" there’s nothing lonelier than living with the wrong person".............................No kidding.
Not just lonely, but it can be a tumultuous, depressing,  toxic experience that can scar forever. The relationship equivalent of trench warfare.

I think if you did a survey of the 40+ crowd you'd find many men & women are now solo because of such experiences. 

As per being able to afford it, well, that depends as how you define , ' affording'. Financially, it's more expensive but if it's your sanity you cherish, it's worth the cost.