NYC Singles Face Record $20K Annual 'Singles Tax' on Rent, Study Finds

Living alone in New York City costs significantly more than sharing a home, with Manhattan renters experiencing the highest financial burden.

A new report by Zillow and StreetEasy reveals that single renters in New York City pay an average of $20,100 more annually compared to couples sharing a one-bedroom apartment.
Manhattan tops the list of NYC boroughs with the highest singles tax, where couples can save over $50,000 per year by cohabitating.
Rents in NYC have risen 24% over the past five years, further increasing financial pressure on solo renters.
Nationwide, the average singles tax is $7,562 annually, with NYC far exceeding this figure due to its high demand and elevated rental costs.
While many singles value the independence of living alone, experts advise carefully evaluating budgets and considering alternatives like roommates or homeownership to offset costs.