Faced with rising costs, American singles are putting money squarely at the forefront of their dating lives.
A third, 33% of U.S. adults say the economy makes them hesitant to commit to a serious relationship, according to a recent study by DatingNews.com and the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, a research center dedicated to the study of sexuality, relationships and gender.
That number is even higher for younger generations: 50% of Gen Z say they’re hesitant, as well as 37% of millennials. Many cite inflation, specifically, as a reason for holding back.
“The economic factors are impacting different people in different ways,” says Justin Lehmiller, senior research fellow at the Kinsey Institute. He adds that some people “are more hesitant to enter a relationship precisely because the cost of dating is very expensive.”
The average American spends as much as $168 per date, including grooming and gas money, according to North American bank BMO.
Those who are ready to date but don’t want to break the bank are getting creative.
Just over a third, 35% of Americans are choosing to get coffee or drinks on a date, as opposed to getting a full meal, according to the DatingNews.com and Kinsey Institute study, and 35% are also opting for more affordable restaurants.
The median price of a cup of coffee in the U.S. is $3.52, according to restaurant tech company Toast. The median cost of a glass of beer is $6.50.
According to Lehmiller, some other activities singles reported doing to save money include:
- Going to bars with happy hours
- Using coupons for discounts on dates
- Cooking meals at home instead of going out
- Doing free activities like going on a hike or a walk
- Staying in to watch a movie
- Choosing date spots closer to home to avoid the cost of taxis or Ubers
While Lehmiller understands the financial strain of spending can weigh heavily when choosing how to approach your romantic life, it’s important to remain open, he says.
“We don’t always control when we’re going to meet the person or persons who are right for us,” he says.
“And maybe we don’t want to shut ourselves off entirely to the possibility because sometimes the right person for you might be right underneath your nose.”
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