(Bloomberg)—It’s costly to be single in New York Metropolis.

Whereas the unattached might save on the prices of an costly Valentine’s Day date, they’re paying a a lot increased “singles tax” to stay by themselves, in response to actual property agency Zillow. New York renters residing alone in one-bedroom flats are forking over $19,500 extra a yr than {couples} who stay collectively, Zillow information present. In Manhattan, the annual singles tax rises to a whopping $24,000.

Zillow’s singles tax is predicated on how a lot a renter residing alone must pay annually for a median one-bedroom condo, in comparison with these splitting hire on the identical unit with a associate.

Between them, companions who stay collectively in one of the costly cities on the planet will save a median of $39,000 a yr.

Singles with a one-bedroom all to themselves in California’s dear Bay Space additionally pay a major premium. These in San Francisco face a singles tax of $14,114, the second highest of any metropolis, adopted by San Jose at $12,401.

Whereas residing alone permits renters to stay as they please, “all that freedom comes with a value,” stated Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s house developments skilled.

“Although hire costs are beginning to cool, they’re nonetheless considerably increased than they had been a yr in the past,” Pendleton stated. “Renters contemplating going solo this yr should determine how worthwhile residing alone is to them, and if the price is value it.”

Nationally, singles pay practically $7,000 further per yr for a median one-bedroom condo.

To contact the creator of this story: Paulina Cachero in New York at [email protected]

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