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.

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.

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SOURCE Zillow