The top spots revealed (Picture: Getty / Metro.co.uk)

From people pinching food to fights over the heating, there are numerous reasons why people decide to ditch housemates in favour of living alone.

And for those considering this, a move to Hull would be the most friendly on your bank balance – according to new research.

In fact, solo living is predicted to become more and more common – as the number of Brits currently residing alone (8.3 million) is expected to rise to 10 million by the end of 2039.

Of course, it goes without saying that living alone is a financial privilege for those who can afford it – as the cost of renting a room is considerably cheaper than enjoying a home all to yourself.

But for those who are hoping it might be an option in the future, chartered surveyors Stokemont have analysed the rent and utility costs of the 20 biggest cities in the UK to find some of the cheapest places to live alone.

So let’s get into the financials.

For those on the hunt for peace, quiet, and independence, a move up north might be the answer – with Hull named as the cheapest city to live alone overall, at an average cost of £1,068 per month. This adds up to around £453 for rent and £616 for other expenses.

Hull was named the cheapest city for living on your own (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Bradford also scooped second place, where it’s estimated to cost around £1,136 on a monthly basis – with a breakdown of £538 on average for rent in the city’s centre and about £598 on monthly expenses. 

Whereas Derby took third position in the rankings, with the monthly rent cost of those living alone in the city’s centre is about £550 and other costs amounting to £705 on average (which is £107 more than Bradford).

Perhaps unsurprisingly, other spots in the North of England and Midlands make up the majority of the rankings, highlighting the infamous north / south divide.

Stoke, Leicester, Sheffield and Birmingham were also flagged as some of the cheapest places to live alone in the UK.

However, some of the most expensive were also named and shamed – and, perhaps unsurprisingly, London is top of the list.

According to Home Views, living alone in the capital will cost the average person between £1,400-£2,000 on rent, depending on the area – and that’s without any bills or monthly expenses added on.

Other key culprits include Bristol, Edinburgh and Manchester.