Love costs money. You know that feeling when your monthly expenses suddenly spike because you’re no longer ordering for one, but for “the two of us” — even though half that food is actually eaten by just you? You’re not alone. Finance and love have been in a complicated relationship ever since someone invented the dinner date with a bill.
We decided to investigate how your relationship status directly affects your wallet. From singles ordering delivery at 2 AM to divorces that hurt more financially than any crypto winter.
Single: freedom that comes at a cost
Being single has its perks — nobody eats your chocolate, you watch whatever you want, and you don’t have to negotiate budgets. But financially? Singles are at a disadvantage for one simple reason: economies of scale don’t work for one person.
According to BLS research, singles in their twenties spend disproportionately more on dining out and delivery compared to couples. While a couple can cook dinner for two at roughly the same cost as for one, a single person is more likely to order delivery averaging 15-20 € per meal.
Rough math: if a single person orders delivery 3 times a week instead of cooking, that’s 180-240 € per month just on delivery. In a relationship? A home-cooked meal for two costs about the same as for one, but split in half — 50% less per person.
Economists call this the “single tax” — from rent (you pay the whole apartment alone) to utilities — everything falls on one salary.
In a relationship: stronger (and richer) together
When you’re in a relationship, especially when you move in together, a natural financial synergy kicks in:
- Housing: 700 € apartment instead of two 500 € apartments — saving 300 €/month
- Utilities: internet, electricity, water — fixed costs don’t double
- Groceries: bulk buying makes sense for two or more
- Transport: one car instead of two, shared fuel costs
Studies show couples living together save between 20-30% per person on living costs compared to singles. That’s a huge difference — especially in Croatia where rents and utilities are already too high for a single salary.
Marriage: the most profitable legal contract in history (while it lasts)
Marriage is, at its core, a financial contract. Romantic, I know. But marriage brings serious financial benefits:
- Tax benefits — married couples in Croatia get higher tax-free allowances
- Inheritance — spouses inherit by law even without a will
- Joint loans — banks prefer lending to couples (two salaries = lower risk)
- Health insurance — spouses can be covered through their partner
According to Eurostat, Croatia has one of the lowest divorce rates in the EU — just 1.1 per 1,000 people (2023). Whether that’s because marriages are strong or because divorce is expensive… you decide.
Divorce: financial tsunami
This is where the fun stops. Divorce is one of the most expensive life events — right up there with buying a house and treating a serious illness.
What divorce costs in Croatia:
- Legal fees — court fees, lawyers, expert witnesses (1,000-3,000 € if amicable, tens of thousands if not)
- Asset division — marital assets split 50:50 regardless of who earned what
- Alimony — for children (mandatory) and possibly for the ex-spouse
- Two homes instead of one — housing costs typically double after divorce
Research shows the average household experiences a 30-50% drop in living standards after divorce (often higher for women). A financial shock that lasts for years.
Financial tips by relationship status
🔹 If you’re single:
- Learn to cook. Seriously. Delivery costs more than you think.
- Use your flexibility — you can work, travel, move without consulting anyone. That’s your financial superpower.
- Automate emergency savings (6 months of expenses). You don’t have a second income as a safety net.
🔹 If you’re in a relationship / living together:
- Create a joint budget. Decide who pays what and how much each saves.
- Talk about money before it becomes a problem. Money is the #1 cause of couple fights.
- Use economies of scale — direct savings into investments or loan repayments.
🔹 If you’re married:
- Consider a prenup. It’s not awkward — it’s a firewall for your assets.
- Joint savings and investments are great, but each partner needs their own “fun money” account.
- Life insurance — if you have kids, this isn’t optional.
Conclusion
Your relationship status and your finances are more connected than you think. Single means paying the “single tax,” in a relationship you enjoy economies of scale, and marriage is either the best investment or the most expensive lesson of your life — depending on how you set it up.
One thing is certain: regardless of your status, financial literacy is the only relationship worth staying in forever. 💚