Millions of people living on their own are paying £10,000 a year more for housing and bills than those who are part of a couple, new analysis has revealed.
The average person living in a couple outside London will pay £11,054 a year for basic household bills, while a singleton pays almost double that at £21,475, according to analysis by AI household money-saver Nous.co.
The biggest part of the ‘singles tax’ goes on rent, an extra £7,608 a year. Those living alone will also pay £900 more for household goods and services, £719 more on energy, £516 more on council tax and £277 on broadband, because there is no one to share the costs.
Other home bills such as insurance, water, TV licence, and other subscriptions take the total annual single penalty to £10,420, or £868 a month.
More than 8 million people in the UK live alone, making up almost a third of all the households in the country.
Cost-of-living champion Greg Marsh, CEO and founder of Nous.co, said: “Our research shows that it really is easier on your wallet to be in a relationship – and not just on Valentine’s Day.
“The extra cost of living alone is eye-watering – it amounts to a tax on being single. It’s a wonder Britain’s singles can afford to go on dates in search of love.
“It goes to show how important it is to make sure – coupled-up or not – that you are getting the best deals you can on your household bills.
“At Nous we save a typical household around £500 on their bills. That’s a big help for anyone. If you’re single, just think of how many dates that could pay for!”.
