50/50 rent makes sense if it is an ideal living situation for both of you. It seems to me that you are making a great deal of sacrifices so I think if you are doing the cooking/cleaning and utilities, if I was him I would take that deal. Seems reasonable enough. You’ll be spending more on gas and stuff so the only incentive for you to live there is because of cheaper rent, which if you’re paying 50/50 ultimately you’re taking a bigger financial hit for no apparent reason