The Proportional Split: The Fairest Way for Couples to Share Expenses?
A budgeting method built for modern European relationships — subtle, flexible, and quietly revolutionary
Why the Proportional Split Matters Today
In modern European relationships, equal doesn’t always mean fair.
Rent is rising, salaries differ between partners, and many couples navigate freelance or part-time work.
A 50/50 split can unintentionally burden one partner.
A proportional split offers something better: fairness matched to reality.
How the Proportional Split Works
Instead of splitting expenses equally, each partner contributes based on their share of total household income.
Example:
Partner A earns €3,000
Partner B earns €2,000
Combined income: €5,000
Partner A pays 60% of shared expenses
Partner B pays 40%
That’s it.
Simple, elegant, proportionate.
Why It’s Often the Fairest System for Couples
1. It respects income differences
One partner isn’t punished for earning less.
2. It creates financial balance
Both contribute equally in relative terms — not absolute numbers.
3. It protects long-term stability
No one is overstretched or quietly stressed.
4. It reduces resentment
Couples feel like true partners, not competitors in a ledger.
5. It’s flexible for European living
Perfect for couples dealing with:
freelance income
part-time work
career gaps
maternity/paternity leave
multi-currency relationships
Fairness adapts as life evolves.
Practical Example: How It Plays Out
Shared monthly costs: €2,000
Rent
Utilities
Food
Household items
Insurance
Partner A pays: €1,200
Partner B pays: €800
Both feel the contribution equally — even though the amount differs.
How to Use the Proportional Split With a Shared Wallet
This method becomes effortless with technology.
With a shared wallet app you can:
set each partner’s contribution ratios
adjust the spending split ratio for each
automatically track shared expenses at they happen
categorise shared expenses
have transparency on financials without guilt or explanations
handle settlements calmly, fairly, and automatically
get personalised analytics
It’s financial harmony — without spreadsheets.
When the Proportional Split Works Best
Income differences are meaningful
One partner carries irregular income
You want independence + fairness
You’re building long-term stability
You want to avoid the politics of 50/50
It’s the budgeting method built for the way modern couples actually live.
The Essence of It
The proportional split isn’t just arithmetic. It’s a philosophy: equal effort, not equal euros.
For many couples, it’s the quiet secret to peace, balance, and shared confidence.
Discover today the Partly app: our shared wallet app with a shared virtual card that simplifies shared spending.
Discover what a shared wallet is, why it exists and what it actually does.