March 16, 2026
Average Rent for Singles: Why Living Alone Costs More Per Square Meter
Singles in Germany pay more per square meter of rent, on average, than multi-person households. That's not because of higher total rents, but because of apartment size and how landlords price small units.
What the 2022 census shows
According to the Federal Statistical Office's 2022 census evaluation, single-person households paid a nationwide average of €7.53 per square meter in net Kaltmiete, compared with €7.09 for multi-person households, a 6.2% premium. In big cities with more than 100,000 residents, the gap was even wider: singles paid an average of €8.40 per square meter there, versus €7.83 for multi-person households, a 7.7% premium.
Why smaller apartments cost more per square meter
Smaller apartments generally carry a higher share of fixed costs per square meter, for things like the kitchen, bathroom, and utility hookups, which apply regardless of apartment size. Demand for small apartments is also particularly high in many cities, since singles, students, and young professionals all compete for the same units, pushing the per-square-meter price up further. The 2022 census also confirms that apartments under 60 square meters, at an average of €8.01 per square meter, are about 15.6% more expensive than apartments of 60 square meters or more, at €6.93.
What this means for your apartment search
If you're a single looking for the lowest total rent, don't just look at the price per square meter, look at the absolute Warmmiete. A slightly larger apartment with a lower per-square-meter price can end up cheaper overall than a very small apartment with a high per-square-meter price, even if the smaller one looks cheaper at first glance.
A worked example
Two apartments compared:
30 square meters at €8.01 per square meter: roughly €240 Kaltmiete
45 square meters at €7.53 per square meter (the single-household average): roughly €339 Kaltmiete
The larger apartment costs more in total, but offers noticeably more living space per euro spent. Which option makes sense depends on your actual space needs and available budget. Our Warmmiete calculator can help you factor Nebenkosten into that comparison too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do singles pay more rent per square meter?
Because smaller apartments carry a higher share of fixed costs per square meter, and demand for small apartments is especially high.
How big is the gap between single and multi-person households?
According to the 2022 census, singles pay an average of 6.2% more per square meter nationwide, and 7.7% more in big cities.
Are apartments under 60 square meters generally more expensive per square meter?
Yes, the 2022 census puts them at an average of €8.01 per square meter, versus €6.93 for apartments of 60 square meters or more.
Does a slightly larger apartment pay off financially for singles?
It depends on the absolute Warmmiete. A larger apartment with a lower per-square-meter price can still cost more in total, even if it's the better value per square meter. Our cost of living for singles guide covers the fuller single-person budget picture.
