The Current Are you feeling the pinch of the singles 'tax'?
Feb 5, 2026
Cece Armstrong, a Vancouver-based producer and reporter, explores the financial squeeze facing people who live alone. She breaks down why solo living raises per-person costs for rent, travel and daily services. She looks at homebuying hurdles, shared housing options, and tax rules that tend to favour couples. The reporting mixes data, personal budgets and policy ideas.
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Singlehood Is Becoming More Common
- Singlehood is rising across ages as people delay relationships and exit unfulfilling ones.
- That shift increases the number of people bearing full living costs alone, widening financial pressure.
A 30-Year-Old's Budget Reality
- Andy lives alone in a 600-square-foot basement and totals about $1,500–$1,600 monthly for essentials.
- She says splitting rent would help, but solo living feels financially tight and limits extras like car ownership.
The Measurable Singles Gap
- RBC found singles spend $3,181 monthly versus $2,319 per person in couples.
- That gap equals about $862 more per month for each single person on average.