By analyzing rent, security deposits, the cost of basic furniture, and income levels across multiple markets, a study by iSelect reveals the initial costs someone may face when moving into a new home after a breakup.
This issue is of particular interest in Greece as well, since according to the latest data from ELSTAT, there were 15,532 divorces recorded in 2024, while the divorce-to-marriage ratio reached 42.4 divorces per 100 marriages, up from 37.5 in 2023.
At a time when rent and the cost of living are putting pressure on households, the study highlights a less-discussed financial consequence of a breakup: just how expensive it can be for someone to move out of a shared home and start over on their own.
| Key Findings | Data |
|---|
| Average cost of starting over after a breakup | €3,159 |
| Average cost in the most expensive areas analyzed | €4,400 |
| Highest cost in the dataset | nearly €6,400 |
| Average cost in the most affordable areas | €2,722 |
| Average number of weeks of income required | 3.1 weeks |
| Maximum financial burden | up to 6.5 weeks of income |
| Divorces in Greece in 2024 | 15,532 |
| Ratio of divorces to marriages in Greece | 42.4 per 100 marriages |
What the cost includes
The iSelect analysis estimated the initial costs someone might face when moving after a separation. The total amount includes:
- First month’s rent
- Rental deposit
- Basic bedroom, living room, and kitchen furniture
- Essential household appliances and kitchen items
The basic furniture package included items such as a bed, mattress, dresser, sofa, coffee table, TV, curtains, a refrigerator-freezer, a microwave oven, cookware, cutlery, and a dinner set.
Breakups as a Cost-of-Living Issue
For those who shared a home, separation may mean that expenses previously split between two people—such as rent, bills, and household furnishings—must now be covered by one person.
According to the survey, the cost of a fresh start averages 3.1 weeks’ worth of income, while in less affordable areas it can reach up to 6.5 weeks’ worth of salary. This means that in some cases, the financial burden of a breakup can exceed one and a half months’ income, even before factoring in daily expenses such as bills, groceries, and transportation.
Adrian Bennett, General Manager of General Insurance at iSelect, comments:
“The cost of moving after a breakup can put a significant strain on your finances. It’s important, whenever possible, to have a financial cushion for unforeseen circumstances so you can recover and get back on your feet.
“It can also help to cut back on expenses when you move. Comparing home and contents insurance quotes, for example, can help you find a plan that meets your needs while saving you money.”
To see exactly where in the world it is most expensive to move after a breakup, including the full ranking, you can find iSelect’s complete study here: https://www.iselect.com.au/home-insurance/insights/break-up-moving-costs/