Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cEveryday life costs more when you\u2019re covering it all on your own,\u201d ING\u2019s James Tao said.<\/p>\n Rent, mortgages, internet, and utilities remain largely unchanged despite the number of people in the home, leaving singles to shoulder the full burden.<\/p>\n \u201cThey actually cost roughly the same whether one person lives there or two,\u201d ING\u2019s James Tao said.<\/p>\n That reality is translating into an extra $800 a month, or roughly $9,300 a year more in bills for singles than if the costs were split between each person in a couple.<\/p>\n The financial hit compounds over time, with singles falling behind on savings.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s pretty clear when it comes to saving, singles tend to save about $400 a month less than couples. That can really add up over time,\u201d Tao said.<\/p>\n On average, singles have about $20,000 less in savings, sitting at about $30,000 compared with $50,000 for couples.<\/p>\n Bill stress also kicks in sooner, at about $1,600 a month for singles, compared with $2,400 for couples.<\/p>\n Despite the disparity, singles retain full control over how they spend their money, with fewer compromises required.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chalmers issues bleak budget warning as war takes toll on economy<\/p>\n 2 min read<\/p>\n![\"Singles](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/5e20a0b8fa3eadb29032929519cf1e0b8d9d9ffc.png\")
Singles are paying nearly $10,000 more than couples annually to cover basics. Credit: Sunrise\/AAP<\/p>\n