The Cost Of Dating Is Stressing People Out
Looking for love can be hard work, but the stress doesn’t always end when you finally meet someone. According to Self Financial, and new research, the cost of dating is anxiety-inducing for many Americans, and it’s only going up. Now, I expect this to happen as inflation increases.
Self Financial surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. adults who’ve dated in the last year about how much it costs and found:
- People spend an average of $58.84 on a date, with men spending 20% more ($67.87 per date) than women ($56.54).
- Over half (52.9%) of respondents tend to go on one or two dates a month, while 41.9% go on three or more.
- Nearly two-thirds (64.6%) believe that spending more on a date boosts the chance of it being a success.
- But the expense of all those dates adds up over time, leading two-thirds (67.9%) of Americans to admit they feel stressed when planning a date .
- A restaurant date is still the most popular, as almost half (47.8%) say it’s their preferred way to get to know someone.
- And it’s not just the date itself people are spending money on, there’s also the cost of clothes, makeup and personal grooming to look their best, which adds up to an average of $50.29.
- All that money may feel like a waste if the date doesn’t go well, but more than half (57.7%) of respondents confess to asking for a refund or contribution after a bad first date.
- On average, it takes seven dates before a couple considers themselves “in a relationship,” and they’ll spend an average of $701.96 on those seven dates.
- Close to three-quarters (73.9%) of people think dating is too expensive in 2024.
- That may be part of the reason that more than seven in 10 (71.8%) say they’re more likely to match with someone who shows signs of wealth on their dating app profile.
- Signs of wealth that stand out on dating profiles include international travel destinations, like Paris or Dubai (37.7%), dining at expensive restaurants (36.3%) and wearing luxury fashion brands (35%).
6 Inexpensive Date Ideas: Ignite Romance Without Breaking The Bank
Coffee Date
This date is a personal favorite because it’s not overly complicated. Coffee dates are casual and very low pressure. It allows you and your date to talk in a relax environment. Bonus points, if you make a local coffee shop. Local coffee shops often have a more intimate setting.
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Walk A Scenic Trail
By no means are we talking about an intense hike up and down mountains and hills. But a simple nature trail will do the trick. This kind of date gives you both a chance to enjoy nature and create a memorable experience. You can even plan for a sunrise or sunset walk for added romance. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
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Sip Date At A Brewery Or Wine Tour
There are several local breweries and wineries that offer tours throughout their establishment. These establishments usually have fun tours that break down the process of how their product is made. Sharing the experience with your partner is even better because you’ll get to talk about what you both think of the drinks. Some breweries and tours include tastings and often start at just $15 per person. Sometimes these places offer games and live music.
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Go On A Picnic
Picnic dates are a classic. You can get as elaborate as you want to and work it into any budget. You can have a picnic almost anywhere as long as there’s a place to drop a picnic blanket or a table for eating. Other than having food on hand, it wouldn’t hurt to have a card game handy or a Bluetooth speaker at hand to prevent awkward moments. Just a heads up, this date involves careful planning. If it’s peak sunshine and mosquito season, be sure to pack your sunscreen and bug spray.
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Volunteer Date
Volunteer dates can work really well for established couples. They can create new opportunities to meet people and make couple of friends. Obviously, a volunteer date may not be a good idea if you’re separated the entire time. So, this one may require a bit of research. Unless you’re looking to add a bit of adventure or something different to your date.
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Antiquing And Thrifting
Garage sales, estate sales, antiquing, thrifting, whichever you choose can make for a fun budget-friendly date. It’s like a scavenger hunt where you don’t know what the items are you’re supposed to find. But whatever you two may find you can always laugh and bond about it. There’s even the possibility of a fashion show if you find yourself in a place with a load of vintage clothes. The same concept can also be applied to bookstores and music stores.
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