Valentine’s Day is not just about celebrating love, but also an opportunity to reflect on finances. Although a romantic dinner or gift may seem like an extra expense, the statistics show that living alone is much more expensive than being in a couple. We increasingly hear that solitude is a conscious choice, yet the data from the Central Statistical Office of Poland (GUS) clearly show the growing financial strain carried by singles. Therefore, on the eve of Valentine’s Day 2025, it may be worth considering whether a romantic dinner is solely an expense or an investment in future savings.
According to the results of the National Census from 2021, the number of single-person households in Poland was 22.7% in 2021. In cities, this percentage was higher, reaching 27% in 2021 (only 13.4% in rural areas), and has likely surpassed 30% by now. An increasing number of people are living alone, which can provide independence and freedom of choice, but it also significantly raises the cost of living, confirmed by GUS data in the report on Poles’ income in 2023. The costs of renting or buying an apartment in large cities are so high that they become burdensome for a single person. As a result, relationships sometimes form that are, to some degree, influenced by the real estate market situation – and this is not only a Polish phenomenon. This happens in many countries. According to GUS data from 2023, only 18% of singles consider their financial situation to be “very good”, compared to 29% among couples.
Living alone also results in higher costs for purchasing durable goods. GUS data shows that single-person households less often own household appliances, such as washing machines (78% vs. 94% in two-person households). This results in more frequent use of external services (like laundries), which further increases monthly costs. Cars are owned by 41% of single-person households in Poland, while among couples and larger families the percentage is 68%. As a result, as many as 34% of singles admit that they have difficulty meeting basic needs (compared to 21% among couples).
People in relationships, both married and non-marital, benefit from economies of scale. The costs of maintaining a household are then spread over two people, allowing for more efficient budget management. Shopping together and sharing bills lower total expenditures, and couples also have greater investment and savings opportunities. According to the census data, the number of non-marital relationships has increased by over 74% in the decade from 2011-2021. This could suggest that Poles are increasingly recognizing not only emotional, but also economic benefits from life as a couple.
On Valentine’s Day 2025, it may be worth considering inviting someone to dinner, not only for love but also for financial reasons. Although solitude can be a conscious choice, investing in a relationship can be beneficial in the long run – both emotionally and financially. The cost of a Valentine’s dinner (averaging 200-500 PLN) may seem like an unnecessary expense at first glance, but in the long run, being in a relationship can bring real financial benefits. Living together means not only sharing responsibilities but also bills, allowing for better budget management and a more stable future.
The data clearly shows that being single in Poland is typically associated with higher living costs per person and a lower sense of financial security. A Valentine’s day dinner may only be a symbol, but its value lies not only in the emotional aspect, but also in reminding us that a shared life can bring significant savings.
Paweł Majtkowski, analyst at eToro in Poland.
Source: https://managerplus.pl/jak-milosc-wplywa-na-portfel-ekonomiczne-korzysci-zycia-we-dwoje-57914
