How to Beat the 'Singles Tax' and Save Money on Everything from Holidays and Food
MoneyMagpie's Vicky Parry shares the best deals for single people in 2026 and examines the dreaded 'single tax' in detail.
Living alone offers many perks, such as having the bed to yourself, controlling the remote, and never compromising on dinner choices. However, financially, being single in Britain can feel like paying a penalty for not being part of a couple. This is often referred to as the 'single tax'—the extra amount single people pay because they lack someone to split major bills with.
As someone who specializes in finding money-saving hacks, I have seen firsthand how significant this cost can be. Research indicates that single people may spend £2,000 to £4,000 more annually than couples with similar lifestyles, as expenses like rent, energy, holidays, and insurance are typically priced per household rather than per person.
One-person households also allocate a much higher proportion of their income to essentials, leaving little room for savings. In a world designed for couples and families, solo living can seem financially stacked against you. But there is good news: companies are gradually recognizing the spending power of single households, and there are hidden deals and clever tricks that can make life much more affordable. I have explored these options thoroughly.
Travel Companies Finally Ditching the Single Supplement
Travel has long been a major contributor to the single tax, with the dreaded 'single supplement' often forcing solo travellers to pay nearly the same price as two people sharing a room. Fortunately, some travel firms now actively cater to solo travellers.
Just You specializes in holidays exclusively for people travelling alone, ensuring no awkward third wheels and, crucially, no single supplements on most trips. G Adventures offers many tours with low or zero single supplements, especially on its 'solo-ish' group trips where everyone arrives alone. Meanwhile, Riviera Travel regularly releases limited 'no single supplement' deals on cruises and escorted tours, which can save hundreds or even thousands of pounds, though they sell out quickly.
Money-saving tip: Search specifically for 'no single supplement holidays' and set alerts, as many deals are released quietly and sell out fast.
Housing and Co-Living Designed for Singles
Rent is often the biggest single tax, with one person renting a one-bed flat typically paying far more per head than two people sharing a two-bed property. However, a new wave of co-living companies is targeting single professionals with all-inclusive pricing.
Gravity Co-Living offers rooms with bills, Wi-Fi, workspace, and gym access bundled into one monthly price, which can be more affordable than running a flat alone. The Collective provides similar setups with flexible contracts and shared amenities included, eliminating separate council tax, broadband, or energy bills. Even if co-living is not for you, these models reflect a shift towards housing that recognizes solo living as the norm, not the exception.
Food and Meal Deals for One
Supermarket multi-buy offers can penalize solo shoppers, as family packs are cheaper per portion but often lead to waste. Meal kit companies have become a useful hack for single households.
Gousto and HelloFresh both offer plans designed for one person, with introductory discounts as high as 50–60% off. Used strategically, especially with cashback, they can be cheaper than small supermarket shops. I also recommend:
- Batch cooking and freezing portions
- Splitting bulk buys with friends
- Shopping late for yellow-sticker reductions
- Using loyalty apps and cashback on groceries
These small adjustments can save hundreds of pounds annually.
Banking and Budgeting Tools Built for Solo Earners
One of the biggest financial risks of living alone is having no second income to fall back on, placing all pressure on you if something goes wrong. Smart banking tools can help mitigate this.
Monzo and Starling Bank are particularly useful for single people, as they allow you to create separate savings 'pots' for bills, track spending easily, build an emergency fund automatically, and split costs with friends when needed. When managing everything alone, visibility and control over your money are essential.
Insurance and Bill Discounts Many Singles Miss
While there is no official 'single discount' for most bills, there are ways to cut costs:
- Claim the 25% single-person council tax discount, which many forget.
- Ask insurers about lower premiums for one-person households.
- Switch broadband and mobile providers annually.
- Use cashback sites for every major bill.
Since you are covering all costs yourself, even small reductions matter more.
Why the Single Market Is Finally Being Noticed
Single-person households are one of the fastest-growing demographics in the UK, with more people living alone than ever before, whether by choice or circumstance. Businesses are beginning to realize that solo consumers are a powerful market.
Single people often make faster spending decisions, have full control over disposable income, and are loyal to brands that recognize their needs. This trend suggests we are likely to see more solo-friendly pricing and perks emerge in the coming years.
The Bottom Line
Yes, the single tax is real, and living alone can cost thousands more each year than living as part of a couple. However, after examining the data and deals, I am convinced that single people do not have to accept these extra costs without a fight.
From travel firms eliminating single supplements to budgeting tools designed for one income, there are more ways than ever to push back against a world built for couples. Living solo might mean paying the bills alone, but with the right hacks, you can stop paying over the odds.
Note: Some brands and websites mentioned may be partners of MoneyMagpie.com, but we only mention brands we believe in and trust, ensuring no influence on our priorities or links.
