The average all-in cost of a date in the U.S. has risen to $189 this year [1].

This trend, described as “date-flation,” highlights how general economic pressures are altering the social habits of Americans. As the cost of outings increases, the financial burden of maintaining a dating life may create new barriers to forming relationships.

According to the BMO 2026 Real Financial Progress Index, the national average of $189 [1] represents a 12.5 percent increase from 2025 [1]. The rise reflects broader inflation trends impacting the service and hospitality sectors where most dates occur.

Certain demographics are feeling the impact more acutely. Doug Melville said the average millennial is spending $252 per date [2]. This figure exceeds the national average of $189 [2].

While the national average provides a broad snapshot, the disparity in millennial spending suggests that younger professionals may be opting for more expensive venues or activities. This gap indicates that inflation is not hitting all age groups equally, or that some groups are more willing to absorb higher costs to maintain their social standards.

The BMO index tracks these shifts to measure how real-world financial progress is affected by the rising cost of living. As the price of a typical night out continues to climb, the phenomenon of date-flation may lead to a shift toward lower-cost activities or a decrease in the frequency of dates overall.

“The average all-in cost of a date has climbed to $189 this year, up 12.5 percent from 2025.”

The rise in dating costs suggests a tightening of discretionary spending among young adults. When the cost of a single date exceeds $200 for millennials, it may lead to 'dating fatigue' or a shift toward 'low-stakes' dates, such as coffee or walks, to mitigate financial strain. This economic pressure can fundamentally change the courtship process and the demographics of who can afford to date frequently.