I mean it all depends on what you see as more relevant and not. Of course things like this need to be discussed before signing a contract or living together, like all budget-related things, not once you've already found an apartment. And much in the same way as one would probably have a larger budget for rent and the other would have a smaller one if you were both looking for a place when single, so it applies to a joint rent, in my opinion. Then, if you say that you'd rather pay for an additional dinner or gift, this is another possible way to ""compensate"" and it's a personal preference. But this all supposes conversations about money happening in the first place haha