"$300 Gone in One Date"...U.S. Gen Z Ditches Restaurants for Parks

Cost Concerns Drive "Cost-Effective Dating" Trend
"Park Over Restaurant"... Low-Budget Dates Gain Popularity

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on July 17 (local time) that as the average cost of a first date in the United States approaches $200 (about 300,000 won), "value-for-money" dates—such as taking walks in parks or enjoying affordable coffee—are becoming the new form of dating among Generation Z.

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Cost of Dating Rises 12.5% in a Year…Changing Dating Landscape for U.S. Generation Z

According to a survey conducted by financial company BMO Financial Group, the average cost of a date in the U.S.—including clothing purchases, transportation, and meals—was calculated at $189 (about 280,000 won). This is a 12.5% increase compared to the same period last year.

The higher dating costs have influenced the romantic habits of younger generations. In the same survey, 50% of Generation Z and 40% of Millennials (born in the early 1980s to mid-1990s) responded that "dating costs interfere with achieving financial goals."

Although inflationary pressure has eased somewhat thanks to a decrease in oil prices following peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran last month, the financial burden of dating remains high, as dining out prices have risen 3.7% over the past year.

In fact, lower-cost dates are gaining popularity on dating apps. An analysis of recommended date courses by Hinge—a dating app whose user base is half Generation Z—found that affordable, low-pressure options like having coffee or a drink, taking a walk in the park, playing board games, and stargazing were especially popular.

Winston Jules, 26, who lives in Brooklyn, New York, said, "Last summer, I looked for restaurants with $20 cocktails when going on dates, but these days, I walk in the park and eat ice cream." He added that "for financial stability, I'm reducing the amount of socializing altogether."

On the other hand, the cost burden of dating is felt more heavily by men. In the BMO survey, 3 out of 4 male respondents (75%) said they expected to pay all of the costs for dates at the beginning of a relationship. This is interpreted as evidence that the culture of men covering early dating expenses still persists.

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'Value-for-Money Dating' Trend Also Takes Hold Among Young Koreans: 7 out of 10 Say Dating Costs Have Increased

Meanwhile, a similar trend is emerging in South Korea. As the rise in dating expenses increasingly burdens younger people, there is a clear tendency to seek out ways to date without spending too much money.

According to a survey in May of 1,485 male and female members aged 20 to 39 conducted by Enrise, which operates the social dating app Weefee, about 70% responded that "the burden of dating expenses has increased in the past one to two years."

There was a gap between what respondents considered an appropriate dating expense and their actual spending. The most common amount people felt comfortable spending was "30,000–50,000 won," but in reality, both men and women reported that their actual spending per date was usually "50,000–100,000 won."

This burden has led to changes in dating habits. The most common response was that people "spent more time at home" to cut costs, followed by "reduced the frequency of dates." Instead of going out to eat, to cafes, or to the movies, more couples are choosing to spend time together at home.

However, the tendency to prioritize experiences over cost still prevails. The most preferred type of date was still "cafe or restaurant dates," and far more respondents said that "a meaningful experience" was the most important factor in a date, rather than "affordable price."

Analysts say that this new dating culture prioritizes meaningful experiences while still keeping costs down.

[The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Pixabay|The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Pixabay]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.