Singletons spend more on vanity products and clothes than those of us in relationships do, a new study has found. The study of 2,000 adults found marked differences in personal spending between those in couples and those who are yet to find love.
As well as shelling out more on items to make them look and feel good, the stats also showed singles spend more on drinks with family and takeaways.
It also emerged those in relationships spend £1,536 more a year on life’s essentials such as bills and rent.
Anita Naik of VoucherCodes.co.uk, which commissioned the study, said:
“There is a perception that singles get a raw deal when it comes to their finances, so it’s surprising to see people in relationships spend significantly more than those who are on their own
”Whether you are in a relationship or single, it’s important to set some money aside every month to do the things you enjoy.”
Despite singletons spending on average £87 a year more on nights out, loved up consumers are more likely to loosen the purse strings.
One in six in a relationship admitting they enjoy splashing out on day activities and fancy meals for each other, while more than one in three people in couples (37%) believe they save money by splitting costs with their partners.
Romantic getaways are the biggest expense for those in a relationship, spending on average £140 more per holiday than singles.
Those in couples are also more burdened with bills, with each partner spending a whopping £1,536 more a year on life’s essentials such as insurance, rent, bills and the weekly food shop.
It also appears there’s no such thing as budget beauty for single Brits who spend on average £228 more a year on clothes and beauty products than those in relationships.
From online dating profiles, to buying drinks, dating can be an expensive minefield for single Brits who blow £324 a year in the hopes of finding love.
One in five people in couples (18%) admit to feeling sorry for singles for being unable to half costs in expensive situations like weddings and birthdays.
However, it seems single Brits are making the most of their partner-free existence, with over half (53%) bragging it’s great to be in control of every penny spent.
Monthly Spending Habits – singles vs those in a relationship
SingleRelationship
Monthly grocery shop£107£132
Drinks with friends and family£48.08£38.44
Meals out each month£38.37£40.78
Takeaways each month£32.13£27.64
Days out each month£32.62£26.91
Dating each month£27.33£14.91
Clothes and accessories£51.44£45.72
Beauty and grooming£35.61£26.23
Monthly rent£228.21£285.22
Utility Bills £95.44£129.84
Monthly insurance£50.20£61.82
Transport each month£70.82£84.25
Holiday£227£352
TOTAL £1045£1280