Skip to main content

Trying to find a roommate who won’t drive you crazy? This startup wants to help

roommate matching algorithm startup packing moving boxes
Shutterstock
Posting an ad for a roommate on Craigslist and trying to weed out the crazies isn’t your only option for finding someone to share housing. A San Francisco-based startup called room.me launched today with the goal of improving roommate pairings by using a matching algorithm. The company’s three founders liked that online dating sites were using such algorithms and have integrated the idea into their platform.

When users sign up for room.me, they answer questions about their desired living situation, habits, and more, and indicate which are the most important factors to them. They can also comment on their own answers and see how others responded. The company plugs the information into its matching algorithm and connects them to the most compatible users. The different questions are asked in various ways to make sure potential roommate pairs really are a good fit, co-founder Max Kersting told TechCrunch.

Launching in San Francisco makes sense, given how expensive housing has become in the city. In February 2015, the the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco was $3,460 — the highest in the country and ever reported, according to Zumper National Rent Report. Though still expensive, the per-person rent for two roommates sharing a two-bedroom is substantially cheaper at $2,325 (assuming the $4,650 a month average is split evenly). It’s no wonder that the percentage of Bay Area residents rooming with someone who’s not a spouse or significant other is higher than the national average. Thirty-two percent of working age adults, ages 23-66, live with a roommate, while 39 percent of those in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area do, Zillow reports.

Kersting describes the roommate situation in San Francisco as “crazy,” and therefore the ideal place to launch their startup. They hope to expand into other cities in the future, so those of us who live outside of San Francisco may be able to try out their algorithm soon. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even fall in love with your super-compatible roommate.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephanie Topacio Long
Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra vs. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra: Which is the best robot vacuum?
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra placed in its dock.

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra share a lot of similarities -- the least of which is their brand name. Along with the capacity to vacuum and mop in a single cleaning cycle, the two robots can automatically empty their dustbins and clean their dirty mops once the cycle is complete. That alone makes them two of the best robot vacuums on the market.

But while there are plenty of similarities between the S8 MaxV Ultra and S8 Pro Ultra, there are a few key differences that could make one better for your home than the other. From pricing and vacuuming power to navigational skills and more, here's a comprehensive look at the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra.
Pricing and availability

Read more
How to fix a Ring doorbell that won’t chime
Person installing Ring video doorbell

While Ring does make some of the best video doorbells, they aren't immune to issues with their chime. This issue is, after all, at the top of the list when it comes to video doorbell problems. But, if your Ring won't ring what should you do? We break down the procedure to get your Ring video doorbell back in action, with a step-by-step approach to troubleshooting this issue.

Read more
Ring sale: Up to 44% off video doorbells and security cameras
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 installed near a door.

Buying a video doorbell or a security camera are among the easiest ways of improving your home's security, and Ring is one of the most trusted names if you're planning to get either or both of these devices. If you're interested, there's an ongoing Ring sale on Amazon so that you wouldn't have to pay full price. The available Ring deals include standalone security gadgets and bundles, and you can get as much as 44% off their sticker prices, but only if you hurry because there's no telling how much time is remaining on these offers.

What to buy in Amazon's Ring sale
Ring is a mainstay in our lists of the best video doorbells and best home security cameras because of the helpful features that they'll provide, including 24/7 live streaming through the Ring app, two-way audio to talk to visitors outside your front door or family members inside, customizable mobile alerts, and compatibility with smart home devices that are powered by Amazon's Alexa, among many others.

Read more