KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The average adult American spends $2,279 on dates every year, with each date costing an estimated $168.
- The price of eating out has increased by almost 30% since the COVID-19 pandemic, and many have avoided or adjusted dates for financial reasons.
- Almost half of Americans believe their net worth affects their dating prospects, yet financial responsibility was ranked as one of the most attractive traits.
Many American adults say their money affects their dating prospects, as they report spending more than $2,000 a year on dates.
The average adult American spends $2,279 on dates every year, with each date costing an estimated $168, from grooming costs to gas money, according to the most recent BMO Real Financial Progress Index.
Gen Zers spend the most on dates out of other generations, spending $194 each date, totaling $2,676 a year. However, Millennial men in a relationship spend the most on each date out of all demographics, doling out an average of $252 on each date.
Inflation Makes Dates More Expensive
Stubborn inflation has kept date prices high. The cost of food away from home has increased by almost 30% since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the most recent Consumer Price Index data.
This has prevented some uncoupled Americans from going on a date. More than four in ten have adjusted a date for a financial reason, and more than a quarter have canceled a date due to financial pressures.
How You Handle Money Could Impact Your Dating Life
Many also say they believe a person’s financial situation affects how a date views them. About 44% of single Americans believe their net worth affects their dating prospects.
However, Americans said the top three most attractive financial traits did not have to do with the amount of money a person has. Instead, 96% said a sense of financial responsibility, 94% said talking about money openly, and 92% having a good financial plan was the most attractive