It turns out finding love may cost more than just time and effort.
A recent survey of 2,000 Americans discovered that the average person has spent over $3,000 on dates in the past year. In fact, respondents shared that the average good date costs $196 these days, leading many to reevaluate their dating strategy and budget.
Two-thirds of respondents say that dating has become more expensive over the past year. Consequently, 37% shared they are trying to go on fewer dates due to economic concerns, and 60% plan to budget more carefully for relationship-related expenses.
And it’s not just the date itself that’s adding to the expenses. The survey found that the average person spends nearly $360 on gifts for their partner annually.
Interestingly, many respondents believe in spending less on dates as the relationship grows. Cost-saving strategies like choosing budget-friendly dining options and buying gifts on sale are popular. Nearly half of Americans are comfortable with budget-conscious dates, and 50% wouldn’t judge a date for choosing a less expensive venue. Women, in particular, were more understanding of economical dating choices.
Fortunately, there are still many ways to have a fun date without breaking the bank. Cooking a meal together, having a game night or even just streaming a movie on a service you already paid for can help you not only keep the romance alive but also keep your bank account happy.