Zillow data shows Portland ‘singles tax’ among highest in the nation
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Renting an apartment for one is known to be more expensive than cohabiting, but new data shows that Portland is one of the top cities with the highest “singles tax.”
StreetEasy, a New-York-based brand under real estate company Zillow Group, found that couples who live in a one-bedroom save $14,220 more than their single counterparts each year. Conversely, researchers found that solo renters are paying an additional $7,110 annually.
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According to researchers, this is $100 more than the singles tax that was recorded in the U.S. at this time last year. But the difference is even greater in the major cities with the priciest housing.
New York City was ranked as the No. 1 location for the singles tax. Zillow Group reported that living alone in NYC costs an extra $20,100 per year, $600 more than last year.
On the contrary, couples in the city are estimated to save $40,200 annually.
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San Francisco, San Jose, Calif., Washington, D.C. and Boston followed as the cities with notable housing differences for solo renters.
Portland was ranked as the 16th city in the nation for its singles tax. People who live alone in the Rose City spend an additional $7,670 every year while cohabiting renters save $15,341, according to the report.
However, the real estate group said there are also benefits to solo renting.
“While some renters may envy their coupled-up friends for dodging the singles tax, solo renters enjoy perks that go beyond financial savings,” Zillow rental trends expert Emily McDonald said in a statement.
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“There’s no arguing over which show to binge-watch next or disputes about whose turn it is to clean up after dinner. Still, it’s crucial for renters to really dive into what living alone costs in their area and decide if the price tag is worth it,” she added.
The company used data from Zillow and U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey to compile data.
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