As the cost of living continues to rise, the challenge of finding affordable rental housing for single individuals has become more pressing. In 2025, new data from the Ray White Group—referred to as the “Carrie Bradshaw Index”—has revealed the best and worst cities for solo renters based on income-to-rent ratios. While some cities remain favorable for single renters, others are proving to be financially difficult, requiring individuals to earn significantly more than the average income to afford a comfortable living space.
The Most Expensive Cities for Single Renters
1. Brisbane – The Least Affordable City for Singles
According to the analysis, Brisbane has become the least affordable city for single renters. While the average weekly income in the city is approximately $1,800, the amount required to afford median unit rent sits at $2,000 per week, leaving renters with a $200 shortfall. This means that, on average, renting alone in Brisbane is financially unsustainable without additional income sources or cost-cutting measures.
This affordability crisis is driven by rising demand and limited supply, which has forced rental prices up. Additionally, Brisbane’s strong employment market and lifestyle appeal have contributed to increased competition for housing, making it one of the hardest places for single renters to secure affordable accommodation.
2. Adelaide – Another Costly Choice
Following closely behind Brisbane, Adelaide ranks as the second least affordable city for solo renters. The average weekly income in Adelaide stands at $1,500, yet renters require at least $1,700 per week to comfortably afford a median rental unit.
While Adelaide has traditionally been known for its affordable housing market, a surge in rental demand over the past few years—driven by population growth and limited new housing developments—has made it increasingly expensive for individuals seeking to live alone.
3. Sydney – High Income, Yet High Costs
Sydney, Australia’s most populous city, is well known for its expensive real estate market. However, even with its high average income of $2,278 per week, solo renters are still struggling. The estimated amount required to afford a median unit rent of $700 per week is around $2,333 per week, leaving a deficit of $55 per week.
Sydney remains a highly desirable location due to its strong job market, vibrant social scene, and accessibility to world-class amenities. But for single individuals, particularly those earning at or below the average wage, rising rental prices make it difficult to maintain financial stability.
4. Melbourne – Costly, But More Manageable
Melbourne ranks among the more expensive cities, though it remains slightly more manageable than Brisbane, Adelaide, and Sydney. However, rental affordability is still a growing concern for single renters, with weekly incomes struggling to keep up with rising housing costs.
The city’s cultural appeal and economic opportunities continue to attract both domestic and international residents, leading to a steady increase in demand for rental properties. This demand, combined with limited new housing developments, has resulted in higher rental prices across the board.
The Most Affordable Cities and Suburbs for Single Renters
Despite rising rental costs in major cities, certain suburbs remain more affordable for those looking to live alone. These areas offer a lower rent-to-income ratio, making it easier for individuals to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without being burdened by excessive rental expenses.
Most Affordable Suburbs in Sydney
While Sydney as a whole remains expensive, certain suburbs stand out as more budget-friendly for single renters.
- Hunters Hill – Median rent: $600 per week, median income: $2,765 per week (Rent-to-income ratio: 21.7%)
- Lilyfield – Relatively affordable, offering a good mix of urban convenience and livability
- Elizabeth Bay – One of the best areas in Sydney for solo renters looking for a mix of affordability and lifestyle
In these areas, rent consumes less than 25% of the average median income, making them some of the best choices for single tenants in Sydney.
Most Affordable Suburbs in Melbourne
For those looking to rent in Melbourne, several suburbs offer better affordability:
- Kingsville – Median unit rent: $390 per week (Rent-to-income ratio: 20.64%)
- Burnley – Offers lower rental prices while still maintaining close proximity to the city
- St Kilda West – Known for being one of the most affordable spots for solo renters
These suburbs have maintained a relatively balanced housing market, where rent accounts for less than 22% of the average income for single individuals.
Key Factors Driving Rental Affordability
Several factors contribute to the ongoing rental affordability crisis in certain cities:
1. Supply and Demand Imbalance
Cities like Brisbane and Sydney have experienced a strong rental demand but limited housing supply, leading to higher rental prices. The lack of new apartment developments in these areas has exacerbated affordability issues for single tenants.
2. Shifting Household Trends
There has been a noticeable increase in single-person households, with more people choosing to live alone due to lifestyle preferences and societal changes. This shift has contributed to higher demand for one-bedroom and studio apartments, driving up rental costs.
3. Stronger Job Markets
Cities with robust employment opportunities tend to attract more people, leading to increased rental competition. Sydney and Brisbane, for example, continue to be economic hubs, drawing in a large number of young professionals seeking housing.
4. Cost of Living Pressures
Rising inflation and the overall increase in the cost of living have impacted renters’ ability to afford housing. While incomes have risen in some areas, they haven’t kept pace with rental price surges, making it more difficult for individuals to manage living expenses.
How Single Renters Can Navigate the Market in 2025
For those seeking to rent alone, here are a few practical strategies to help navigate the challenging rental market:
1. Consider Affordable Suburbs
Rather than focusing solely on central locations, exploring outer suburbs or up-and-coming areas can offer more budget-friendly rental options.
2. Look for House-Sharing Opportunities
For those struggling with affordability, co-living arrangements can be a good alternative. Sharing with roommates allows for cost savings while maintaining some level of independence.
3. Negotiate Rent Terms
In some cases, landlords may be open to negotiating rental prices or lease terms, especially if there’s flexibility on lease length or upfront payment options.
4. Explore Government Assistance Programs
Some cities and states offer rental assistance programs or affordable housing initiatives to help individuals manage their living expenses. It’s worth researching local resources for potential financial support.
Conclusion
As we move into 2025, rental affordability remains a significant issue for single tenants across major cities. While some areas, such as Brisbane and Adelaide, present substantial challenges due to income shortfalls, there are still affordable alternatives in specific suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne.
For single renters, the key to financially sustainable living lies in exploring cost-effective locations, considering co-living options, and taking advantage of housing assistance programs where available.