Single Australians face a ‘singles tax’ costing them thousands, new report reveals
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Finder’s report revealed only 31 per cent of Aussie suburbs were affordable to the average single earner.
Single Aussies are being priced out of the market, with new research revealing they can afford to buy in just one-third of suburbs around the country.
The Finder’s Singles Tax Report 2026 exposed the higher costs for housing, utilities, groceries and travel that single people face while it also shows singles are less ‘happy’ than those with a partner.
The report revealed only 31 per cent of Aussie suburbs were affordable to the average single earner.
The report revealed only 31 per cent of Aussie suburbs were affordable to the average single earner.
The research also revealed the average Aussie with a partner has $50,192 in savings while the average single person has $30,932.
It showed across 4,493 suburbs where property sold in the 12 months of 2025, only a third of them were affordable without entering mortgage stress.
That was based on the average first homebuyer deposit of $147,241.
“Getting a foot on the property ladder is another area where the ‘singles tax’ is clearly on display,” said Rebecca Pike, money expert at Finder and report co-author.
“Unlike couples, single buyers must save the same deposit without the benefit of dual earnings, while also proving they can service a loan on their own.
“This significantly limits borrowing power and reduces the number of properties within reach.”
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Rebecca Pike, money expert at Finder and report co-author.
The research also revealed the average Aussie with a partner has $50,192 in savings while the average single person has $30,932, a staggering difference of $19,260.
Single people were stashing away $651 on average every month, while someone in a couple is saving $1,086 on average each month.
This means those with a partner come out $435 a month ahead compared to singles.
“Those living alone are facing higher per-person costs.
Ceyda Erem, insurance specialist at Finder.
“Many everyday expenses don’t scale down for one person, meaning singles often pay more per person just to maintain the same standard of living as couples,” said Ceyda Erem, insurance specialist at Finder and report co-author.
“Those living alone are facing higher per-person costs, lower savings and a reduced ability to absorb everyday expenses.
“As Australia’s relationship landscape continues to evolve, the challenge becomes how do we rethink financial structures that were built with couples in mind.
“In a country where more people are choosing to go it alone, the cost of doing so is becoming harder to ignore.”
When it came to solo living, 61 per cent of single people reported feeling happy in March 2026, compared to 82 per cent of those with a partner.
When it came to solo living, 61 per cent of single people reported feeling happy in March 2026, compared to 82 per cent of those with a partner.
The gap becomes even more noticeable at certain times of the year.
During Christmas 2025, 70 per cent of singles reported feeling happy, compared to 86 per cent of those in a couple.
“While happiness is shaped by many factors, financial security and stability can play an important role,” Ms Pike said.
“Holidays especially are a time associated with social connection and positive memories, which can bring on heavy feelings for those without a partner.
“Of course, happiness isn’t and shouldn’t be solely determined by relationship status.”
