According to Rentberry – the average room rental costs $807 per month in Portland. This is quite expensive by national standards, and we’re not talking about a one room apartment here either. Instead, we’re literally talking about a single room in a shared accommodation. Having said this, there are cheaper alternatives. These can save you a lot of money, provided you’re either weird or desperate enough. Step forward, this particular rental we found on Craigslist – that rents out for an impressive $388 per month. And that also includes utility bills such as the internet.

So, what is the supposed massive problem? Firstly – as seen, the space is minimal at best. The bed is literally part of a small, communal room. Secondly, you’ll have to share your home with birds, which may be annoying if you’re trying to sleep.

However, arguably the main problem is an ideological one. This room has certain requirements that don’t exactly match with your average person. Part of the ad reads, “We are into open and honest communication, dumpstering, anti-capitalism, mutual aid, crafts, music, Vegan junk food, doing house projects together, biking, radical politics, animal rights, intersectionality, living in shacks and trailers & creating a home and safe space for us all rather than just a house to live in.” and then goes on to say “We are a Vegan house and we hope this is an attracting factor. Regardless of your own personal ethics, there are no animal products of any kind in the house or backyard.”

In other words, if you’re into capitalism, eating animals or don’t support radical politics – then you may be in trouble living in this room. Even by Portland’s wacky standards, these requirements seem a little extreme. Aside from this though, you could argue that this room price is a bargain – and in all fairness, if you’re down on your luck and money is tight, you could do worse.