Across Canada, couples are moving in together sooner than they used to. Not necessarily because they are ready for the next romantic milestone. Often, it is because rent is high, groceries are expensive, and splitting costs feels like the only way to get by.
A recent article in The Guardian explored how financial pressure is reshaping relationships, with more couples choosing to live together earlier to reduce expenses. That trend is playing out here too. For Gen Z and millennials in Canada, cohabitation can be as much a financial strategy as it is a relationship decision.
Before you combine households, it is worth understanding what this shift means legally and financially. Moving in together can protect your budget in the short term, but without clear agreements, it can create risk in the long term.
In cities like Vancouver and Toronto, rent has climbed dramatically over the past decade. Even outside major urban centres, vacancy rates remain tight and prices high. According to Statistics Canada and CMHC data, shelter costs have outpaced wage growth in many regions.
In British Columbia and Ontario in particular:
For many couples, the math is simple. Two people paying one rent is more manageable than two people paying separate rents.
Beyond housing, everyday expenses are up:
As Dr. Justin Lehmiller noted in the Guardian article linked above, “It was only a matter of time until we found evidence that inflation impacts dating and relationships. It seems clear that some people view moving in together as a way to be more financially comfortable.”
Younger Canadians are also marrying later than previous generations. According to Statistics Canada, the average age at first marriage has steadily increased over the past few decades. At the same time, common-law relationships have become far more common.
Living together is no longer seen as a major leap. It is often viewed as a practical and normal stage of a relationship.
There has been a broader cultural shift:
For many couples, moving in together is simply the next step. But while socially normalized, it still has legal consequences.
There are real benefits to sharing a home:
For couples under financial pressure, cohabitation can create breathing room. However, once finances begin to intertwine, the risks increase.
When you move in together, you often start to:
If the relationship ends, untangling those financial ties can be complicated.
In Canada, property rights for common-law couples vary by province. For example:
These differences can surprise people. Many couples assume that living together automatically creates equal ownership. That is not always the case.
Without clarity, one partner can end up:
“There’s a risk of moving in too fast,” Lehmiller told the Guardian. “You could end up financially tied with someone who you don’t actually want to be with.” Moving in to save money should not leave you unable to leave.
A cohabitation agreement is a written contract between partners who live together. It sets out:
For couples moving in primarily for financial reasons, this can be a powerful risk management tool. It does not mean you expect the relationship to fail. It means you are protecting both people things don’t go according to plan.
A clear agreement can:
It gives you clarity at a time when you are making a major financial decision, and keeps you out of difficult, drawn-out and expensive court proceedings if the relationship ends.
Younger Canadians are navigating:
As a result, financial interdependence often happens before long-term legal commitments like marriage. If you move in together at 24 or 28 because rent is unaffordable, you may not be thinking about property division. But your financial lives can become intertwined quickly.
A cohabitation agreement helps you:
It supports empowerment rather than dependence. Additionally, having these conversations early in your relationship can help you get on the same page and ensure that your values are aligned.
There is nothing wrong with moving in together to save money. In many parts of Canada, it is a rational decision. The key is to be intentional.
Before signing a lease or transferring money into a joint account, ask:
Those conversations can feel uncomfortable. But they are easier to have at the beginning of the relationship than during a separation – when emotions tend to be running high, and trust may be running low.
Cohabitation agreements are not just for high-net-worth couples. They are for:
At Jointly, we believe planning ahead strengthens relationships. Our cohabitation agreement platform is built by lawyers, customized for each province, and designed to help couples have clear, structured conversations about money and expectations.
If you are moving in together because it makes financial sense, it also makes sense to define the financial framework of your relationship.
You can learn more in our Learning Centre about:
Moving in together can be a smart financial choice. Protecting yourself while you do it is an even smarter one. If you are considering living together, explore whether a cohabitation agreement could give you clarity and confidence before you sign that lease. Get started today for free with our Agreement Starter Kit, which walks you through the law in your province and helps you start the conversation together.
Aimee SchallesHi, I'm Aimee, a co-founder of Jointly. I’ve been working as a lawyer in British Columbia for over ten years. I run a small law firm and love helping people solve everyday problems. I’ve seen the difficulties that ordinary people face in accessing reliable legal services. I’ve also seen many friends and clients go through challenging separations that could have been improved if they’d have had a prenup or cohabitation agreement. I hope Jointly helps people make the relationship agreement they’ve been thinking about! Latest posts by Aimee Schalles (see all)