels equal. The catch: it assumes both people can afford the same contribution without stress. A “fair” split is the one that both people can maintain — and that still works if rates rise or one income drops.
Try 50/50 (then compare to proportional)
Opens the main calculator prefilled with a 50/50 scenario, so you can quickly compare alternatives and check leftovers.
No signup. Private. Links are shareable and can be reset anytime.
A clear way to decide
If you’re unsure, start with one question: after paying shared costs, do you both have a healthy leftover? Healthy means you can cover personal spending, save something, and still have a buffer for “non‑monthly” costs. If one person is consistently tight, it’s a signal that the split (or the home price) needs adjusting.
This is budgeting guidance, not financial advice. The goal is to make trade‑offs obvious so you can agree a rule that feels fair and stays resilient.
Worked examples (with numbers)
Example 1: similar incomes, 50/50 is stable
Incomes: A £2,900 / B £2,700 · Home £390,000 · Deposit 12%
Total shared cost: £2,683 / month
Proportional
A £1,389 · B £1,294
50 / 50
A £1,342 · B £1,342
Selected: 50 / 50 · Leftovers: A £1,558 / B £1,358
Example 2: big income gap, 50/50 becomes tight
Incomes: A £4,200 / B £1,900 · Home £450,000 · Deposit £70,000
Total shared cost: £3,185 / month
Proportional
A £2,193 · B £992
50 / 50
A £1,592 · B £1,592
Selected: 50 / 50 · Leftovers: A £2,608 / B £308
Common compromises (if 50/50 feels off)
- Use proportional for the mortgage (biggest line item), and keep smaller bills 50/50 for simplicity.
- Use a custom split like 60/40 or 66/33 as a stable middle ground.
- Keep 50/50 but adjust the “shared costs” list (e.g. groceries shared or separate) so the outcome feels fair.
FAQ
Is 50/50 “the fairest”?
It’s fair if both people can afford it comfortably. If 50/50 makes one person consistently tight while the other is comfortable, proportional or a custom split may be fairer in practice.
What if we earn similar amounts?
If take‑home pay is close, 50/50 is often fine. The best check is leftover each month: if both leftovers feel healthy, there’s no need to complicate it.
What about different deposits?
A deposit difference is real, but it’s separate from monthly affordability. Some couples track the deposit as equity and still split monthly costs 50/50 (or by income). Others pick a custom split that reflects both affordability and contribution.
Can we split mortgage 50/50 but bills differently?
Yes. It’s common to keep one part simple (e.g. mortgage 50/50) and adjust the rest (e.g. bills proportional). The calculator helps you see the combined outcome.
Explore related UK guides
Quick links: 60/40 split bills, partner earns more — what’s fair?, how much house can we afford, stress tests.
Related guides
Mortgage & bills split calculator
Run your numbers live and share a scenario link.
50/50 vs proportional vs custom splits
Choose a split that feels fair and stays sustainable.
Split the mortgage by income (UK)
Proportional splits explained with worked examples.
Proportional bills split calculator guide
Turn take-home pay into a clean monthly split.
66/33 vs 50/50 split for couples
When a custom split beats proportional (and when it doesn’t).
60/40 bills split guide
A simple compromise between 50/50 and proportional.
70/30 bills split guide
When a fixed split makes sense (and how to validate it).
75/25 bills split guide
For very different incomes: keep leftovers and resilience in view.
Partner earns more — what split is fair?
Proportional vs 50/50 vs custom, explained without judgement.
Should the higher earner pay more?
A neutral comparison of split rules and outcomes.
Tip: open a guide in one tab and the calculator in another to compare options quickly.