There some advantages to being single – a whole bed to yourself, fewer arguments and the freedom to – on occasion – think purely selfishly.

However, research has revealed one area that singletons are not better off is in terms of finances.

The cost of single life

Findings from uSwitch.com found over the course of a lifetime a person on their own ends up paying over £250,000 more than someone living as part of a couple for essential living costs.

It suggested housing costs, essential bills and food add up to £11,904 a year on average for someone living alone, while for people living with a spouse or partner the total is £7,110.

This means unattached people spend £4,794 – equivalent to 67 per cent – more every year on necessary purchases.

According to the website the biggest outlay is the mortgage or rent, costing a single person £7,080 each year, in comparison with just £3,804 a year on average for those co-habiting with a partner or spouse.

Council tax is another area in which partnerless consumers are being hit in the wallet, as despite receiving a discount, single people still spend an average of £90 a month on council tax – 43 per cent, or £27, a month more than a person in a couple.

However, while this reduction eases some of the strain it is not a big enough discount according to the uSwitch.com survey.

Of those responding to the poll, 79 per cent per cent of single people and 41 per cent of those in couples did not think this was enough of a price reduction.

As people living alone see more of their salary disappear on essentials such as rent and utilities, they may find they have less money for other things, as 43 per cent of respondents admitted they rarely or never go on holidays compared with 21 per cent of those with a partner.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, said: “The huge increase in the number of single person households is not just a worry in terms of housing stock, it will also have a serious impact on lifestyle and spending in this country.

“Increasingly we are seeing evidence that to enjoy a good quality of life in Britain, a household needs two incomes”

Ways to make a saving

Of course, there are steps people can take other than moving in with a partner to reduce the burden on their finances.

In terms of council tax, as a sole occupant of a property people are eligible for a 25 per cent discount from their council tax bill, but they will need to apply for it.

A little advice has been offered to singletons by Mark Bower, managing director of moneymaxim.co.uk, said: “Firstly, we would suggest that they concentrate on making sure that whenever they buy something, that they avoid paying standing charges – line rentals, and other fixed costs.

“We also see people whose circumstances change and whether they are becoming single or whether they are moving from a single lifestyle to live with somebody else.”

Mr Bower added he would recommend anyone at that stage reviews their expenditure because different companies suit different types of customers.

Water bills are one area that could be lower in terms of consumption, but consumers may also wish to switch to a meter rather than paying standard rate.

Finding the right energy price plan could also lower bills.

The Guardian advised companies such as not-for-profit energy provider Ebico do not have a standing charge and may be worth considering.

“Because you only pay for what you use this can work out particularly cheap for someone in a studio or a one bedroom flat,” said a spokeswoman for Ebico.

Ms Robinson agrees with this and encouraged people to make the most of “whatever subsidies exist” and advised keeping on top of personal finances and bills will be key.

“Your consumption of utilities such as water and energy should be lower than the typical household so use this to your advantage,” she advised.

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