The Big Story Weekend Listen: Being single is more expensive than you think
Mar 28, 2026
Renée Sylvestre-Williams, a finance journalist and author of The Singles Tax, explores the extra costs solo earners face. She discusses the concept and evidence for the singles tax. Travel single supplements and ways to dodge them come up. Creative housing and policy ideas for solo affordability are also covered.
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Singles Pay Far More Per Person
- Single people often pay substantially more per person for basic living costs.
- Renée Sylvestre-Williams cites an RBC study showing Canadian singles pay 66% more in rent per person than couples, plus higher per-person food costs.
Cruises Offer Solo Cabins And Meetups
- Cruises and resorts sometimes charge a single supplement to cover expected dual occupancy spending.
- Renée describes Virgin and Norwegian offering solo cabins and Virgin organizing meetups so solo travellers can pair up or socialize.
Search For Providers That Waive Single Fees
- Look specifically for tours, resorts, or cruise lines that waive single supplements or offer solo cabins.
- Renée recommends researching providers like Norwegian and Virgin and seeking resorts that host solo-guest events to avoid extra fees.
