Single living in Birmingham now costs £3,446 more per year than five years ago, according to new data from credit card experts Zable. This equates to an extra £287 per month, representing a 20.06% increase since 2020.
The Rising Cost of Living Alone
Nearly one in three UK households now consists of a single person, meaning millions bear the full cost of rent, bills, and food without a partner to share expenses. Zable analysed one-bedroom rental prices, council tax rates, and household spend per person to determine where the 'singles tax' is highest.
Brighton Tops the List
Brighton and Hove ranks as the least affordable city for single people. One-bedroom rent averages £1,191 per month, the fourth-highest outside London. Council tax for single-occupancy band A and B properties averages £1,330 after the 25% discount, the fifth-highest nationally. Combined with the highest average household spend per person in the South East (£996 per month or £11,949 annually), singles in Brighton face significant financial pressure.
Other Cities in the Top 10
Southend-on-Sea ranks second, with one-bedroom rent around £828 per month. Despite being relatively affordable, high consumer spending and lower take-home salaries push it up the list. Oxford comes third due to high rental costs (£1,280 per month) and elevated everyday spending.
Most Affordable Cities for Singles
Derby is the most affordable, with total living costs consuming 53.2% of a single person's post-tax income, followed by Aberdeen (53.4%) and Stoke-on-Trent (58.7%).
National Context
Across all cities analysed, living alone costs 38% more per person than sharing equally with a partner or housemate. London ranks seventh least affordable, with living expenses taking up 78% of one person's salary, despite being the most expensive city overall.
