Why are aggregated individual rooms much cheaper than the total?

[Alex Silang]

I'm looking to buy in a decent area. My friend is already a landlord and says a 2BR unit goes for $1800. However, when I check craigslist, individual rooms are going for $450-600. They're all near the subway.

Any idea why this could be? 

[Matthew Paul]

Because you are renting an a whole house vs just a bedroom . If I rent a whole house I dont have strangers living with me .  The refrigerator is all mine , I can leave my clothes on the floor where ever , I can run naked thru the house if I want . (scary thought)   Roommates are a whole different animal .  They talk , leave messes , eat your food , bring over people you dont like   etc