No living room apartments are becoming a common strategy as rising housing costs push renters to trade space for affordability and financial stability.
The number of shared rentals in the U.S. without living rooms is almost three times higher today than five years ago, according to a 2026 study by room rental platform SpareRoom. Residents under 35 accounted for roughly 60% of SpareRoom’s U.S. roommate market in 2025.
SpareRoom communications director Matt Hutchinson tells Reuters, “Some roommates are choosing to convert a bedroom into a living room and a bedroom to bring their rent down. I think it’s just because rents have skyrocketed. Most, if not all, major U.S. metro areas have seen record-high rents in the last year or so and living with roommates is the cheapest way to live.” However, he notes that having a shared living space plays an important role in socializing. “We need to spend time together in order to form connections.”
Connecticut-based certified financial planner Andrew Huynh says rising housing costs are forcing young renters to rethink what counts as essential space. “As construction and housing costs have climbed since the pandemic, developers are prioritizing profitable bedrooms over shared living areas to keep units financially viable.”
For young renters in this situation, it’s important to think long term and develop a financial strategy. “Start by defining your goal, then build an action plan to achieve it. Are you paying off debt, building savings, or preparing to afford your own place?” Huynh says.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Housing affordability is driving unconventional living arrangements. A no-living-room setup is becoming a normal affordability strategy. Sierra did not originally think an apartment with bedrooms, but no living room, was even a real option, but rising rents have made this kind of configuration more common.
Rent stabilization can matter more than having the perfect layout. One of the clearest lessons is that predictable rent and stability can outweigh the downside of not having a traditional living room.
Make sure your living situation is the best financially possible. When your living setup supports a larger financial goal, it becomes easier to stay disciplined and not feel overwhelmed, Huynh says.
Los Angeles delays SB 79: Housing crisis meets political reality
