What’s The Real Cost Of Being Single Living in London?

As a single person, one of the most annoying things you can be asked is the "I have no idea why you're single, you're so much fun/a catch/really nice/insert positive adjective here" question. But, in my opinion, what's most annoying about being single isn't the back-handed compliments, the lack of company at night, or having someone to go to the cinema or dinner with other than your friends — but it's the lack of sharing the cost of things.

I'm 29 and while being young, free, and single in London during the summer is great fun, it's expensive — between eating out and eating in, taxis, taxes, gifts, going on holiday, and the exorbitant general cost of living. And if you live in a big city, you'll always find you end up wasting food or paying twice as much as those in a relationship. And that's just not be making assumptions. It's estimated that 8 million people are living alone in the UK and in 2018, the Office of National Statistics said that, on average, us singletons spend £21 more a week than those living as a couple.

But what really adds to the cost of living alone right now is having to attend weddings alone. In 2019, I attended eight of them so far — by myself — and it all adds up quickly.

The majority of my friends from my hometown are now married or getting married. One friend got married in Mauritius and I felt that I was a bit of an afterthought because of how much it would cost to go for a single person. At the resort they were due to marry at, the price of of a hotel room alone was pretty steep, so ultimately I had to skip. This is fair enough as I didn't really have about £2,000 kicking about in spare cash (I mean, who does?).

I always try to give quite generously when it comes to wedding presents for my friends and family, which is generally money towards the honeymoon. But even before the wedding comes, there's the engagement party (where you feel obliged to give a gift of some sort), and the hen do, which these days can be an expensive affair — even if it's held in locally or afew hours away in the country

After marriage comes babies and by the end of this year, I'll have six babies to snuggle. I'm so excited for my friends starting this chapter in their lives but again, it comes at a price. Baby showers are typically an American tradition, but they seem to have reached us and it's a trend we either love or loathe. But one that comes at a cost again.

So far, it's estimated I've spent around £1,500 (and growing) without the cost of trains, taxis, tubes, and getting across to the venue. Spread over time, the costs aren't too bad, but here's the question that's been nagging me for a bit: Do I expect the same when it comes to the day I eventually get engaged, married, and have a hen do then baby shower? When does it all stop?

You might be reading this thinking I'm bitter and that couldn't be further from the truth. I'm happy being single, especially if it means not dealing with a guy ghosting me. So for now, whilst I'm still attending weddings solo, I'll be making the most of that by drinking the same amount for two at the bar! See you there, single ladies!