If splitting guac at Chipotle feels like a financial decision these days… you’re not wrong 🌯💰
According to a new report, Americans now spend an average of $189 per date — that’s dinner 🍝, drinks 🍸, and some kind of activity like a movie 🎬 or TopGolf ⛳. And that price is up 12.5% from last year.
Over the past year, the average American dropped more than $2,300 on dating. Love might be priceless… but dating absolutely is not.
The good news?💳 65% of people in serious relationships say they split dating costs evenly, so at least no one’s going broke over a mid appetizer sampler at Chili’s.
💰 Younger Adults Are Feeling It the Most
It’s hitting Gen Z and Millennials especially hard — the groups most likely to be actively dating and trying to impress someone ✨
- 50% of Gen Z say dating costs are hurting their financial goals
- 40% of Millennials say the same
- Millennials spend the MOST per night out — averaging $252 per date 😬
Romance is cute. Debt is not.
💐 Valentine’s Day Spending Is Breaking Records
And if regular dating wasn’t expensive enough… Valentine’s Day is about to smash records 💥
The National Retail Federation says Americans are expected to spend $29.1 BILLION this Valentine’s Day. That beats last year’s record of $27.5 billion.
On average, people are budgeting a record $200 for Valentine’s gifts, topping the previous high of $196 set in 2020.
❤️ Who Are We Buying For?
About 55% of Americans plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, and here’s where the money’s going:
- 🍫 83% buying for a significant other
- 👨👩👧👦 58% for family members
- 🐶 35% for pets (because they deserve it)
- 👯 33% for friends
- 🍎 27% for kids’ classmates and teachers
- 💼 21% for coworkers (work besties… or maybe someone you’d share a Coldplay Kiss-Cam moment with 👀🎥)
Most popular purchases? Candy 🍬, flowers 🌹, cards 💌, a romantic night out 🍽️, and jewelry 💎.
So if you’re stressing about the price tag this week, just remember — you’re not alone. Whether you’re splitting the bill, going big on diamonds, or planning a creative at-home date… love may be sweet, but it’s definitely not cheap 💕💸
