Solo Living Is Getting Pricier: The Carrie Bradshaw Index Says It All
- Neil Caron
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
October 7, 2025 | Housing Affordability & Lifestyle | Presented by ReadySetLoan™️
Living solo has always come with perks — freedom, independence, and full control over the remote — but according to The Economist’s new “Carrie Bradshaw Index,” it’s also becoming a lot more expensive. From studio apartments to streaming subscriptions, the cost of living alone has climbed faster than inflation itself, leaving many singles wondering if independence still fits the budget.
What Is the Carrie Bradshaw Index?
Named after the iconic Sex and the City character known for her fabulous Manhattan lifestyle and her fabulous rent-controlled apartment, the Carrie Bradshaw Index tracks how much more it costs to live alone today compared to living with others. Think of it as the “single-person inflation rate.”
💡 ReadySetLoan™️ Insight:According to The Economist, solo dwellers now spend significantly more on essentials — housing, utilities, transportation, and even food — than they did a decade ago. It’s not that prices are necessarily higher; it’s that singles can’t split them.
🐷 RSL Piggy Points
Solo households are rising nationwide — but so are the costs of living alone.
Rent, insurance, and utilities are hitting singles the hardest.
Shared households enjoy built-in “discounts” that singles simply can’t access.
Economic inequality between single and multi-person households is widening.
Why It Matters for Housing and Homeownership
For buyers who’ve been holding off on homeownership because they live alone, the math might be shifting. With rental prices climbing faster than mortgage payments in many markets, owning — even solo — can be the more affordable long-term move.
“We’re seeing single buyers weighing their options differently today,” says Neil Caron, Area Sales Manager at CMG Mortgage. “Renting alone in many metro areas can cost more monthly than owning a small condo or townhouse with a fixed rate. The Carrie Bradshaw Index shows that independence comes with a premium — but smart planning can turn that into equity.”
RSL Perspective:
The cost of living solo isn’t just a lifestyle story — it’s a housing story. As the market shifts, more individuals are realizing that owning a small home or condo could actually save money over renting solo. ReadySetLoan™️ continues to educate buyers on how to make that transition confidently and strategically, with tools and guidance built for every stage of the journey.
Final Lap: ReadySetLoan™️ Takeaway
Living solo doesn’t have to mean paying more forever. Whether you’re ready to buy your first place or just exploring what homeownership could look like on a single income, ReadySetLoan™️ is your partner in learning, planning, and reaching your financial finish line.
🏁 Visit ReadySetLoan.com to explore resources, calculators, and guides designed to help every buyer — single or not — cross that finish line smarter.
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