Sure, swiping on Tinder and Bumble is free (in theory). But going out on an actual date can get pretty expensive.
USA Today spoke to Miercoles Bell, who said he stopped dating because it was getting way too pricey.
The 29-year-old government worker said he was shelling out hundreds of dollars each month on dates, and “it was a completely worthless investment.”
“When you meet someone nice, you want to take that person somewhere nice,” the St. Louis native said. “But, what’s the point of taking them to this nice place just to find out you guys are better just as friends? So, you’re wasting money.” He added that “predating” rituals like grabbing coffee or ice cream can make potential suitors “think you’re being cheap when you’re really just trying to see if it’s all worth it.”
Marketwatch reported last year that Americans of all ages spend an average of $1,596 on their dating lives. And younger people often have expensive other commitments, like student debt, that makes extra irregular spending difficult.
In the second of our “Priced Out” series with WAMU’s Affordability Desk, we inquire if love really does cost a thing.
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