Financial Barriers to Dating Among Gen Z and Young Millennials
Dating has increasingly become a financial luxury for Gen Z and young millennials, a trend driven by the mounting costs of living and economic uncertainty. A recent survey highlights that more than half of unmarried individuals aged 22 to 35 identify lack of money as their primary obstacle to going on dates. This financial strain not only limits social opportunities but also impacts young adults’ ability to form meaningful romantic relationships.
According to a national research project conducted by Brigham Young University’s Wheatley Institute in collaboration with the Institute for Family Studies, only about 30% of young adults are currently dating, and just 31% report dating at least once a month. The survey further reveals that nearly 74% of young women and 64% of young men have either not dated or have dated only a few times over the past year. These statistics underscore a significant decline in dating activity, largely attributed to financial challenges.
Why Gen Z Is Opting Out of Dating
Gen Z’s hesitancy to date is closely tied to the prohibitive costs associated with typical dating experiences. For many, the idea of going out for dinner, drinks, or entertainment is no longer appealing when weighed against the financial commitment required. A New York Times report on this issue points out that, in cities with high living expenses like New York, an average date night can exceed $200 when factoring in transportation, dining, and personal grooming.
Grace Sakellariou, a 27-year-old from Astoria, New York, expressed a common perspective among young singles: “I definitely do want to get married and have kids, but that just feels so unattainable. I can’t even think about affording a wedding.” She also noted the discouragement many feel when early dates involve splitting the bill, reflecting a broader frustration with the financial demands of dating. Similarly, 25-year-old Josh Timmins, who plans to attend law school, described dating apps as “a bit soulless” and cited the high costs as a reason he chooses not to date presently.
The Economic Paradox: Wanting a Partner but Unable to Afford Dating
Interestingly, many young adults acknowledge the practical benefits of being in a relationship amid today’s economic climate. Couples can share expenses, significantly reducing individual financial burdens. For instance, sharing a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan can save a couple over $25,000 annually in rent, according to StreetEasy’s 2025 analysis of median asking rents. These savings can then be redirected toward paying down student loans, saving for a home, or pursuing career advancements.
Benjamin Goldman, a labor and public economist at Cornell University, suggests that the decline in dating and marriage may be contributing to feelings of economic stagnation among young adults in expensive urban centers. He poses the question of whether this trend might be an under-discussed factor in the broader challenges faced by people in their 20s and 30s attempting to achieve financial independence and stability.
In essence, while young adults recognize the value of partnership as a financial strategy, the upfront cost and ongoing expenses associated with dating itself present a significant barrier. This paradox creates a challenging environment where the desire for connection and economic survival are at odds.
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