Inflation is pricing Gen Z out of dinner dates

Rising inflation has made going out costlier, forcing youngsters facing economic pressure to pause their love lives.

A 2026 Bank of America survey of people aged 18 to 29 found that 51% spent no money each month on dates involving dinner and drinks.

Nearly 25% delayed relationship milestones due to finances, leaving just 11% actively dating.

More than 40% of respondents reported living paycheck to paycheck, even though 29% earned $100,000 annually.

Gen Zs in Los Angeles point out that dinner dates have surged from $120 a few years ago to $250 today.

As financial uncertainty grows, young people increasingly view dating etiquette as an unpredictable investment.