Americans going on less dates due to inflation, study says

A couple dines indoors at the Hard Rock Cafe on May 3, 2021 in New York City. – The restaurant located in the heart of Times Square remained closed for over one year due to the pandemic and opened its doors for the first time again today. (Photo by Angela Weiss / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

by: Aaron Tolentino

Posted: Jul 30, 2022 / 09:00 AM PDT

Updated: Jul 30, 2022 / 02:51 PM PDT

(KRON) — Inflation has taken a toll on a lot of Americans. High gas prices, increased cost of living, etc. has made life a little more challenging within the past year.

It’s also affecting another part of Americans’ daily life — dating. Like many things in life, dating costs money. Fewer Americans are going on dates because of it, one study says.

A survey by TheBalance.com revealed that 90% of daters say inflation has had an impact on their dating life. With the United States facing its highest inflation rate in 40 years, here are some of the survey’s findings:

44% of Americans are going on fewer dates
40% are more likely to suggest free activities
34% are more likely to meet virtually rather than in-person

The survey also found that 59% say they are cutting back on money spent towards movies, concerts, and sporting events — all potential date activities. A separate survey last December showed that millennials (age 25-40) spent an average $69 on first dates, and nearly 25% were willing to pay more than $100 on a first date.

First dates can be expensive, especially for those who decide to pick up the entire check. 22% of daters would likely go on second date if their date pays for the first one — perhaps leading to a handful of people doing just that. And 18% said the amount their date spends impacts the chances of going out with them again.

The full study by The Balance can been viewed here.

Methodology

The Balance conducted a survey of 1,200 Americans from June 30-July 9. Participants were at least 18 years old and must at least partially manage their own finances.

Quotas were used to gather a diverse sample of survey participants to ensure national representation for gender, race/ethnicity, region, and generation, the study said. The survey was an online self-administered questionnaire for respondents from a market research vendor.

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However, the study did not specify how old the oldest participants in the survey are. All participants were at least 18 years old when they were surveyed.