My first apartment, in the early 80s, was $300, and I couldn't afford it on my $3.35 minimum wage salary, so I had a roommate.

After about 2 years, I got a real job, and my roommate decided to move out at the same time. I was stressing about finding a new roommate when I realized I could afford to pay for the entire place myself. I haven't had a roommate since.

Well, until I got married, and later had a kid. I'm still not convinced it was the better move.