Hot Dates, Cold Wallets: 1 in 5 Singles Are Going into Debt for Love

Summer is heating up, and so is the dating scene. But behind rooftop drinks and first impressions, many singles are sweating over something else: the cost. In fact, BadCredit.org’s latest study reveals that 1 in 5 singles have gone into debt just to date. 

As inflation rages on and image rules the dating landscape, financially stretched singles are feeling the pressure to perform and maintain the status quo. Our study breaks down the hidden financial burdens of modern dating and how singles can avoid debt while on their quest for love and romance.

In the current economy, nothing really comes cheap, and that includes searching for love. High prices have exacerbated the financial burden of dating for many singles, especially in a time when everything has a cost.  

Singles have to consider expenses throughout the dating process, starting with dating app fees to the dinner or drinks bill after meeting IRL for a date. After a while, these costs add up and can cause serious financial strain, especially if people are extending beyond their budgets. 

Our study found that 19% of singles go into debt just to date. When breaking this down by gender, we found that men were more likely than women to say they have outstanding balances due to dating, 23% versus 15%.

This admission points to the nature of dating culture and that it may not be as progressive as people may think. Despite growing conversations around financial equality and splitting costs, a large part of modern dating is still rooted in traditional expectations, where men take on the financial obligation of paying for dates. 

“I completely understand the desire to impress somebody who seems like they may be a great match”, said Erica Sandberg, consumer finance expert at BadCredit.org. “Overdoing it by getting into debt, though, will be an almost immediate regret. After all, you really don’t know who is going to be your permanent partner, but big balances will stick with you for a while.”

Arduous may not be the word to describe the modern dating journey, but for many singles, expensive is. Dating is often accompanied by hidden costs. Singles can find themselves racking up expenses, many times without realizing the strain on their wallets. 

Love shouldn’t come with a price tag. However, the reality is that many singles are feeling the heat to perform and impress other daters. We looked at why daters are going into debt, and these were the top financial pressures cited by respondents:

• 44% feel pressure to buy gifts
• 42% feel strain from appearance costs
• 40% cite the cost of dates
• 36% feel pressure to present a curated image

These financial pressures are heavily tied to the emotional stakes of dating. Daters want to present their best selves while meeting new and potential matches, and the desire to impress can drive many singles to overspend in preparation. 

Thankfully, though, there are ways for singles to accomplish their mission to find love without breaking the bank, which we’ll get to next. 

Warm nights by the ocean, outdoor escapes, and romantic excitement may all be part of summer love, but debt doesn’t have to be. Singles can navigate the dating scene without going into the red and still make a great first impression. 

Sandberg adds, “I urge restraint. You can lavish someone with all kinds of things that cost very little or are even free. Arrange a special picnic at a park, or give genuine compliments. You’ll get the effect you’re hoping for, and if not, do you really want to be with that person?”

Here are a few tips to help singles keep the romance alive without the added debt:

• Set a dating budget: Dating isn’t a line item on most budgets, but it can make a world of difference to add for singles. Tracking your dating expenses allows you to plan ahead and always be aware of how much you’re spending. 
• Get creative with low-cost date ideas: Summer is the perfect time to incorporate low-key and inexpensive activities in your plans. Stroll through your local farmer’s market, open-air movie nights, or free museum days. 
• Don’t fear honesty: Financial transparency is increasingly necessary in today’s dating landscape. Being open can help you connect with your date and set up a more carefree atmosphere that doesn’t hinge on financial pressure. 

Debt has a way of infringing on daters’ love lives, turning what should be fun, romantic outings into moments of eventual financial stress and worry. Applying classic financial advice can help singles avoid strain without undercutting the emotional stakes involved with looking for love. 

Our study has shown that though dating is an emotional experience, it is very much a financial one. In a world where singles are tempted to show that they have it all, the most romantic thing might be leading with financial wellness and honesty, and maybe some red roses too.

This survey was conducted among 1,500 U.S. adults to examine the financial impact of dating and the emotional and social pressures influencing romantic spending habits. The sample included 1,000 adults aged 18 and older, along with an additional 500 Gen Z respondents (ages 18–27) to ensure deeper generational insights.

Participants responded to questions about dating-related expenses, including spending on dates, personal appearance, gifts, and lifestyle choices made to impress romantic interests. The survey also explored emotional drivers such as financial pressure, image maintenance, and lack of financial planning.

Data was collected online without demographic quotas. The margin of error for the total sample is approximately ±2.5 percentage points. All results reflect a 95% confidence level.