Meet Your New “Singles Tax”
Did you know that more than 8 million Brits living solo might be blowing an extra £10,000 a year just because they’re the only ones at home? That’s the “singles tax” – not a real tax, but a nickname for the premium you pay when you stand alone against the world of bills, groceries, and subscription services.
What’s the Story Behind the Numbers?
The study, conducted by UK Debt Expert, mixed the cost of everyday living (rent, utilities, council tax) with treat‑time expenses (pet care, wedding invites, streaming, travel). The result? Living alone is costing the average Brit tighter than a couples’ budget would expect.
Where the Lone Irony Is Most Overt
- London tops the list – a single person’s cost of living hits £20,565 a year. Add a furry friend? A dog will tack on an extra £918 yearly, and a cat adds about £679.
- Next comes Oxford, clocking in at £14,338. Cambridge follows, slightly below; and Edinburgh barely makes the cut at £12,656.
- On the flip side, Hartlepool offers a cheaper solo life, with a single tax of just £7,639 – a whopping 90% sub‑London.
Why Are Groceries So Much Extra?
Rent has gone up, food is 3 % more expensive, and a single‑person kitchen just so happens to run the lights and water alone. Now, that’s over £1,600 spent annually on groceries! All added up, it feels like a debt avalanche for everyone staying single.
“Living Alone Is a Lifestyle, Not a Discount” – Maxine McCreadie
Maxine, a personal finance guru at UK Debt Expert, summed it up: “People love the idea of independence, but it comes with a price tag. From housing to everyday stuff, single folks see their money squeezed into rent, with little left for the fun bits. This extra burden leaves very little disposable income for meeting new people, adopting a pet, or celebrating milestones. None of those should be locked behind a purse‑tight limit.”
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