The cost of shared household expenses in the United Kingdom has risen to one point one six billion pounds over the past year, reflecting the continued strain of high living costs on households, according to newly released research.

The increase highlights how families, couples and flatmates are increasingly pooling and closely managing everyday spending to cope with persistent price pressures across essential services.

The research shows that shared expenses such as rent, utilities, council tax, broadband and streaming services accounted for a growing share of household budgets during the year.

Rising energy bills, higher rents in many urban centres and increased food prices were identified as the primary drivers behind the surge.

Researchers noted that even as headline inflation has eased, many core household costs remain significantly higher than before the recent cost-of-living crisis.

Data indicate that more people are turning to shared financial arrangements, including joint accounts and digital expense-splitting tools, to manage monthly outgoings and avoid arrears.

Younger adults and renters were among the most affected groups, with shared accommodation increasingly seen as a necessity rather than a choice.

The findings also point to a rise in informal cost-sharing among extended families as households seek to spread financial pressure.

Financial analysts say the growth in shared expenses underscores how deeply elevated prices have reshaped household behaviour in the UK. While wage growth has improved for some workers, it has not fully offset higher housing and utility costs, leaving many households reliant on shared budgeting strategies.

The research suggests that shared expenses are likely to remain elevated in the year ahead unless there is a marked reduction in housing and energy costs, reinforcing the central role of collective household budgeting in navigating ongoing economic uncertainty.