While independence is a personality trait often praised and sought after, the world was not built for those taking it on alone. From buying bulk groceries at Costco and BOGO deals to the cultural obsession with finding the one, life is usually a bit easier if you have a partner who's in it with you. And unfortunately, the housing market is no different. In fact, singles are at a major disadvantage due to the hidden costs of living that are referred to as the "singles tax."What Is the "Singles Tax"?The extra amount solo renters are paying for a one-bedroom compared to the amount couples can save by splitting rent is known as the "singles tax." Of course, this is a no-brainer since living alone means you aren't splitting your bills with anyone, but according to Zillow, couples spend $15,123 less per year on a one-bedroom rental apartment than someone living by themselves in the same space. The singles tax is now up by more than $450 from last year, no doubt in response to the nationwide trend of rising rent prices. Emily McDonald, Zillows rental trends expert compares the difference in New York City (the unsurprising most expensive city for single folks), a whopping $7,562, to the cost of over 1,300 lattes or 12 years of a top-tier dating app subscription. The increased spending on housing adds up. Related StoryThe Top 10 Worst Cities for Single Renters Soumi SarkarPrices are calculated as an area average. New York City and San Francisco top the list as the most expensive cities for single renters, but its Boston that has had one of the largest singles tax increases nationwide. Boston's rental market remains among the most expensive in the U.S., with the typical rent price at $3,002 as of December 2024, which is about 53 percent higher than the national rent price, explains McDonald. The news isnt all bad! Denver, Colorado, and Long Beach, California, are much more affordable areas than their top-of-list counterparts, and Detroit is the least expensive city nationwide if you're renting solo. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Buffalo, New York, Cincinnati, Ohio, and El Paso, Texas, join Detroit as the least expensive cities for single renters. 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 McDonald. 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 its the right move for their lifestyle and budget. Related StoriesFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.