It’s no surprise that inflation is affecting every aspect of people’s lives, with prices for simple everyday things like gas, housing, and groceries skyrocketing. But now, it’s even starting to trickle down into people’s dating lives.
According to the Bank of Montreal (BMO), the average “all-in” cost of a date in the U.S. is $189. This includes pre-date grooming, the meal, drinks, and transportation. The report also revealed that Americans spent an average of $2,323 on dates over the past year.
“With spending on dating outpacing inflation, singles can feel priced out of love,” said BMO’s Head of U.S. Consumer Strategy, Paul Dilda, in BMO’s 2026 Financial Progress Index. “Whether it’s a long-term relationship or a first date, it has never been more challenging to ensure the path to love is also the path to real financial progress.”
The Breakdown
The cost of dating depends on a variety of factors, and one major influence is where a person lives. A person’s location can play a big role in how expensive dating is. Cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, Seattle, Phoenix, and Houston are reportedly the top five cheapest places in the U.S. for a first date. Whereas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Washington DC, and New York were the most expensive. The findings factored in the price of one shared starter, two main courses, and two cocktails.
However, don’t go calling the moving trucks just yet. One of the major takeaways from the report showed that the cost of the average cocktail is what’s making date nights so expensive. Cocktail prices between cities vary by as much as 170 percent, from about $7 in Philadelphia to $19.50 in New York. So, if you’ve been considering cutting back on alcohol, now’s the perfect chance to start.
Quality Over Quantity
According to recent data from Hinge, 88 percent of Black women said it is more impressive when someone has taken the time to plan a special or thoughtful date than when someone spends a lot of money on it. Moe Ari Brown, a licensed marriage and family therapist, shares that financial readiness is more than a logistical concern; it ultimately intertwines with feeling emotionally ready to date.
“Here’s what I want you to know: true provision isn’t just about money. It’s also about emotional provision and consistency,” says Brown, who’s Hinge’s love and connection expert. “You don’t have to be perfect to be worthy of a real connection. You are allowed to be in the process. You are allowed to be seen,” Brown said.
While everyone may want a lavish date night, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy with your partner without breaking the bank. According to Hinge, 50 percent of Black women say trying a new activity together is the most meaningful kind of first date, while only eight percent of those surveyed said they’d prefer sharing an expensive dinner.
No one is suggesting that daters should skip upscale dinners altogether. However, romance can still be found in cost-effective options like going out for dessert, listening to live music, putting together a picnic, or visiting a museum.