Single people across the UK could be facing a ‘single surcharge’ racking up thousands each year, without even realising it. A recent analysis compared the living costs of those not living with a partner, whether they’re alone or renting a room, with the bills of those who do live with their partner—and the results were shocking.
Singletons are paying on average £3,844 more each year, according to research by Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service. Results showed that for the most part, household bills account for more than 54% of single people’s monthly income.
Many people choosing to live alone, more than 1 in 10, say that they have used a credit card to pay for household bills to help manage their finances, and others admit to stopping or even delaying bill payments. The financial stress and cost of living have left 15% admitting that they’re tempted to stay in relationships just to keep costs down.
Alanna Manktelow is a single woman living alone in Edinburgh who has felt the impact of these prices firsthand. She says, “My household costs—including mortgage, gas, electricity, and council tax—total around £1,300. I used to split the majority of these costs, but now living alone, I feel the full impact. Before, I could save for holidays or nights out, but now I struggle to cover essentials.”
The 29-year-old went on to say: “I assumed living alone would mean lower bills, but single-person council tax relief doesn’t go far in this cost-of-living crisis. I also used to split food and household shopping with my housemate, but now cooking for one is too expensive, so I often eat at my parents’ house. While I’m grateful for their help, I want to support myself and remain independent.
“I’ve had to cut back on socialising to afford my bills, but this affects my mental well-being. The rising costs are worrying – I worked hard to buy my flat, and I’d be devastated if I had to give it up.”
The comparison between costs revealed in this research is staggering. Broadband has a difference of £42.90 for a single customer compared to £30.10 for a couple with an average annual difference of £153.60. Not to mention council tax, totalling up to an average £398.40 more for single bill payers and £441.60 more for energy bills.
To combat these numbers, Max Beckett, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, believes businesses should be doing more to help. He said: “The “single person tax” hasn’t gone away, and our data shows that those who live alone continue to bear the greatest financial strain.
“From rent and utilities to grocery shopping, solo living means covering every expense without the benefit of splitting costs, making financial pressures even more intense. Uswitch’s data shows that the UK’s singles are cutting back on energy, broadband, and grocery spending, while ‘luxuries’ such as Netflix and takeaways are also off the agenda for many.
“Businesses would do well to remember that single bill payers account for nearly one in three households, so home service providers could do more to offer affordable products to these groups – or they may join the list of cutbacks single bill payers have already made.”