Radio producer, 35, reveals the true cost of being a single woman in Sydney in 2021 – from high rent to expensive food delivery and indulgent nights out with coupled up friends
- Jana Hocking, 35, argues everything is more expensive when you’re single
- From rent to holidays and nights out, the radio producer says it all adds up
- While couples halve costs, singles are shouldered with the full financial burden
- Ms Hocking said weddings, hotels, holidays and rent is vastly dearer when single
The true cost of life as a single woman in Sydney has been revealed by a radio producer and self-professed ‘collector of kind-of-boyfriends’.
‘Perennially single’ Jana Hocking, who works at the Harbour City’s Triple M station, argues everything from rent and meals to holidays and nights on the town are considerably more expensive when you’re paying for one.
While couples halve costs, the 35-year-old – who writes about her ill-fated relationships and romantic escapades – says singles are shouldered with the full financial burden.
Her examples include furniture, groceries, and weddings, as well as hotels that charge single room supplements and one-bedroom apartments which are unaffordable for a single income but perfectly reasonable split between two.
Single radio producer Jana Hocking (pictured) says life is expensive when you’re single in Sydney
The Triple M producer (pictured) argues everything from rent and meals to holidays and nights on the town are considerably more expensive when you’re paying for one
Ms Hocking said it’s unfair that couples house hunting for a rental are spoiled for choice while singles are left to battle it out over the rare listings suitable for a solo pay packet.
Aside from cost, Ms Hocking says there is also social stigma and accepted bias to contend with when going it alone.
She cited a recent study from the University of Virginia that found real estate agents are more likely to pick a married couple over a single person when choosing between rental candidates.
Ms Hocking also noted the minor expenses that quickly add up when you’re footing bills singlehandedly, including streaming services, food delivery fees and Ubers.
Ms Hocking (right, with a friend) claims casual dating can set you back well over $100 each week
Then there’s the cost of dating, which Ms Hocking claims can total ‘well over’ $100 each week.
She says first date spending is likely to include the cost of an Uber to the bar or restaurant, dinner, half of whatever amount of wine you drink and another Uber home.
But while constant socialising will put a considerable dent in your bank balance, Ms Hocking believes singles cannot put a price on a healthy dose of time with friends.
While it may diminish bank balance, Ms Hocking (pictured) believes singles cannot put a price on a healthy dose of time with friends
‘One too many weekends of laying low can really give you a yucky dose of loneliness,’ she said.
‘If there’s one thing I’ve learnt about the single life, it’s that your social life is incredibly important. Interactions keep the ol’ mental health in check.’
And despite the extra cost of single life, Ms Hocking says she wouldn’t trade her freedom and the absence of judgment for eating snacks at 3am for the world.
‘Really, at this current stage of my life I wouldn’t have it any other way,’ she said.