Single Canadians pay more per person for groceries than couples or households that share food purchases [1, 2].
This disparity highlights a growing economic challenge for individuals living alone, as the lack of shared expenses compounds the impact of rising food costs across the country.
A survey released this week said that single shoppers lack the economies of scale available to larger households [2]. Couples are often able to reduce their individual costs by purchasing items in bulk, a strategy that is frequently impractical or more expensive for a single person to maintain without significant food waste.
Regional price differences further complicate the issue. Inter-provincial trade barriers influence food costs across Canada, making certain staples more expensive in specific regions [1]. These barriers prevent the efficient movement of goods between provinces, which can raise the baseline price of groceries before a shopper even considers household size.
While the survey identifies the trend of higher per-person spending, it also points to the systemic nature of the problem. The combination of retail packaging geared toward families and regional trade restrictions creates a financial penalty for those living alone [1, 2].
“Single Canadians pay more per person for groceries than couples”
The findings suggest that food insecurity and financial strain are not only tied to income levels but also to household composition. When retail systems and trade policies favor larger units, single individuals face a structural 'singles tax' that reduces their disposable income and increases their vulnerability to inflation.
