The cost of being single is being laid bare this Valentine's Day, with Raisin Bank saying that going solo means you're paying €1,000 more each month than you would as part of a couple.

Rent, bills and entertainment all cost more for singles.

Single people also reported staying in a relationship longer than they wanted to because of finances, while they also stayed living at home with their parents for longer.

Blizzard in Chicago with empty street and single person walking during snow storm. Image: Tara Vorhes / Alamy. 1 February 2011

Newstalk’s Business Editor Joe Lynam says those surveyed believe more should be done to help them.

“A lot of singletons thinks the Government should step in to support them and to make it easier for singles to buy their own home,” he said.

“Because, let's be honest, unless you work, you know, for one of the big tech giants and you're paid a huge amount of money - as a first time buyer, you're not gonna be able to afford it.

“So they think the government should step in now.

“Others would say, ‘Come on now’.”

Hand holding fistful of euro banknotes. Image: Axel Bueckert / Alamy Stock Photo

Joe said only having one income also impacts how people live their lives.

“People stay at home longer because they can't afford to move out,” he said.

“They can afford to buy a house if they're in a relationship.

“A third [of single people], according to Raisin Bank, say they have to delay buying a home because of that and being single has delayed moving out.

“We all know about the single supplements that are charged to singleton when they go on holidays.”

One in five single people said that they stay in a relationship longer than they wanted to due to financial concerns.

Serene tropical beach scene with a single person standing near the water's edge. Image: Alamy