Americans say they are dating less as the average cost of a night out exceeds $200
Andreas SOLARO / AFP via Getty Images
- Dating costs in the US, like everything else, are rising.
- The average date is now nearly $200, according to a BMO survey.
- Gen Z and millennials, especially, are seeing the highest increases in dating costs.
A basic economics class often covers the movement of prices — inflation, deflation, and stagflation. Now, there's a new term: "Date-flation."
The average cost of a date in the US is now $189, according to a survey from BMO's Real Financial Progress Index. That's the total bill. It includes everything from the money spent on pre-date grooming to the cost of transportation. That's a 12.5% increase from an average of $168 in 2025.
The pace of that increase is notable.
"Date-flation" is quickly overtaking cost-of-living increases. The US annual inflation rate reached 3.3% for the 12 months ending in March, up from 2.4% previously, according to Labor Department data released in April.
Younger generations, such as millennials and Gen Z, saw the largest increase in date-night costs, according to BMO.
Millennials now spend an average of $252 on date nights, up 32% from 2025, while Gen Z spends $205, up from $194. About 50% of Gen Z and 40% of millennials say dating costs are getting in the way of their financial goals.
That shift may reflect a change in mindset. Younger generations may be spending more because they're seeing it as an investment — and thinking about the returns.
Quincy Yang, the co-CEO of dating app Coffee Meets Bagel, previously told Business Insider that money and economics are huge considerations for Gen Z.
"Now, you need dual incomes to afford just the median condo or house. You need to have a pretty good job; you can't slack off too much," Yang said.
Still, the impact on the wallet is pushing people to cut back on dates. BMO found that half of those surveyed said they have gone on fewer dates or are choosing lower-cost options, like having a picnic or going on a hike.
For those trying to balance romance and budgets, there are alternatives. Business Insider's Juliana Kaplan put together a dating guide for those looking for low-cost options.
When in doubt, though, the best advice is to lead with the heart.