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.
SEATTLE, Feb. 13,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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."
Zillow helps solo renters navigate the market
Solo
renters using Zillow will find an extensive selection of rental
options to fit their needs. Whether they're searching for a
one-bedroom apartment, a townhome, a single-family rental or even
just a room for rent, Zillow's listings ensure that renters can
find a home that matches their needs and lifestyle — all in one
place.
To support informed decisions, Zillow's rent affordability
calculator provides insight into housing budgets, making it easier
to understand what's within reach. With automated tour scheduling,
renters can instantly book viewings without the hassle of
back-and-forth coordination, freeing up more time to focus on the
search.
About Zillow Group:
Zillow Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: Z and
ZG) is reimagining real estate to make home a reality for more and
more people. As the most visited real estate website in
the United States, Zillow and its
affiliates help people find and get the home they want by
connecting them with digital solutions, dedicated partners and
agents, and easier buying, selling, financing, and renting
experiences.
Zillow Group's affiliates, subsidiaries and brands include
Zillow®, Zillow Premier Agent®, Zillow Home Loans℠, Zillow
Rentals®, Trulia®, Out East®, StreetEasy®, HotPads®, ShowingTime+℠,
Spruce®, and Follow Up Boss®.
All marks herein are owned by MFTB Holdco, Inc., a Zillow
affiliate. Zillow Home Loans, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS
#10287 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). © 2025 MFTB Holdco, Inc., a
Zillow affiliate.
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SOURCE Zillow
