Being single in the UK is not just a relationship status. It is also a financial challenge. From food bills to council tax, single people often pay more for everyday expenses than those in two adult households do per person. While couples can split the bills, a single person must cover everything independently. This inevitably leads to higher costs and fewer opportunities to save money.

So why is the cost of being single so high? Let's break it down.

Housing Costs

Housing costs will be the biggest financial strain on a person living alone. Last year, The Guardian published an article on the "solo penalty", revealing that singles in the UK may spend over £12,000 more each year than those in two-adult households.

Living alone means paying the full cost of rent or a mortgage without a partner to split the bills. This can be particularly tough if you also earn half the income of an average two-person household. Living alone means that you qualify for a council tax discount, but it is only 25%. This sounds like a lot, but it is a much smaller reduction than the half-price advantage of splitting this bill with a partner.

Living Costs

Whether it is food or household bills, life tends to be much cheaper for couples. Two people sharing a home can split their energy bills, broadband and even subscriptions like Netflix or a TV licence. A single person must pay the full price on their own, making everyday living expenses feel like a bigger financial burden.

Grocery shopping is another one of those challenges. A couple can buy in bulk and save money, while a single person often ends up spending more per portion due to packaging sizes and food waste.

Travel and Entertainment

This so-called single tax stretches beyond the regular daily expenses and applies even to things like hotel rooms and theatre tickets. Many travel and entertainment options are designed for pairs, so single people often pay the same as two, even though they only need one ticket or room.

Memberships and services also favour couples. For example, National Trust memberships cost just £133 per year for a two-adult household, while a single person pays £91. Just as with council tax, there is a single person discount, but it is far from being half the price.

Car Insurance, Road Tax and Other Hidden Costs

Even on the road, being single is more expensive. Car insurance is often cheaper for couples, particularly those in long-term relationships, because insurers consider them more financially stable. Fuel and car maintenance costs will also be more expensive when there is no one to share the burden with.

Financial Resilience and Retirement Worries

Couples have the advantage of combining their finances and planning for retirement together. They can build financial resilience by sharing expenses and using leftover disposable income to increase savings. On the other hand, a single person cannot rely on anyone else and must prepare for the future independently. With almost all services being cheaper for a couple on a per-person basis, it makes it harder for single people to achieve long-term financial stability.

Saving Money

While there is no escaping the challenges, there are still ways for single people to save money and build financial resilience. Make sure you:

  • Take advantage of the council tax discount;
  • Look for single-friendly memberships, such as gym passes, that don't penalise individual sign-ups;
  • Find a housemate or look for co-living spaces to cut rent and bills;
  • Compare deals on car insurance, broadband and utilities to find those offering the best deals for solo living.

The Bottom Line: Is Being Single a Financial Disadvantage?

Living alone will always be more expensive, but smart money management can make a huge difference. It is more important than ever to find ways to save when you must cover all bills yourself. And living on your own has its own, non-financial, benefits. By making the most of discounts and planning ahead, you can stay financially secure and enjoy the freedom of independent living.