Thinking about leaving behind shared living for your own place? Before you make that move, here's what to consider.

Living alone sounds like freedom—no housemate drama, control over the remote, and peace and quiet. But in today’s rental market? It’s also expensive. Let’s unpack:

• How much extra solo living costs in Australia
• The signs you’re financially ready
• The best (and worst) cities to live alone
• How to use the 30–40% rule to budget
• How iROOMit can help if flatsharing still makes sense

Let’s get into it.

What’s the Real Cost of Living Alone in Australia?

Australia’s rental crisis has hit hard in recent years, with rents rising at record rates, especially in capital cities. For many Aussies—especially Gen Z and Millennials—living alone is starting to feel more like a luxury than a milestone.

According to Domain’s 2024 Rental Report, average rents for one-bedroom apartments in major cities have increased between 10–20% year-on-year. Meanwhile, shared accommodation is still the most affordable option, especially in tight housing markets.

iROOMit analysed data from users across Australia and found that solo living increases your housing costs by around 30–45%, depending on the city.

For example:

• In Sydney, a 1-bedroom apartment averages $700/week, while a room in a shared flat costs around $350–$400/week.
• In Melbourne, it’s $550/week for a one-bed vs. $300/week in a share house.
• Even in smaller cities like Adelaide or Hobart, you’ll pay an extra $150–$250/week to live alone.

These costs include rent, utilities (which you no longer split), and things like internet, furniture, and household essentials. Not to mention, single-person households get no break on energy costs—and the Australian Energy Regulator warns utility prices may continue rising in 2025.

Signs You’re Financially Ready to Live Alone

So, how do you know you’re ready to ditch the flatmates? Look for these key financial indicators:

✅ You Can Afford Rent Within 30–35% of Your Income

Aussie financial advisors recommend keeping your rent under 30% of your after-tax income. In pricier areas, you might stretch to 35%, but beyond that, you risk financial strain.

✅ You Can Handle Solo Bills

Living alone means covering all the utility bills—gas, electricity, internet, water—and council rates (if owning). Expect to pay $100–$200/week extra compared to sharing.

✅ You’ve Got Furniture & Move-In Costs Covered

From bond (usually 4 weeks' rent) to buying a fridge or sofa, moving out solo requires savings. Setting up a basic home in Australia can cost $3,000–$5,000+, depending on how much you already own.

✅ You’re Prepared for the Cost of Groceries

Living alone means no more splitting grocery runs or bulk buys. With food inflation still a factor, solo grocery shopping can cost $100–$150/week on its own.

✅ You Have Stable Employment

With the cost of living increasing, having a steady job or reliable income stream is crucial before taking on a solo lease.

Cities Where You’ll Probably Need a Housemate

In some Aussie cities, going solo could cost you thousands more per year. If you're renting in any of these hot markets, having a roommate is the more realistic option:

Sydney

1-bedroom average rent: $700/week Room in shared flat: $350–$400/week

Sydney remains the priciest city for renters. Add utilities and groceries on top, and you’re spending $1,200+/week living solo. Unless you’re earning $100K+, shared living is still the most viable option.

Melbourne

1-bedroom: $550/week Shared room: $300/week

Melbourne rents are rising quickly again post-pandemic. Living solo could push your budget up by 70–80%, especially in inner suburbs.

Brisbane

1-bedroom: $520/week Shared room: $280–$320/week

While still cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne, Brisbane has seen the sharpest rental hikes in the last 2 years. Going solo is becoming harder for young professionals.

Canberra

High public servant salaries inflate rental prices. A 1-bedroom in central Canberra goes for $600+/week. Sharing with one or two flatmates can slash your weekly spend by almost half.

Cities Where You Can Afford to Live Alone

Looking to make the solo move more achievable? These cities offer better value for renters:

✅ Adelaide

1-bedroom: $450/week Shared room: $250/week

With a lower cost of living and smaller population, Adelaide is a great place for solo renters. Suburbs like Prospect and Norwood offer good deals close to the CBD.

✅ Perth

1-bedroom: $480/week Shared room: $260/week

Perth offers more housing availability and steady wages, especially in trades and mining-related industries. If you’re earning over $65K, living alone here is doable.

✅ Hobart

1-bedroom: $420/week Shared room: $240/week

While rental stock is limited, Hobart’s slower market makes solo living possible—especially outside of the university-heavy city centre.

✅ Darwin

1-bedroom: $470/week Shared room: $250/week

Darwin offers surprising value. With smaller populations and higher wages in some sectors, solo living is achievable for many workers.

Use the 30–40% Rule to Budget for Living Alone

Here’s your planning tool:

If you can increase your housing budget by 30–40% and still comfortably cover all other expenses, you’re likely ready for solo life.

Example:

• Paying $300/week in a sharehouse?
• You’ll need to afford $420–$450/week (plus utilities) to go solo.
• Don’t forget move-in costs, furniture, and emergency savings.

This rule is especially helpful when evaluating if a one-bed flat is a wise financial decision—or if it’s better to wait until your income grows or costs drop.

Bottom Line

Living alone in Australia is a goal for many—but it’s not always practical right now. Rising rents, utility costs, and living expenses mean shared living is often the smarter financial move in capital cities.

But when the time comes, solo living can offer independence, peace, and freedom. Just make sure your budget is ready for the leap.

Not quite there yet? iROOMit makes it easy to find housemates that match your lifestyle, schedule, and budget—without the stress of dodgy listings or awkward meetups.

🔍 Start your flatmates search today at iROOMit app and find your perfect fit.

Download iROOMit App and get your search started now!