This paper estimates an equivalence scale that takes into account the specific situation of single parents and separated parents who do not live with their children. Estimates rely on a subjective approach based on the living standard perceived by households. Results indicate that the equivalence scales widely used in economic and institutional literature do not integrate the specific situation of single parents. Separated parents who do not live with their children face additional expenses relatively to single persons, everything being equal, for an approximate amount of one third of their disposable income. The equivalence scales overestimate the living standard of these two types of households and underestimate their level of poverty.