Living Alone? The 'Singles Tax' That Costs $10K a Year

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A new Zillow analysis finds that Americans living alone are paying a 'singles tax' of $10,470 per year on average due to rising rents, with the premium being highest in major cities like New York, San Jose, and Boston. The report notes that renters who live with a partner or roommate can take advantage of a 'couples discount' that can save them over $20,000 annually by splitting housing costs.

Why it matters

The 'singles tax' highlights the financial challenges faced by those living alone, especially in high-cost housing markets. As rents continue to rise, the burden on solo renters is growing, making it harder for them to save for major expenses like a home down payment. The analysis underscores the benefits of shared living arrangements in offsetting the rising cost of housing.

The details

Zillow's data shows the typical apartment rent is currently $1,745 and has risen 30% over the last five years. For those living alone, this represents a significant financial burden, with the 'singles tax' amounting to $10,470 per year nationally. The premium is highest in cities like New York ($23,400), San Jose ($19,488), and Boston ($18,084). In contrast, renters who live with a partner or roommate can take advantage of a 'couples discount' that saves an average of $20,940 per year by splitting the rent and other costs.

• Zillow's analysis is based on current rental market data as of February 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The report noted the couples discount can go a long way toward helping renters save for a down payment on a home, with the national average couples discount of $20,940 being more than halfway to a 10% down payment on a typical U.S. home, per Zillow's data.