Americans who live alone are paying a five-figure “singles tax” amid rising rents around the nation, a new analysis finds.

Data from Zillow shows that the typical apartment rent is currently $1,745 and has risen 30% over the last five years, which represents a significant burden for renters who live alone and don’t have one or more roommates to split the bill with.

The premium paid by solo renters was dubbed the “singles tax” by Zillow, which found that the national average singles tax amounts to $10,470 per year. 

“When you’re living alone, you’re covering the full rent on one income and that can add up fast,” said Emily Smith, Zillow rental trends expert. “Apartments often make living solo more attainable, while also offering shared spaces that help people feel connected.”

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New York City had the largest “singles tax” in Zillow’s data, which amounted to $23,400 per year. (Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images / Getty Images)

New York City tops the list of areas with the highest singles tax, as the Big Apple’s typical apartment rent of $3,900 a month amounts to a singles tax of $23,400 for the year.

San Jose ranked second, with a typical rent of $3,248 a month and a singles tax of $19,488 per year. Boston was close behind in third, with the typical rent in the city amounting to $3,014 a month and resulting in a singles tax of $18,084.

A pair of California cities rounded out the top five, with San Francisco in fourth based on a typical rent of $2,857 and a singles tax of $17,142, while Los Angeles ranked fifth with a typical monthly rent of $2,648 and a singles tax of $15,888.

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San Francisco ranked fourth on Zillow’s list with a “singles tax” of $17,142 per year. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Renters who pair up their living arrangement with a partner derive what Zillow called a “couples’ discount” from being able to split up the rental bill as well as utilities and other costs.

“For renters who choose to live with a partner or roommate, splitting everyday costs like rent, utilities and groceries can go a long way in easing the pressure of today’s higher cost of living,” Smith said.

Based on the firm’s national data, the couples’ discount amounts to a combined $20,940 in annual rental savings from splitting the bill.

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Los Angeles ranked fifth on Zillow’s list of cities with the largest “singles tax.” (iStock / iStock)

For example, given the sizable singles tax in the cities with the highest rent, couples in New York City can get a discount of $46,800 instead of the singles tax of $23,400.

The report noted the couples discount can go a long way toward helping renters save for a down payment on a home, with the national average couples discount of $20,940 being more than halfway to a 10% down payment on a typical U.S. home, per Zillow’s data.

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The studio is continuing its partnership with Newcastle music agency Generator in a bid to boost routes to music careers

Music industry giant Warners has announced a new three-year partnership to boost the creative sector in the North East.

Warner Music UK will work with Newcastle-based music agency Generator, with hopes that the extended partnership will expand long-term opportunities for artists, producers, executives and emerging talent across the North. The new partnership follows Newcastle hosting two of the biggest events of the music industry calendar, the Mobos and the Mercury Prize.

Warner, which is setting up a world-class music studio on Newcastle’s Quayside, will also work with colleges, universities and music education partners to build clearer pathways from the classroom into industry careers. More details on the label’s activity in the region will be announced in the coming weeks.

Mick Ross, CEO of Generator, said: “Right now, the world is looking to the North. The creativity coming out of this region is extraordinary, and it deserves national and global visibility.

“This partnership deepens the link between our talent and the wider industry, making it possible for artists to build successful careers without leaving the region. It’s a major step toward a stronger, more connected creative North – and a future where the industry comes here, rather than the other way round.”

Simon Robson, president in EMEA for recorded music at Warner Music Group, said: “The North has always been a powerhouse of creativity, producing some of the most iconic music in history. We’re proud to be continuing its legacy with Generator by investing in the North’s grassroots music communities. It’s not just about finding the next big star, it’s about contributing towards a better system where the next generation of artists and executives can grow, evolve, and lead in the North throughout their careers.”

The partnership has been welcomed by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and Newcastle City Council leader Karen Kilgour.

Ms McGuinness said: “This is such an important moment for North East musicians. Seeing world-leading performers recording their music right here in the region will inspire our next generation of artists.

“We’re already backing North East talent by supporting grassroots venues, investing in skills and backing great events. But this is the next step. This is about putting the North East on the world music map, and opening up the opportunities that it’ll bring.”

Coun Kilgour said: “It’s incredible to see a project like this coming to life and giving our emerging talent the tools, networks, and industry exposure they deserve.

“The creative potential here is huge, we’ve seen that during the Mobos and the Mercury Prize. This partnership is another fantastic step towards removing barriers and making sure local people can realise their dreams right here in the North East.”