Is Being In A Relationship Better For Your Wallet In 2025?
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I’ve been single for some time now. The great thing about it is that I don’t have to worry about budgeting the added expenses that often come with being in a relationship. One of the biggest expenses, in my opinion, is gift-giving. From birthdays, to special anniversaries, to holiday seasons like Christmas, New Year or even Valentine’s Day, gift-giving is often one of the biggest hidden expenses, particularly for someone like me who always goes all-out!
But, I won’t deny that being in a relationship also comes with some financial benefits! If I’m giving gifts, that also means I’m receiving gifts, which is pretty nice if the gift is something I would buy for myself! Apart from that, the occasional treat from your partner can help you save some money on your food expenses!
So, is being in a relationship better for my wallet? Or is flying solo the way to keep my wallet full?
The simple monthly cost breakdown of being in a relationship vs being single:
| Category | Being single (RM) | In a relationship (per person) (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | 2,000 | 1,000 |
| Utilities | 300 | 150 |
| Groceries | 800 | 500 |
| Dining out | 600 | 700 |
| Transportation | 600 | 350 |
| Gifts | 100 | 250 |
| Entertainment | 250 | 400 |
| Total monthly | 4,650 | 3,350 |
*Note: The table reflects an average Malaysian living in the Klang Valley. The actual expenses may differ depending on location, habits and relationship dynamics.
The financial perks of being in a relationship!
1. Shared essentials = Greater savings!
Assuming that you’re a couple living together, you will immediately enjoy the benefit of sharing a rental unit, the split utility bills, and even sharing the cost of groceries! These are essential expenses that will be incurred without a partner, but with a partner, it sure does provide significant breathing room by sharing a bulk of the financial cost!
For instance, it may cost you RM2,000 for a single room apartment in the Klang Valley. By sharing the apartment that can easily accommodate another occupant, it brings your cost down to RM1,000 per month!
2. Shared commutes
Transportation is one of the most essential expenses for a Malaysian. While the public transportation service in more urban areas like the Klang Valley is particularly helpful for a more cost-effective mode of transportation, it doesn’t reach less urbanised areas. As such, there is still a need for Malaysians to rely on car-hailing services like Grab or own a car for a much easier commute.
By sharing the expenses that come with travelling by a car, which include tolls, petrol and maintenance, the cost of owning a vehicle can be brought down to RM300 – RM400 per pax monthly.
3. Financial goal alignment
It’s always nicer when you’re with someone who has the same goal as you. If both partners are aligned on your financial goals, it makes it much easier and happier for you to save for a holiday, or perhaps a down payment for a house, or maybe invest together.
Consider downloading applications like Touch’n Go eWallet, Splitwise and DuitNow to make cost-sharing much easier to track!
But the dating life does get expensive
Especially with the cultural norm in Malaysia, meaning one partner (frequently the man) is expected to pay for the meals, family gatherings or large-ticket items like engagement rings, holidays or wedding expenses, there are often many silent financial compromises made. Without a clear boundary established, this can lead to resentment or financial imbalance, resulting in one partner paying more than the other.
Furthermore, with the rise of social media encouraging couples to spend on fancy dinners, or be taken to aesthetic cafes or bars, or even purchase matching luxury items, the social pressure that comes with being in a relationship is bound to increase the financial cost.
Is living that strong, independent girl/guy era always more expensive?
No. While it may look more expensive upfront, it does offer way more benefits than being in a relationship.
1. You have full control over your own finances
You don’t have to compromise or negotiate on daily financial decisions. Want to buy a brand new laptop? Go ahead and get it! You want to travel around Europe? Book that flight ticket! You want to take yourself out on a fancy dinner? Make that reservation!
2. Clearer budgeting
With no shared expenses to care for, your monthly budgeting is way more straightforward with no hidden expenses incurred.
3. No need to spend on gifts or trips, or food to impress your partner’s family
Without needing to impress your loved ones or their family, your expenses will be heavily reduced as you won’t feel the pressure to spend on gifts or meals!
Being in a relationship can help save money, but being single provides complete autonomy
It is not always about choosing one over the other. Being in a relationship can help you save some money on daily expenses, but it can also pressure you into spending more in order to meet social expectations. Staying single may appear to be more expensive at the forefront, but it can also provide you with complete autonomy, giving you the freedom to make smarter and more flexible financial decisions.
At the end of the day, it really depends on what your priorities are and how well you balance them! Remember, love is priceless, but you still have to be responsible about it.
