Single Canadians spend more on weekly groceries than those living with a partner or in shared households, according to an Interac survey [1].
This disparity highlights a growing economic gap in food accessibility, as those living alone face higher per-person costs for basic necessities. The findings suggest that the current retail model favors larger households, leaving individuals to absorb a "singles tax" on essential goods.
According to the survey results released this month [2], the average weekly grocery spend for single Canadians is $102 [1]. In contrast, the average weekly spend per person for those living in couples is $80 [1]. This represents a weekly difference of approximately $22 per person.
Several factors contribute to this price gap. The lack of bulk buying opportunities forces singles to purchase smaller, more expensive portions [4]. Additionally, those living alone often experience higher levels of food waste as they struggle to use perishable items before they expire [4].
The survey data points to a systemic issue in how food is packaged and sold in Canada. While couples can split the cost of family-sized portions, singles are often limited to single-size portions that carry a higher price per unit [4].
Economic pressures have intensified the impact of these costs. As food prices remain a primary concern for many households, the inability to leverage shared expenses creates a distinct financial disadvantage for individuals living alone [3].
“Single Canadians spend about $102 per week on groceries”
The data indicates that the Canadian grocery market is structured around the nuclear family or shared living arrangements. This creates an inherent financial penalty for single adults who cannot access the economies of scale provided by bulk purchasing. As the number of single-person households grows, this trend may drive a demand for more flexible packaging and pricing models to reduce food waste and lower the cost of living for individuals.
