MoneyMagpie’s Vicky Parry tells us all the best deals for single people in 2026 and takes a close look at the dreaded ‘single tax’
You don’t need to pay more for being single(Image: Getty Images)
Living alone can be brilliant. You get the bed to yourself, full control of the remote and never have to compromise on what’s for dinner.
But financially? Being single in Britain can feel like paying a penalty for not being part of a couple.
It’s often called the “single tax” — the extra amount single people pay simply because they don’t have someone to split life’s biggest bills with.
And as someone who spends their days hunting down money-saving hacks, I’ve seen just how real this cost can be.
Research has shown that single people can spend £2,000–£4,000 more per year than couples living a similar lifestyle, simply because everything from rent and energy to holidays and insurance is priced per household, not per person.
One-person households also spend a far higher proportion of their income on essentials, leaving less room to save. In a world designed for couples and families, solo living can feel financially stacked against you.
But here’s the good news: companies are slowly waking up to the spending power of single households — and there are hidden deals and clever tricks that can make life much cheaper. I’ve gone looking for them.
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Travel companies finally ditching the single supplement
Travel has long been one of the worst offenders when it comes to the single tax. The dreaded “single supplement” often means paying almost the same price as two people sharing a room.
But some travel firms now actively cater to solo travellers.
Just You specialises in holidays exclusively for people travelling alone. That means no awkward third wheels and — crucially — no single supplements on most trips.
G Adventures also offers many tours with low or zero single supplements, particularly 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. They’re snapped up quickly, but they can save hundreds or even thousands.
Money-saving tip : search specifically for “no single supplement holidays” and set alerts. Many deals are released quietly and sell out fast.
Housing and co-living designed for singles
Rent is often the biggest single tax of all. One person renting a one-bed flat will almost always pay far more per head than two people sharing a two-bed.
But 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. While not always cheap, it can work out far less than running a flat alone.
The Collective provides similar set-ups with flexible contracts and shared amenities included — meaning no separate council tax, broadband or energy bills to juggle.
Even if co-living isn’t for you, these models show a shift towards housing that recognises solo living as the norm, not the exception.
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Food and meal deals for one
Supermarket multi-buy offers can make solo shoppers feel penalised. Family packs are cheaper per portion — but often lead to waste when you live alone.
That’s why meal kit companies have quietly become a useful hack for some single households.
Gousto and HelloFresh both offer plans designed for one person, and introductory discounts can be as high as 50–60% off. Used strategically — especially with cashback — they can work out cheaper than small supermarket shops.
I also recommend:
Batch cooking and freezing portionsSplitting bulk buys with friendsShopping late for yellow-sticker reductionsUsing loyalty apps and cashback on groceries
These small tweaks can save hundreds a year.
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. If something goes wrong, the pressure lands entirely on you.
That’s where smart banking tools come in.
Monzo and Starling Bank are particularly useful for single people because they allow you to:
Create separate savings “pots” for billsTrack spending easilyBuild an emergency fund automaticallySplit costs with friends when needed
When you’re managing everything alone, visibility and control over your money are essential.
Insurance and bill discounts many singles miss
There’s no official “single discount” for most bills, but there are ways to cut costs:
Claim the 25% single-person council tax discount (many forget)Ask insurers about lower premiums for one-person householdsSwitch broadband and mobile annuallyUse cashback sites for every major bill
Because you’re 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. More people are living alone than ever before — by choice or circumstance — and businesses are beginning to realise that solo consumers are a powerful market.
Single people often:
Make faster spending decisionsHave full control over disposable incomeAre loyal to brands that recognise their needs
That means we’re likely to see more solo-friendly pricing and perks emerge over the next few years.
The bottom line
Yes, the single tax is real. Living alone can cost thousands more each year than living as part of a couple. But after digging into the data and the deals, I’m convinced of this: single people don’t have to accept those extra costs without a fight.
From travel firms ditching 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.
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