By Kathryn Nickell
MIDLAND – They say love doesn’t cost a thing, but dating in 2022 with inflation currently at a 41-year high is pricey. From rent prices to the grocery store, inflation has impacted almost every aspect of Americans’ lives. Love lives included.
The latest Lending Tree Survey, which polled 1,578 U.S. consumers on their dating habits, found that Americans, on average, are currently spending about $91 per date.
“Everything is getting more expensive,” Lending Tree’s chief credit analyst Matt Schulz said. “It’s not just the new clothes, roses, ride-share, fancy dinner, concerts, or the after-show coffee, it’s all of it. Even a quiet night at home with a bottle of wine and some takeout is pricier than it used to be.”
“The extra cost of each of these things individually may not be earth-shattering,” Schulz continued. “But added together, they can be a very big deal, especially when you’re living on a budget.”
About one in five surveyed said they are now going on fewer dates because of inflation, and 77% of daters say dating would be easier if they had more money.
Another 14% said they are trying to spend less money on dates, and 4% said they are getting more selective about who they are going on dates with.
Additionally, 6% shared that they have had their card declined on a first date.
Rising costs are making it harder to pay for dates, leading singles to rethink how they pursue romantic interests, and some choose not to date. Many single individuals are content with holding back on scheduling dates to prevent themselves from spending money on clothing, gas, public transportation, dinner and drinks, outings, and more.
“Dating has always been expensive,” Schulz said. He noted that most daters may already have kids, student loan debt, and a higher rent payment. “Throw rampant inflation into the mix, and it can make an already challenging situation even tougher.”
Shawn Connor, 25, is a local single from Midland shared that inflation has affected him greatly, and he can not imagine trying to date right now.
“I just can’t go on dates or potentially date anyone right now,” Connor explained sadly. “I am not financially stable to be able to give my partner everything they would need and deserve.
Photo caption: Shawn Connor, 25, enjoying a walk at City Forest in Midland, Mich., Nov. 9, 2022; photo credit Kathryn Nickell
“I can barely afford groceries for myself with the rise of prices,” Conner continued, “I quit buying meat altogether for meals because it is too expensive, and I can buy more veggies for the same price. I have lost about 30 pounds this year because of not being able to afford groceries; there is no way I would try to date someone knowing I am barely getting by myself.”
Like virtually everything this year, dating has become significantly more expensive across the board for singles due to inflation. But that is not the only daters inflation has affected, established couples are also feeling the hit.
Riann Svejcara, 25, and Owen Strong, 23, are a couple from Mt. Pleasant who have been dating for two years. At the beginning of their relationship, they went on multiple weekly dates to upscale restaurants, shows, and exciting activities. But what happens when the shadow of money looms large over even the most well-intentioned romantic relationships?
Photo caption: Riann Svejcara and Owen Strong enjoying one another’s company around a bonfire; photo credit Kathryn Nickell
“It has been really challenging,” Svejcara said. “We don’t go on dates anymore. We occasionally will cook meals together, but for the most part, we play board games, video games, and watch movies at home.”
Strong says it has been difficult having to shift his mindset from being able to spend his money freely to having to prioritize both time and finances to save money. Rent, gas prices, bills, and groceries have all played a vital role in dating in his relationship.
“I like the finer things in life, especially going out to nice dinners,” Strong explained. “Now, even when I try to save money by buying groceries and cooking at home, an average dinner still costs $30. How is that even helping me save money when grocery prices are so high along with everything else?”
