Living on your own is one of the fundamental milestones on the journey to adulthood. It represents a choice of autonomy as well as responsibility. For young adults, the desire for independence often clashes with economic reality. According to the most recent estimates, living alone in Italy entails an additional monthly cost of about 564 euros compared to living as a couple, where many daily expenses are shared. A difference that is anything but negligible, calling for careful reflection on the economic implications of this choice.
A decision perceived as expensive
More than underestimating the commitment required by this step, statistical data show that youngsters are fully aware of its difficulties. In Italy, the average age for leaving the parental home is around 30 years, well above the European average of 26.2 (Eurostat data, April 2025). This delay is not due to a lack of motivation but reflects the widespread perception that living alone is a difficult goal to achieve for economic reasons. The cost of rent, job uncertainty and unstable income make housing independence an often postponed objective.
The main expense items
When starting to live alone, the largest expense is rent: in major cities, a studio apartment can cost from 500 to over 1,000 euros per month, while in smaller towns the amount decreases, though it remains significant. In such cases, it is also necessary to consider higher transport costs to reach the workplace. To the rent, one must add household utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, heating, etc.), which amount to about 150–200 euros per month, in addition to food expenses: people living alone spend an average of 337 euros per month compared to 266 euros for those living with a partner. According to the same analysis by Money Farm, housing and utility expenses weigh 65% more on the budgets of those who live alone. Leisure and travel are also more expensive for single individuals: the classic “pizza for two” or a shared hotel room significantly reduce costs. For restaurants and holidays, those living alone spend 29 euros more per month, an increase of 41% compared to those living with a partner.
Cohabitation and saving: the numbers behind the comparison
Living as a couple is therefore financially advantageous. A person aged between 35 and 64 who lives alone spends up to 2,156 euros per month, compared to 1,408 euros per person for those who share a home with a partner.
This means that a single person spends about 564 euros more per month which, if saved, could make a substantial difference in the long term. In fact, according to simulations, a person who starts living with a partner at the age of 25 could accumulate up to 169,000 euros by the age of 50 — an amount that could reach 240,000 euros if invested properly.
Financial education and autonomy: a necessary combination
Living on your own is a stimulating challenge that should not be taken lightly. Building one’s economic independence requires preparation, awareness and planning skills. For this reason, it is essential that young people develop basic economic skills: learning how to create a budget, assess fixed expenses, prevent debt and build up savings.
A concrete first step may be drafting a personal monthly budget, recording income and expenses, and distinguishing between fixed costs (rent, utilities, transport) and variable ones (leisure, shopping, extras). It is also useful to set a weekly spending limit and regularly check whether it is being respected.
Among the good habits to adopt:
- avoiding unused subscriptions or impulsive purchases,
- comparing multiple offers for household utilities,
- using financial management apps to monitor expenses,
- gradually building an emergency fund.
Those who do not need to leave the family home for sentimental reasons but simply seek independence can consider intermediate solutions such as shared housing with roommates. This step can be an excellent training ground for autonomy, allowing for lower costs and valuable experience in managing money on a daily basis.
Find more content dedicated to financial education and conscious money management on the Museum of Saving blog. Take part in our events, workshops and educational programs designed to support young people, families and schools in building solid foundations for their future.
24 September 2025