The Real Cost of Being Single: Why It’s More Expensive to Fly Solo

Introduction: Understanding the Cost of Being Single

The real cost of being single is no joke. Nearly half of U.S. adults are single, putting millions face-to-face with the financial strain of solo living. According to the Census Bureau, 46.67% of U.S. adults aged 18 and older were unmarried as of 2023.

Being single is hard financially. Living on a single income means shouldering higher expenses, receiving fewer financial benefits, and navigating life with a thinner financial safety net. From rent and health insurance to retirement planning, single people pay more, save less, and often struggle financially compared to couples.

The U.S. tax code provides certain benefits for married couples filing jointly, such as wider tax brackets and access to spousal benefits, that single filers do not receive. This can result in single taxpayers owing more tax at the same income level compared to some married couples.

Whether you’re single by choice or circumstance, understanding your financial reality is the first step to planning smarter, saving more, and building long-term stability in your single life.

Let's break down the real-life costs of being a single person and how to fight back.

1. The Hidden Cost of Living Alone

Living alone isn't just about extra closet space. It often means footing 100% of the bills on everything from your rent to that 30-pack of toilet paper (that two-person households split without thinking).

You need to know that single life comes with a built-in cost hike. This section breaks down the hidden ways solo life drains your wallet, even before you realize it.

Added Costs Single People Face:

• Rent and mortgage payments without anyone to split the bill
• Utility bills (water, electricity, internet, etc.) with no cost-sharing
• Groceries that go bad before you finish them
• Transportation and car insurance with no partner to share driving or expenses

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Expenditure Survey, the data highlights how living alone amplifies the cost burden of basic needs. Housing is a clear example: a single person pays about 23% more per head than a married couple, since there’s no one to split rent or utilities with. Compared to single parents, singles face an even steeper gap of 69% more per person. 

The disparity is sharpest in healthcare, where singles spend only slightly more than married couples, but their out-of-pocket burden is nearly triple that of single parents. 

Food is the only category where singles save a little—around 2% less than married couples—yet they still spend almost 50% more than single parents, showing how the lack of economies of scale makes every dollar stretch less when you’re on your own.

Even daily essentials like laundry detergent, streaming services, or meals at home often cost more per person when you're flying solo. You’re buying the same size shampoo bottle but not sharing the cost.

Oh, and let’s talk about this supposed idea of fairness. The system assumes that one person can cover the costs that two people share. Spoiler alert: we can’t—at least not easily.

2. Financial Gaps Between Singles and Couples

If you think marriage is just about love, think again. It comes with major financial advantages that single individuals are locked out of. This section explores the institutional gaps that disadvantage singles.

Financial Benefits for Married Couples:

• Filing jointly for a lower combined tax rate
• Access to spousal Social Security benefits
• Shared health insurance plans
• Combined income to qualify for better mortgages or loans
• Shared costs on everything from vacations to childcare

Meanwhile, single people often face:

• Higher marginal tax rates and jumping into the highest tax bracket sooner
• No access to spousal benefits for retirement or insurance
• Lower household net worth over time
• Harder access to financial safety nets, like emergency savings or support during job loss

The Census Bureau also reports that the median net worth of married-couple households ($415K) is around five times higher than that of single-person households ($89K).

Let’s call it what it is: The system plays favorites, and single people lose. It’s outdated and unfair, and it’s time we said so.

3. Unique Financial Challenges for Singles

This section highlights the everyday hurdles that come with managing finances solo.

Living on one income isn’t just harder—it requires more resilience and planning. Single individuals often have to work harder to maintain the same standard of living.

Everyday Struggles:

• Budgeting with no backup: One bad month can drain your savings.
• Higher insurance premiums (single vs. family plans)
• Lack of access to joint accounts or partner-based benefits
• Less emotional and financial support when major expenses arise

And for single parents, these challenges get amplified:

• Childcare costs without a partner to split or share duties
• One income to cover school supplies, healthcare, and food for more than one person
• No second income to buffer a surprise medical bill or job layoff

4. Escalating Costs and Their Ripple Effects

This section outlines how rising prices hit singles harder—and the ripple effects beyond the bank account.

Cost Pressures on Singles:

• Inflation makes basics like food and rent harder to afford
• Healthcare premiums often cost more when you’re not on a family plan
• Housing markets favor dual-income buyers, making homeownership harder

Financial stress doesn’t just affect your wallet—it affects your mental health too. Without a partner to share decision-making or offer emotional backup, many singles experience anxiety or depression tied to financial instability.

A recent AARP report shows that single women over 50 are among the most financially vulnerable groups when it comes to retirement readiness and housing security.

5. Smart Strategies to Cut Costs as a Single Person

This is your action plan. These cost-cutting tips are tailored for solo earners who want to stretch their income.

Here’s how to save money and thrive on one income:

• Use budgeting tools made for solo earners: YNAB, Mint, and Empower
• Co-living or roommate arrangements: Cut rent and utilities in half
• Join financial pods: Share Costco memberships, cook in groups, and rotate childcare with trusted single friends
• Open a joint account with siblings or friends for shared expenses or savings goals
• Maximize every deduction and credit available to single filers

💡 Bonus Tip: A Certified Financial Planner can help you build a retirement and investment strategy for solo living.

6. Financial Planning Essentials for Singles

Want to reach financial success while staying single? Here’s your must-do checklist:

Build Your Financial Foundation:

• Emergency fund: 6 months of expenses is the new minimum
• Debt repayment: Focus on high-interest credit cards or loans
• Retirement accounts: Max out your 401(k) and/or Roth IRA
• Explore HSA benefits for healthcare and tax-free savings
• Understand where you fall in the tax brackets and optimize accordingly

Deeper Dive: Tax Credits and Deductions

• Saver’s Credit: Get a tax break just for contributing to retirement
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Valuable if you earn a modest income, especially for single parents
• Student loan interest deduction, charitable deductions, and education credits can also add up fast

Prepare for the Long-Term:

• Evaluate your Social Security benefits early
• Consider long-term care insurance (especially if you plan to age solo)
• Make a will and consider a power of attorney
• Automate your savings and investments for consistency

While you may not have the traditional financial safety net of marriage, you can build your own—and it might be even stronger.

7. The Upside: Financial Freedom on Your Own Terms

It’s not all bad news. Being single can also mean:

• More control over how you spend and save
• Less compromise in big decisions (house, travel, career)
• Full autonomy in your financial planning
• Stronger personal financial discipline

Some experts argue that single people who plan well can become wealthier than their married peers. Why? Because they make intentional decisions about money, have clear goals, and adapt faster to change.

And let’s be real—you never have to fight with anyone about the thermostat, the toilet paper roll, or which house to buy.

Single, Smart, and Financially Strong

Being single isn’t a flaw. It’s a lifestyle that requires intentional choices, discipline, and smart strategy. Single individuals face unique challenges, yes. But they also gain unmatched freedom to shape their financial future.

Whether riding solo by choice or circumstance, you can build wealth, gain financial stability, and thrive.

Here's what matters:

• Know your numbers
• Be proactive, not reactive
• Plan for the unexpected
• Use every tool at your disposal to reduce added costs

Financial freedom is not reserved for couples. It’s for anyone who dares to take control.

Still feeling overwhelmed?

You’re not alone and don’t have to figure it out solo. Whether you're planning your first budget or prepping for tax season, e.file-tax.net is here to make it easy, fast, and frustration-free.

👉 Try our free filing checklist