For friends and family members who vacation together, one topic can be more fraught than others: how to split the cost of the rental. Some argue for a pay-per-person approach, while others prefer pay-per-room. Experts weigh in on the most fair and egalitarian approach.

Pay-Per-Person vs. Pay-Per-Room

Jonathan Levitt, a consultant and host of the podcast ‘For the Long Run,’ recently debated the topic with his girlfriend ahead of a group trip to Arizona. He posted the question on social media and received a range of responses, including pay-per-person, pay-per-room, and even pay-per-bathroom.

Singles often prefer a per-person arrangement, as they may feel they are subsidizing couples and families. On the other hand, multiples sharing a bedroom may support the per-room position, arguing they should pay for the space, not the number of bodies inside it.

Experts, including Reid Kennedy, an Airbnb host in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert, suggest that a pay-per-person approach can help avoid resentment and promote equal investment in group activities.

However, others, such as John Y. Campbell, an economics professor at Harvard, argue that a pay-per-room approach is more fair, especially when considering the size and amenities of the rooms.

Ultimately, the key to avoiding conflict is to discuss and agree on a payment strategy before booking the rental.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.