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The biggest factor in solo living—aside from astronomical cost—is the impact it will have on your mental health. However, the exact effect that living alone can have on someone is a bit trickier to understand. Social media shows us the bright side of single-person living—it feels like every day you’ll read a tweet from someone relishing in their newfound freedom by way of their first 1-bedroom apartment. They will tell you that nothing beats coming and going as they please, playing music as loud as they want—even walking around naked if they feel like it—and so on and so forth.

However, major publications disagree. Multiple studies—including this 2019 publication—flame the debate by declaring “a potential association between living alone and low positive mental health.”

This got us thinking: is living alone really good for your mental health?

What are the benefits of living alone?

Let’s start with the good news first. The pros of living alone are well-documented. Actually, they’re romanticized. 

You make your own rules

Living with your parents, roommates, or even friends means following a laundry list of rules that you may not agree with. You may not see the point of washing dishes every day or doing laundry every two or three. You feel it’s absolutely reasonable to come home later than 10:00 pm. Living alone means ditching these seemingly pointless rules and setting the guidelines for your own living space. As the rule-maker, you may feel a strong sense of freedom.

You talk as much - or as little - as you want

Living alone and talking to yourself go hand-in-hand. No, you’re not crazy. You can just finally say whatever you want, how often you want, and at any time you want. You don’t even have to say hello to your neighbors if you’re not up to making small talk. Those who aren’t talkers and/or introverts may find living alone more peaceful than living with roommates because you’ll be able to avoid many conversations. 

All time is ‘me’ time

Maybe your current living situation involves you doing a lot for others. Living alone, especially living a few hours away from family and friends, may just give you the quiet alone time you’ve been needing. And, you won’t be restricted to just five minutes of peace. You’ll have up to 24 hours if that’s your goal! 

You can spend your money however you please

No one will be there to judge you for buying that cactus, bookshelf, or four pints of ice cream in a week. Living by yourself means you can decorate and fill the space to your individual aesthetic without worrying about what someone will say.

Is Living Alone Bad for Mental Health?

Or just, is living alone bad? There are quite a few cons to solo residency that not many seem to talk about—at least not publicly. 

You’re alone —a lot

Research has found that living alone increases the chances of loneliness, and 84% of those living by themselves with a “common mental disorder” developed the condition as a result of this loneliness. So, while for some living alone is the key to happiness, others are sent into a world of unfamiliar isolation. ‘Me’ time can benefit anyone. Yet, too much time spent solo can make some people feel unsupported, left to live in a world by all by themselves.

You’re responsible for everything

Talk about stress, stress, and more stress. Homeowners and renters alike share the brute feeling of being responsible for a never-ending list of things. You will be the one to make sure all bills are paid, dinners are made, grass is cut, laundry is done, and any other tasks needed for day-to-day living. It’s not unheard of for someone to find this level of responsibility difficult to navigate.

You’re also financially responsible

Finances are a significant stressor for almost everyone worldwide. Bearing the sole financial burden of a certain lifestyle can overwhelm anyone. This is especially true for those living alone for the first time. You may soon come to realize that many contracts—from your lease to your phone bill—may contain hidden fees. Managing finances can dramatically impact your mental state when all you can think about is how much money you don’t have to pay your light bill. 

Groceries aren’t as sustainable

This one may not impact your mental health directly, but it will affect your bank account, thereby impacting your overall state of mind. When others aren’t around to share, you’ll be surprised at just how quickly food tends to spoil. Buying perishable food in bulk almost guarantees wasting money if you’re not careful; even a loaf of bread can quickly sour faster than you can eat it. 

Tips for living alone for the first time

Get advice

Even the wisest adults need the occasional guidance. It’s more than okay to get advice; it’s necessary! Connect with friends, family, and even strangers to hear their first-hand experiences of living alone. You’ll then be able to create a lengthy pros and cons list that will assist you in making the right decision. 

Budget wisely

The worst expenses are the unexpected ones. Unfortunately, having your own place tends to bring with it a lot of surprise bills. Be sure to budget accordingly. For example, since buying food items in bulk for one person doesn’t usually save money, opt to purchase small packages of everything. While you won’t be saving money per ounce, you also won’t find yourself throwing away expired food weekly. 

Read reviews

Probably the most important tip for starting out on your own is to read reviews. Research the apartment complex or landlord you plan on renting from. Know their history. Find out what current tenants say. Nothing is more stress-inducing than being locked into a lease with a slum lord. 

Should I live alone?

This is the million-dollar question: Should I live alone? The answer to that is never easy. Some people find that living alone greatly improves their mental health. There can be even more reasons than listed above why this the case: their former home was riddled with domestic disturbances, helicopter parents, or inconsiderate roommates. On the other hand for some, living alone may exaggerate—or even help develop—common mental concerns, such as depression.

The pros and cons of living alone are subjective; write down your own personal list. Compare the benefits and downsides of living solo to that of living with someone else, and find the best living situation for your mental health.