Singles can expect cheap dates in the new year.
Thank “infla-dating,” a term coined by dating app Plenty of Fish that means going on less expensive dates in the age of inflation due to the rising cost of living from food and drinks to gas, clothes and other everyday expenses.
A steep 48% of single millennials and Gen Zers suggested going on more budget-friendly dates in a survey of 8,000 Plenty of Fish users for its annual dating trends list. It’s not surprising, considering consumer prices surged 8.2% year over year in September, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The sticker shock is enough to make flirting happen in a more frugal ambience. And in a city like New York, where a humble burger and fries can cost $50 after tax and tip, a walk in the park or stroll on the beach is more economically feasible.
“With the uncertain economic future dominating headlines, singles are feeling the financial pressure, so it’s not surprising that infla-dating, or taking someone on a less expensive, budget-friendly date, will be much more prevalent in 2023,” Kate MacLean, a dating expert at Plenty of Fish, told The Post in a statement, noting that, despite these financial concerns, singles are becoming more resourceful with affordable dates.
Indeed, yearly dating costs shot up to $3,030 in 2022, compared with $2,375 in 2021, according to data from GOBankingRates.com based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure report.
A steep 48% of single millennials and Gen Zers suggested going on more budget-friendly dates in a survey of 8,000 Plenty of Fish.
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Yearly dating costs shot up to $3,030 in 2022, compared with $2,375 in 2021, data from GOBankingRates.com suggests.
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Having drinks went up to $554 this year from $478; and casual entertainment – from seeing a movie or show – is up $3,568 for the year from $2,909, according to the same report.
To save on time and money, relationship expert Bela Gandhi, host of Smart Dating Academy podcast, highly recommends making a first date a video call.
“Why would you not protect your own time and the other person’s? Do a 30 minute max video date with a glass of wine or a cup of coffee,” Gandhi told The Post. “Say, ‘hey, my work schedule is super busy – would like to do a quick drink over video?’ If they refuse, it’s a red flag.”
Then, for a frugal in-person date, Gandhi says it’s important to calculate your own …….