0 months ago
Infladating: Why Gen Z and millennials are ditching expensive dates
Growing up can be expensive, and so can dating.
Because things cost more than they used to, many young people in America are spending less money when they go on dates.
This new habit has a fun name: 'infladating,' which comes from mixing the words 'inflation' and 'dating.'
Instead of going out for fancy dinners, they might take a walk in the park, cook at home, or watch a movie together.
In fact, the average cost of a date in America is now about $189, which is more than last year.
Many people say that dating is too expensive and can get in the way of saving money.
Experts think simple dates are actually a good thing, because you can focus on talking and having fun together.
They also say it might be a warning sign if someone tries too hard with a super expensive first date.
The golden rule in this new age of dating is simple: put in more energy, not more money.
Rising inflation has popularized 'infladating,' a trend of spending less on dates amid the affordability squeeze.
The average cost of a date in America rose to $189, up 12.5% from last year, per BMO Financial Group.
A survey of 2,501 adults found Gen Z spend $205 and millennials $252 on average per date.
Actively dating Americans went on an average of 12 dates in 2025, down from 14 in 2024.
Experts say low-cost dates like walks and home-cooked meals build connection, while extravagant first dates can be a red flag.
- Who
- Gen Z and millennials in the United States, along with matchmaker Susan Trombetti, dating coach Amy Chan and clinical psychologist Sabrina Romanoff.
- What
- A trend called 'infladating' in which singles go on fewer dates and choose more affordable activities because of rising costs.
- Where
- The United States.
- When
- In 2026, according to BMO's Real Financial Progress Index, following a drop to 12 average dates in 2025 from 14 in 2024.
- Why
- Rising inflation and cost of living, including higher prices for groceries, fuel and rentals driven partly by energy shocks fuelled by the Iran-US war.
Key facts
- Trend name
- Infladating (also called dateflation)
- Average cost of a date
- $189, up 12.5% from last year
- Gen Z average spend per date
- $205
- Millennials average spend per date
- $252
- Singles who say dating isn't worth the expense
- 47%
- Dating app spending
- $19 per month for the average paying user (Morgan Stanley, 2023)
- Average dates per year
- 12 in 2025 vs 14 in 2024
- Survey
- 2,501 adults, BMO Real Financial Progress Index
Quotes
Sabrina Romanoff
Clinical psychologist
“We’re seeing that there is this increased cost of living, and it’s lowering our dating frequency and how we’re seeing or perceiving dating…”
firstpost.com
“As costs rise due to inflation, there is a new trend that has been coined ‘infladating’ in the relationship space.”
firstpost.com











