The Price of Independence Is Rising for Renters As the ‘Singles Tax’ Tops $7,500

• 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. 

Love might not cost a thing, but living alone comes with a hefty price tag. The “singles tax” — the extra amount solo renters pay for a one-bedroom compared to splitting rent with a roommate or partner — has reached a record-high $7,562, according to a new Zillow Rentals analysis. While some might consider that a reasonable price to pay for peace and quiet — not to mention full control of the thermostat — it’s 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. 

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