The price of independence is rising as the ‘singles tax’ tops $7,500
The price of living alone climbs again, with solo renters paying thousands more
- The “singles tax” has risen to $7,562, an increase of more than $450 from last year.
- New York City remains the most expensive city for solo renters, with an annual singles tax of $20,100, according to StreetEasy data.
- Boston climbs the rankings to become the fourth-most-expensive city for singles, as typical rents remain 53% higher than the national average.
Love might be priceless, but living alone sure isn’t. The “singles tax” — the extra amount solo renters pay for a one-bedroom compared to splitting rent with roommates or partners — has soared to a record-high $7,562, according to a new Zillow Rentals analysis. While some may call it the price of peace and quiet, it’s also equivalent to over 1,300 lattes or more than 12 years of some top-tier dating app subscriptions.
The singles tax increased by more than $450 from last year, reflecting the broader trend of rising rents. Nationwide, couples or roommates sharing a one-bedroom rental collectively save $15,123 annually, proving that love (or at least one roommate) can be financially rewarding.
America’s rising singles tax
New York City once again claimed the top spot for highest singles tax. With a staggering $20,100 annual premium for solo renters, according to StreetEasy, Zillow’s New York City brand, NYC has consistently held the highest singles tax, proving that independence comes at an especially steep price in the Big Apple.
While the top five cities remain mostly unchanged from last year, Boston made a notable climb, moving from No. 5 in 2024 to No. 4 in 2025, surpassing Washington, D.C. This shift highlights Boston’s growing affordability challenges for renters. Boston’s rental market remains among the most expensive in the U.S., with the typical price of rent at $3,002 as of December 2024, which is about 53% higher than the national rent price.
“Living alone means complete control over a space. Renters can decorate exactly how they like, play their favorite music on repeat, and never compromise on the thermostat setting,” said Emily McDonald, Zillow’s rental trends expert. “But the financial reality of solo renting is something every renter should consider. Understanding the full cost of living alone can help renters decide if it’s the right move for their lifestyle and budget.”
SOURCE Zillow
