Rising costs push young singles away from dating, as a study finds money now outweighs love for many Gen Z and millennials
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Oct 03, 2025, 23:04 IST
Rising costs push young singles away from dating, as a study finds money now outweighs love for many Gen Z and millennials
Highlight of the story: A study conducted by DatingNews.com in partnership with the Kinsey Institute reveals that rising economic pressures are reshaping how younger generations approach relationships. With more than 40 percent of young singles cutting back on dating, many are now prioritizing financial well-being over romance. Experts caution that this shift could create long-term emotional challenges as financial necessity drives couples to make premature commitments.
TL;DR
A new study shows that high living costs are forcing many Gen Z and millennial singles to date less, delay relationships, or prioritise financial stability over romance. Nearly half of young adults say they would choose money over love.
Study Finds Dating Too Expensive for Many Young Singles
A joint study done by DatingNews.com and the Kinsey Institute reported 43 per cent of young U.S. singles are going on fewer dates, and 37 per cent of young singles may be cutting back on dating altogether. About one-third of the respondents named the economy as their prime repelling factor for romance.
In a way, the findings point to how social interaction is being affected by the ever-increasing costs of food, shelter, and amusement. In cities like New York, a simple night out with a few drinks and appetizers can set you back more than $100, discouraging young adults already laden with debts.
Economic Pressures Driving Cohabitation
The study also found that nearly one in four couples considers moving in together earlier than planned to save on living expenses. Sharing rent, utilities, and groceries can ease the financial burden, but experts warn that such decisions may be placing economic convenience ahead of emotional readiness.
“While sharing housing costs may offer short-term relief, moving in together primarily for economic reasons often puts financial convenience ahead of relationship readiness,” said Natassia Miller, an AASECT-certified sexologist. “This can lead to ‘financial coupling,’ where leases and bills, not genuine compatibility, bind partners together.”
Money Over Love for Gen Z
The trend extends beyond dating logistics. According to a separate survey by matchmaking service Tawkify, nearly half of Gen Z respondents said they would choose financial security over love if forced to decide. Brie Temple, Tawkify’s chief matchmaking officer, explained the reasoning behind this mindset.
“Money equals safety, security, and freedom,” Temple told The New York Post. “Taking an ex back because they got rich isn’t just about the bank account. It’s about what that wealth symbolizes: security, ambition, and a sense that they’ve leveled up.”
The Long-Term Risks
While it makes sense to prioritize money, the experts warn against some unintended consequences. Entering into or staying in a relationship because it made economic sense could lead to a lifetime of dissatisfaction or emotional anguish. The dilemma, they say, is how to balance financial security with true intimacy.
FAQs
A new study shows that high living costs are forcing many Gen Z and millennial singles to date less, delay relationships, or prioritise financial stability over romance. Nearly half of young adults say they would choose money over love.
Study Finds Dating Too Expensive for Many Young Singles
A joint study done by DatingNews.com and the Kinsey Institute reported 43 per cent of young U.S. singles are going on fewer dates, and 37 per cent of young singles may be cutting back on dating altogether. About one-third of the respondents named the economy as their prime repelling factor for romance.
In a way, the findings point to how social interaction is being affected by the ever-increasing costs of food, shelter, and amusement. In cities like New York, a simple night out with a few drinks and appetizers can set you back more than $100, discouraging young adults already laden with debts.
Economic Pressures Driving Cohabitation
The study also found that nearly one in four couples considers moving in together earlier than planned to save on living expenses. Sharing rent, utilities, and groceries can ease the financial burden, but experts warn that such decisions may be placing economic convenience ahead of emotional readiness.
“While sharing housing costs may offer short-term relief, moving in together primarily for economic reasons often puts financial convenience ahead of relationship readiness,” said Natassia Miller, an AASECT-certified sexologist. “This can lead to ‘financial coupling,’ where leases and bills, not genuine compatibility, bind partners together.”
Money Over Love for Gen Z
The trend extends beyond dating logistics. According to a separate survey by matchmaking service Tawkify, nearly half of Gen Z respondents said they would choose financial security over love if forced to decide. Brie Temple, Tawkify’s chief matchmaking officer, explained the reasoning behind this mindset.
“Money equals safety, security, and freedom,” Temple told The New York Post. “Taking an ex back because they got rich isn’t just about the bank account. It’s about what that wealth symbolizes: security, ambition, and a sense that they’ve leveled up.”
The Long-Term Risks
While it makes sense to prioritize money, the experts warn against some unintended consequences. Entering into or staying in a relationship because it made economic sense could lead to a lifetime of dissatisfaction or emotional anguish. The dilemma, they say, is how to balance financial security with true intimacy.
FAQs
- Why are young singles dating less?Because of ever-increasing costs of living-food, rent, and entertainment-what was once an affordable pastime for many Gen Z and millennial singles has turned into a luxury.
- What is “financial coupling”?It refers to couples moving in together principally to save money, with financial ties weighing more than emotional compatibility.
- How many young singles are giving less attention to dating because of the economy?About 43 percent of singles reported going on fewer dates, while 33 percent cited the economy as the main reason.