The post Gen Z Is Spending $0 on Romantic Dates, Survey Finds as Young Adults Rethink Dating Costs first appeared on Crafting Your Home.
For many young adults, dating is becoming less about expensive outings and more about making careful choices with money. A new survey found that many Gen Z respondents are spending little or nothing on romantic dates, highlighting how finances are shaping modern relationships.
A Bank of America Better Money Habits survey released in May found that 51% of U.S. Gen Z adults ages 18 to 29 reported spending $0 per month on romantic dates. The finding does not mean everyone in that group chooses free activities instead of traditional dates. The survey also included people who may not currently be dating, so the results reflect spending habits rather than a complete picture of dating behavior.
The numbers come as money continues to influence major life decisions for younger adults. In the same survey, 24% of Gen Z respondents said their financial situation had delayed moving relationships forward.
Why the cost of dating is becoming part of the conversation
Dating has traditionally been associated with restaurants, entertainment, and activities that come with a price tag. But for some younger adults, financial pressure is changing how they approach romance and social plans.
Bank of America’s survey found that among Gen Z respondents spending less than $50 a month on dating, 24% said they were simply not interested in dating, while 15% said they could not afford it. This distinction matters because spending little does not always mean someone is actively choosing a low-cost dating lifestyle.
The findings suggest that financial circumstances and personal choices are both playing a role. Some people may be avoiding expensive dates because of budget concerns, while others may simply have different priorities or relationship goals.
The survey also found that financial responsibility is becoming an important factor for Gen Z when thinking about potential partners. According to Bank of America’s findings, 74% of respondents said financial responsibility matters in a partner, while 43% described irresponsible spending as a dealbreaker.
Low-cost social plans are spreading beyond dating
The shift toward spending less isn’t limited to romantic relationships. Bank of America reported that 75% of Gen Z respondents look for savings when making social plans. The survey found that some respondents choose free or low-cost activities, eat at home or bring food to events, or host gatherings at home.
These choices show how financial habits can influence everyday social life. Instead of automatically choosing activities built around spending money, some young adults are finding ways to spend time together while keeping costs lower.
However, these behaviors should not automatically be described as a complete rejection of traditional dating. The survey measures reported financial habits and attitudes, not whether one generation has abandoned certain types of relationships or activities.
Related: How to Spice Up Your Relationship Without Draining Your Wallet
Dating costs are adding pressure for some Americans
A separate BMO survey found that dating expenses can add up quickly for people actively spending on dates. The survey reported an average “all-in” date cost of $189, including the outing, grooming, and transportation expenses. It also reported that Gen Z respondents averaged $205 per date.
The BMO findings measure something different from the Bank of America survey. While Bank of America looked at monthly romantic-date spending among Gen Z adults, BMO examined spending among U.S. adults who reported date costs. The two surveys should not be treated as measuring the same thing.
BMO also reported that some singles believe dating expenses are becoming difficult to justify. According to its survey, 47% of single U.S. respondents said dating was not financially worth it, while 50% said rising costs had caused them to go on fewer dates or choose cheaper activities.
Rising prices are part of the broader financial picture
The cost of going out has also been affected by broader price changes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that food-away-from-home prices increased 3.4% over the 12 months ending July 2026. Full-service meals increased 3.4%, while limited-service meals increased 3.3%.
Those figures provide economic context for why some consumers may feel more cautious about spending on activities that involve restaurants or paid entertainment. However, the data does not prove that restaurant price increases directly caused the dating choices reported in surveys.
What this could mean for modern dating
The rise of lower-cost dating choices reflects a broader conversation about money, relationships, and priorities. For some young adults, a successful date may depend less on spending a lot and more on finding ways to connect while staying within financial limits.
The Bank of America survey was conducted by Ipsos between February 10 and February 28, 2026. It included 1,133 U.S. Gen Z adults and 1,146 adults from the general population. Bank of America reported that the Gen Z sample had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
For local readers, the bigger question is how these national trends compare with their own communities. The cost of a simple dinner, coffee outing, transportation, or entertainment can vary widely depending on location. Local examples, community events, and low-cost activities may provide a clearer picture of how people are adapting.
For now, the “$0 date” finding offers a snapshot of how financial realities are influencing the way some young adults approach romance. It is less about ending traditional dating and more about how people are adjusting their expectations in a changing economy.
Related: 9 Outdated 1970s Dating Rules That Seem Absurd Now
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