Dating in Australia: People are spending $500 a month to find love.

dating

How much do you spend on dating? If you thought the cost of groceries was terrible, consider the eye-watering amount Australians are spending to find ‘the one.’

  • Recent research has revealed the astonishing amount that single Australians spend on dating. On average, a single person spends $384.28 each month on dating activities. This figure has nearly quadrupled since 2017, when the average was only $153.93
  • New research found the average single spends $384.28 monthly on dating
  • The average cost has almost quadrupled since 2017 from $153.93
  • The primary factor driving this dramatic increase is the rise of dating apps.

The amount that Australian singles spend on dating has nearly quadrupled over the past five years, with the average monthly expenditure rising from $153.93 in 2017 to $384.28.

New research reveals that the average single goes on three dates every month and spends $154.16 on first dates, including $66.53 on getting ready.Â

The number one factor contributing to the shocking surge in cost is the influx of options and dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble and Hinge.

New research from ING reveals the average single goes on three dates every month and spends $154.16 on first dates alone – which includes $66.53 on getting ready (stock image)

The research, by ING, proves that singles are going to extreme lengths to filter through new people and find their ‘one’, as the national spending rose from $11.7 billion in 2017 to $42.8 billion in 2022.

The most popular pre-date expenses included buying new clothes (41 per cent), hair services (25 per cent) and new shoes (18 per cent).

When it comes to paying on a first date, 59 per cent of singles prefer to either split the bill or pay for individual costs, however 45 per cent of men still expect to foot the entire bill. 

The number one factor contributing to the shocking surge in cost is dating apps, such as Tinder, Bumble and Hinge (stock image)

Poll

Younger generations are also willing to splash their cash. The average millennial spends $178 on a first date, closely followed by $174.10 for Gen X and $131.75 for Gen Z.Â

Men admitted to spending a little more preparing for dates than women, with the average cost being $69.53 for men and $63.64 for women.

Singles who pay for dating apps are more likely to spend more, with the average budget of $208.33 being allocated for a first date.  

Matt Bowen, Head of Daily Banking at ING Australia, said: ‘Over the past few years, the growth of dating apps has opened a new world of possibilities for singles looking to find love. These findings show that Aussie singles are investing more on their love lives.Â

‘Not only are we going on more dates, we’re also spending more on those less-considered costs such as app subscriptions, pre-date beauty regimes or gifts. 

‘But love doesn’t have to cost the earth and a few small changes to the way you date can help keep those costs down.’ 

Opting for cheaper first date options to save money, such as enjoying free outdoor activities is suggested.

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