I am 24(F) and have three other friends (F). One of my friends was my old roommate from July 2022 to July 2023. Our lease just ended at our apartments. When deciding where to go next, we decided not to renew our lease, and I planned to move back in with my parents until I was done with school. My roommate plans to live with her girlfriend in her apartment, which is shared with another roommate, making it 3. Their lease ends in November 2023. After that, the 3 of them planned to rent a house together.

After learning about this, I asked if they would want me as a fourth roommate to split the costs of the house even more. They agreed, and I was happy because I currently pay around 500 to stay at my parent's house. Moving in with my friends would be slightly more affordable.

Turns out, one of my friends has decided to drop out and live with her boyfriend, leaving only three of us.

My old roommate still expects me to rent a house with her and her girlfriend. But it doesn't make sense for me to do it. The whole point of my asking to be the fourth roommate was to pay a lower amount than my parents. It seems pointless. Unless we choose a shoddy place to rent, I will pay double or triple what I pay now. I can't help but feel like a jerk dropping out and would love to keep my friendships with them. How would you handle choosing whether to stay with your parents or move out with friends? Thank you so much in advance.