The analysis compared living expenses for people not living with a partner, including single-person properties or those renting a room in a house/flat share, with the bills of those who do live with their partner and split bills.
Uswitch found that, on average, household bills account for more than half (54%) of single people’s monthly income, with those living alone particularly feeling the pinch on rent (44% more), music streaming (68% more) and broadband bills (29% more).
The study found that more than one in 10 singles rely on credit cards for household bills, with some (11%) delaying payments or even considering staying in relationships to cut costs (15%).
More than half of all Brits agree that the single penalty is unfair and companies should offer single-person discounts
Alanna Manktelow, age 29, from Edinburgh, told researchers: “My household costs – including mortgage, gas, electricity, and council tax – total around £1,300. I used to split the majority of these costs, but now, living alone, I feel the full impact. Before, I could save for holidays or nights out, but now I struggle to cover essentials.
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“I assumed living alone would mean lower bills, but single-person council tax relief doesn’t go far in this cost-of-living crisis. I also used to split food and household shopping with my housemate, but now cooking for one is too expensive, so I often eat at my parents’ house. While I’m grateful for their help, I want to support myself and remain independent.
“I’ve had to cut back on socialising to afford my bills, but this affects my mental wellbeing. The rising costs are worrying – I worked hard to buy my flat, and I’d be devastated if I had to give it up.”
Max Beckett, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, said: “The ‘single person tax’ hasn’t gone away, and our data shows that those who live alone continue to bear the greatest financial strain.
“From rent and utilities to grocery shopping, solo living means covering every expense without the benefit of splitting costs, making financial pressures even more intense.
“Uswitch’s data shows that the UK’s singles are cutting back on energy, broadband and grocery spending, while ‘luxuries’ such as Netflix and takeaways are also off the agenda for many.
“Businesses would do well to remember that single billpayers account for nearly one in three households, so home service providers could do more to offer affordable products to these groups – or they may join the list of cutbacks single billpayers have already made.”
