Love ain't cheap: Here's where Americans splurge — and skimp —on first dates
Romance is in the air — and it's charging by the minute.
A new survey has exposed the price tag on first impressions, revealing just how much Americans are shelling out for that all-important first date.
And let's just say: folks in the Northeast are dropping dollar bills faster than hearts in a rom-com, as reported by Newsweek.
Single people in the Northeast are the biggest spenders, topping the list at $138.40, followed by the West at $133 — while Midwesterners are keeping things humble at $118.50.
Nationwide, the average amount people say they'd cough up for a first date is a whopping $125.60 — with regional wallets telling very different love stories.
3 According to the survey and map, Northeasterners came in first at $138.40, then came the West at $133. Midwesterners, however, were more modest at $118.50.
U.S. Census Bureau 2021 boundaries
And while 34% of Americans opt for the relatively reasonable $51–$100 range, 10% of Northeasterners are willing to dish out $151 to $200, with another 4% fine to blow past $300.
But don't confuse spending with sentiment, warns relationship therapist Aly Bullock.
How much people spend on a first date '…could also be influenced by the types of activities and restaurants available in your area…' Bullock told Newsweek in a recent interview.
Still, that first-date fever comes with financial consequences.
3 Dating isn't cheap — especially in this economy.
Syda Productions – stock.adobe.com
The average American has gone on $3,025.12 worth of dates over the past year, according to a 2023 survey conducted by OnePoll in partnership with LELO — with each romantic rendezvous ringing in at around $189.
And good luck splitting the check. While 27% of daters alternate tabs, men still overwhelmingly foot the bill (54%) compared to just 12% of women.
That gap adds up — especially for Gen Zers, who are leading the love economy with $194 per date and nearly 14 outings per year, according to a February 2025 study by BMO Real Financial Progress Index.
This totals a heart-thumping $2,676 annually. Even so, younger singles aren't all-in on pricey meetups — 46% say they feel pressured to plan expensive dates.
Bullock warns that breaking the bank too soon could blow up in your face.
'Spending too much can look like love-bombing and set you up for unrealistic expectations in the relationship, and spending nothing can indicate that you're not super excited about making a great impression,' she said to Newsweek.
Translation: Don't bring steakhouse energy to a situationship.
Singles might be spending less per date than couples, but committed millennial men are the real high-rollers — dropping an average $252 per outing.
But as inflation tightens purse strings, many are scaling back — 37% say they'll go on fewer dates this year and 60% are budgeting for love.
3 With prices up and wallets down, romance is on a budget — 37% plan to date less this year, and 60% are putting their love lives on a spending diet.
Adobe Stock
Luka Matutinovic, chief marketing officer at LELO, says it's time for a reality check.
'In the dynamic landscape of modern relationships, where 'infla-dating' is reshaping connection costs, we encourage couples to redefine their approach to love's expenses,' Matutinovic said in an interview with SWNS.
'Stretch your budget wisely, opting for meaningful moments over extravagant expenses, and watch your relationship thrive without financial strain.'
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