Rising Costs for Singles: Rent Increases by Over Six Percent for Smaller Apartments

The number of individuals living alone in Germany is on the rise, and these single-person households are bearing the brunt of increased rental costs. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the average cold rent for one-person households reached EUR7.53 per square meter as of May 15, 2022. In contrast, households with two or more members reported a lower average rent of EUR7.09 per square meter. This indicates that single-person households face a rental price that is approximately 6.2% higher compared to those with multiple residents.

When considering all types of households, the average cold rent stands at EUR7.34 per square meter, reflecting the typical rent prices across various rental situations in Germany, including long-established tenancies.

Analysts suggest that a significant factor contributing to the elevated rents for single-person households is the tendency of these individuals to occupy smaller living spaces, which tend to carry higher per-square-meter costs. Data indicates that nearly a quarter (23%) of all households live in spaces under 60 square meters, while this figure rises to 42% for singles. The average rent for residences under 60 square meters is EUR8.01, which is 15.6% more expensive than larger apartments.

In urban centers, the disparity in rental costs becomes particularly pronounced. In cities with populations exceeding 100,000, single tenants pay an average of EUR8.40 per square meter, while larger households average EUR7.83 per square meter. This equates to a 7.7% increase in costs for single residents in metropolitan areas.

Furthermore, a growing trend has been noted regarding the proportion of single-person households in larger cities. As of 2022, singles comprised more than half (52%) of all households in towns with at least 100,000 residents, a notable increase from 46% in 2011. In medium-sized cities (those with populations between 50,000 and 100,000), the percentage of single households has also risen to 46%, up from 39% in 2011. In smaller communities (with fewer than 10,000 residents), this figure stands at 35%, compared to 28% a decade ago.

Such trends raise concerns regarding housing affordability, particularly for those living alone in urban settings, where the cost of living continues to escalate. The increasing prevalence of single-person households highlights the need for targeted housing policies that address the unique challenges faced by this demographic.