Survey Reveals Financial Strain on Canadian Dating Scene
A new survey from BMO highlights significant financial pressures affecting single Canadians in the dating world. According to the study, nearly half (49%) of single individuals do not believe dating is financially worth it, while 50% have reduced the frequency or expense of their dates due to concerns about inflation and the rising cost of living.
Average Date Costs and Economic Impact
The survey reports that Canadians spend an average of $174 per date, covering expenses such as transportation, grooming, attire, food, beverages, and tickets. This substantial outlay is contributing to broader financial anxieties, with 29% of singles feeling pressured to plan expensive dates and 35% stating that dating costs are hindering their ability to achieve financial goals.
Gender disparities are notable: men are 16% more likely than women to feel pressured to plan costly dates and 7% more likely to report that dating expenses affect their financial objectives. Additionally, while singles have gone on an average of four dates in the past year, over half (55%) have not been on any dates during that period.
Financial Adjustments and Expectations
Financial concerns are leading to practical changes in dating behavior. One-third (33%) of singles have altered or adjusted date plans for financial reasons, and one-quarter (24%) have cancelled dates to save money. When it comes to payment, 58% of men expect to cover all costs, including dinner, drinks, and tickets, whereas 72% of women anticipate splitting expenses evenly. Fewer than a quarter (23%) expect their date to pay entirely.
Sal Guatieri, Senior Economist at BMO, commented on the economic backdrop, noting, "The cost of living, as measured by the CPI, has increased 20% over the past five years; the youth unemployment rate has risen nearly two percentage points in the past two years to almost 13%; and there has been almost no job growth for this age cohort in the past year."
Financial Priorities and Dealbreakers in Relationships
The survey also delves into the financial attributes singles value in potential partners. Key priorities include:
- Financial responsibility (95%)
- Ability to discuss money openly (92%)
- Having a good financial plan (85%)
- Successful career trajectory (82%)
- High credit score (76%)
- High-earning job (68%)
Furthermore, two in five single Canadians believe that net worth influences their own dating prospects (41%) and how they evaluate partners (39%), with men 8% more likely to cite this effect. Top financial dealbreakers include:
- Not being truthful about money (54%)
- Refusing to discuss money (41%)
- Unwillingness to spend on important items (23%)
- Low credit score (21%)
- Minimal retirement savings (15%)
- Earning significantly less (14%)
Broader Economic Concerns
The BMO Real Financial Progress Index indicates that Canadians' worries about the cost of living (57%), inflation (53%), potential economic recession (46%), tariff effects (46%), and overall financial situations (36%) have intensified over the past three months. This research, conducted by Ipsos from December 29, 2025, to January 27, 2026, surveyed 2,503 adults aged 18 and older, with a credibility interval of +/- 2.4%.
