Yes, in the Western countries it is 50 - 50; 50 percent live together and 50 percent marry. It appears we are in a generation of not committing to a partner and often people feel if they live together they are free to leave their mate much easier than if married and having to pay for a divorce or, getting married is a useless piece of paper. However, in some States there is a time limit when two people live together where they are considered common-law and have the same responsibilities when divorcing. In Canada if two people live together it is considered common-law after six months and the divorce proceedings are the same as if married.