Living alone is definitely not as valuable as love. According to a recent Zillow Rentals report, the “singles tax”—the additional cost single tenants pay for a one-bedroom as opposed to splitting rent with roommates or partners—has skyrocketed to a record-high $7,562. It’s comparable to more than 1,300 lattes or more than 12 years of subscriptions to some premium dating apps, even though others might refer to it as the cost of quiet.
“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,” according to 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.”
In line with the general trend of rising rents, the individuals tax went up by almost $450 from the previous year. Love (or at least one roommate) can be financially lucrative, as seen by the $15,123 that couples or housemates nationwide save each year on a one-bedroom apartment.
The city with the highest singles tax was once again New York City. According to StreetEasy, Zillow’s New York City brand, the annual premium for single renters is an astounding $20,100. NYC has continuously had the highest singles tax, demonstrating that independence comes at a particularly high cost in the Big Apple.
While the top five cities are largely similar from the previous year, Boston rose significantly, surpassing Washington, D.C., to go from No. 5 in 2024 to No. 4 in 2025. This change reflects Boston’s increasing tenant affordability issues. As of December 2024, the average rent in Boston was $3,002, over 53% more than the national average, making it one of the most costly rental markets in the U.S.
To read the full report, click here.
