For Some Young Couples, Saving on Rent Means Moving in Together Early

For a couple named Caroline Li and Colin Wang, moving in together after eight months of dating was a fortunate and urgent decision. Mr. Wang was studying medicine at UCLA and had to move out of his mold-infested apartment. He struggled to find suitable housing at an affordable price. Meanwhile, Ms. Li’s roommate was leaving their expensive apartment in Santa Monica midway through the lease. As a solution to their housing problems, Mr. Wang moved in with Ms. Li and her remaining roommate. They split the rent and shared the expenses.