How Much Do Americans Spend on Relationships?

Building and maintaining a successful relationship isn’t just about love—it’s also about money. Whether it’s going on dates, buying gifts, or planning getaways, relationships come with their own financial price tags.

So, how much does it really cost? How much do Americans spend to keep love alive?

In a bid to answer this question, CouponPi surveyed 1,000 American adults to uncover the real costs behind relationships. From everyday gifts and date nights to the stress that comes with financial commitments, this study shines a light on how money impacts relationships and whether or not it leads to greater happiness.

How Much Are Americans Spending on Their Relationships?

The survey show that Americans are making significant financial investments in their relationships. The average annual cost is around $6,138. A large part of this goes towards dates and activities, while a smaller chunk is spent on gifts.

When it comes to dining out, nearly all respondents reported eating out with their partner, with the average expenditure being $135 per month. Over the course of a year, this adds up to $1,624 per person, making it the largest single expense in the study—accounting for 26.5% of the total costs.

Events like concerts, sporting games, and other special occasions come next, with respondents spending about $131 each month, translating to an annual expenditure of $1,569. Casual outings like coffee dates and museum visits contribute another $100 per month, or $1,203 yearly.

Marriage vs. Unmarried Couples: How Much More Do Married People Spend?

Married couples, on average, spend 47.6% more annually on their relationships than unmarried couples.

The difference is especially noticeable when looking at the spending on dates and activities. Married couples report spending $7,513 annually, while their unmarried counterparts only spend $5,004.

Furthermore, married couples tend to spend more on gifts too. On average, they shell out $630 annually, while unmarried couples spend just $512.

How Money Affects Relationship Dynamics

With many Americans living paycheck to paycheck, it’s no surprise that financial stress plays a significant role in relationships.

Over half of those surveyed (53.7%) expressed concern about the costs of gifts and activities. The anxiety over money can create strain, and even affect how couples interact with each other.

Interestingly, a large portion of people feel like they spend less than their partner. Around 42% of respondents said they spent less on gifts, while another 42% said they spent less on activities. Only a small portion (around 30%) reported splitting everything evenly.

The Cost of Gifts: How Much Are We Spending?

Gift-giving is an essential part of many relationships, but it doesn’t come cheap. Respondents revealed that they spend an average of $559 annually on gifts for their partners.

The largest portion of this budget goes toward seasonal holiday gifts like Christmas presents ($103), followed by anniversary gifts ($97) and birthday gifts ($94).

The Importance of Dates and Activities

Spending quality time with a partner is key to a happy relationship, and it seems that Americans are willing to invest in it. In fact, couples who frequently go on dates and attend events together report higher happiness levels.

Those who attend events have a 90% happiness rate, compared to just 67.8% for couples who don’t.

Most respondents reported dining out at least twice a month, with an average spend of $135 per outing. That adds up to $1,624 per year for meals alone. Casual outings like museum visits or coffee dates contribute an additional $1,203 annually.

Also Read: How a Tinder predator scammed women for over a decade?

The Priciest Ways to Keep the Connection Alive

While dining out and casual activities are common, the most expensive way couples spend time together is on weekend getaways.

Nearly 80% of respondents said they took regular trips, with the most common expenditure being $493 per trip. Some couples spend even more, with about 10% saying they spend over $1,000 on these romantic escapes.

Also Read: Hinge’s Prompt Feedback feature helps you get more matches.

Is Money Well-Spent on Relationships?

The data reveals that relationships in America come with a substantial financial commitment. The costs vary depending on whether couples are married or unmarried, but one thing is clear: money plays a significant role in shaping the dynamics of modern relationships.

From dining out to weekend getaways and gift-giving, couples are willing to spend considerable sums to keep the spark alive.

However, it’s worth considering whether this spending leads to increased happiness or financial stress. Ultimately, a successful relationship is about balance—not just financially, but emotionally as well.