Americans who live alone may pay $10,000 more each year than their counterparts who share a residence. This report from Zillow, the real estate marketplace, comes just before Valentine’s Day They called this expenditure a national ‘single tax’.
Living alone costs more than sharing a home, a recent report found. Images for representational purposes. (Pixabay)According to Zillow data, renters who live alone now pay an average of $10,470 more per year than those who share their home. The report tries to highlight the stark difference in value, noting that living alone comes with its own benefits, such as privacy and control over one’s own space. “Love isn’t just romantic, it’s economic,” the Zillow report reads.
What is ‘single tax’ and how does it work?According to Zillow, the ‘single tax’ is the extra amount a person has to bear for living alone and not for sharing. Tenants who choose to live alone pay more than those who split the lease, the data shows.
Also Read | Valentine’s Day 2026: Love Horoscope for Singles with Simple Crystal Remedies
According to the company’s analysis, renters who share a lease instead of maintaining two separate households can save up to $20,940 per year in rent together. This is labeled as a ‘couple discount’ which can free up thousands of dollars each year for other expenses or even to add to your own savings.
“When you live alone, you’re covering the entire rent on one income, and that can add up quickly. Apartments often make living alone more attainable, while also offering shared spaces that help people feel connected. And for renters who choose to live with a partner or roommate, sharing daily expenses like rent, utilities and groceries can go a long way in today’s high rent pressures.” Trend expert Dr.
Data from the report shows that New York is the most expensive market for renters living alone. Single renters in the Big Apple pay $23,400 more per year than those who choose to share housing. San Jose is second, behind Boston.
However, this is also where finding shared accommodation can pay off the biggest. “In New York City, San Jose, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, renters who share housing can save more than $30,000 per year,” the report said.
Despite higher costs, the report notes that apartment affordability is at its best since April 2021 when rising incomes are taken into account. This is bound to be a relief for some tenants. Another recent analysis found that renting rather than owning a home is now up to $548 cheaper per month.
