Finder’s Singles Tax Report: The financial penalty of not being in a relationship

Single Australians are financially disadvantaged compared to their coupled counterparts, according to a new report by Finder.

Finder's Singles Tax Report 2026 has uncovered the higher fixed costs for housing, utilities, groceries and travel that single people face. It also reveals they're less 'happy' than those with a partner.

As more Australians delay marriage or move away from traditional relationships, the true cost of being single is becoming an increasingly urgent economic and social issue.

Below are some of the key findings from the report:

The financial gap between single Australians and couples is widening

• 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 are 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.
• Singles could live off their savings for just 15.9 weeks on average, compared to 17.4 weeks for those with a partner.

Ceyda Erem, insurance specialist at Finder and report co-author, says:

• "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.
• "Those living alone are facing higher per-person costs, lower savings and a reduced ability to absorb everyday expenses."

Property affordability is a problem for solo buyers

• The average first home buyer deposit reached $147,241 in December 2025 — a figure that presents a much steeper challenge for those relying on a single income.
• Using Cotality house price data, Finder identified the number of suburbs where Australians could afford repayments without experiencing mortgage stress.
• Across 4,493 suburbs which saw property sold in the 12 months of 2025, only 31% of them are affordable without entering mortgage stress.
• For couples earning 2 salaries, that stress lessens. But for a single person on one salary, you're priced out of much of the country.
• It's even harder for single women. Finder's First Home Buyer Report in 2025 found that only 34% of women are buying property on their own, compared to 44% of men.

Rebecca Pike, money expert at Finder and report co-author, says:

• "Getting a foot on the property ladder is another area where the 'singles tax' is clearly on display.
• "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."

Is solo living less satisfying?

• Overall, 61% of single people reported feeling happy in March 2026, compared to 82% of those with a partner.
• The gap becomes even more noticeable at certain times of the year.
• During Christmas 2025, 70% of singles report feeling happy, compared to 86% of those in a couple.

Rebecca Pike, money expert at Finder and report co-author, says:

• "While happiness is shaped by many factors, financial security and stability can play an important role.
• "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."

Ceyda Erem, insurance specialist at Finder and report co-author, says:

• "While being single offers 'freedom' and 'flexibility', it often comes at a financial cost that can compound over time.
• "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."