PUBLIC OPINION > A Typical Date Should Cost Around $20-$50
SodaHead Living
2012/05/02 23:00:00
The amount of money you spend on a date depends on a lot of things. Is it a first date with the girl you've had your eye on for weeks? You might want to spend a little more than usual. Are you in a long-term relationship and working your way through college? Fast food might be acceptable. A traditional date with all the stops -- roses, dinner, cab, movie tickets -- could easily run you upwards of $100. But we wanted to know what the public typically spends on a date.
The numbers were pretty spread out, but there was a nice peak at $20-$50. And since more people voted up than down, we could narrow that down further to an estimated $40. That's not too bad for a typical date -- a little low for a special occasion, but tasteful and affordable for a casual date. It's just enough for a meal at a decent nearby restaurant and a night of Netflix. You could spring for more, but one commenter warned, "I took my wife on a date and spent 200+ bucks. Good food and good beer... Then I got yelled at when she saw the bill. You just can't win."
Men Spend More
Culturally, men are the ones who are supposed to pay. Of course, it really depends on each other's financial situation, and it can evolve over time, but that's the default. Fortunately for gals, men overestimate how much dates should cost. A third of men (34%) said they typically spend $50-$100 on a date, while 40% of women said dates should only cost $20-$50.
Students Don't Have Much to Spend
Age was obviously a factor, but the situation was more clear-cut when we broke it down by education status. More than half of high school students (55%) said they spend $20 or less -- no gas, no alcohol, minimum wage jobs if any. College students spend more, but most (68%) keep it in the $20-$50 range. Jump to college graduates, and nearly half of them (45%) are spending over $50.
Drinks Add Up
Drinkers don't spend a whole lot more than nondrinkers, but it does add up. They're 12% more likely to spend over $20, 4% more likely to spend over $50, and 8% more likely to spend over $100. It's no secret that drinks are more expensive when you're out. A $1.50 beer will run you $5 at a restaurant. Not an ideal way to drink.
If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our poll about the cost of a date. We'd love to hear from you!
Top Opinion
-
TasselLady 2012/05/04 00:09:42
+4A typical date should cost WHAT A PERSON CAN AFFORD. I'm sorry. I'm used to not having much money. So if a guy doesn't spend alot of money on me that's fine. Being with the guy is the important thing. And if I enjoy his company it doesn't necessarily have to be expensive.
Money isn't isn't everything on a date, the quality of the experience is usually more important than the quantity of money used. lol
Dating is the practice you go through to find a mate, and continued dating helps you determine if you want to marry someone - dating doesn't have to be a spending contest.
If the two of you decide that all you want to do is get your jollies by drawing pictures all the time, then get some pencils and paper and draw 'til you wed - best wishes!
If the two of you decide that you must dine on caviar with every meal, then be prepared to spend lots of money, but be sure to make your relationship work out.
I took her to lasvegas for dinner, and we lived in San Diego, California at the time.
And yes, she was worth ever cent of it!
But as a late 30's woman, if a man spent less than $150 on a date with me I'd be like, "Oh I picked out an outfit and shoes for this?" If the man and I are already in a relationship then a $60 date is okay, but I never pay even with a boyfriend, so this is okay.
I know some people will be critical on my approach but there are too many marriage phobic guys out there or guys who will live with a woman and not marry her or become engaged to her, so I can't take any chances. I mean if so many guys are going to waste a woman's time and not commit then why should I waste my time with a cheap date? But if he puts a ring on me, sets the date, helps name the kids, then a cheap date is fine because we're in this life together forever and we can save the $ for a family and are baby's college education :)
Most women aren't under the delusion that they should get paid to choose out a outfit and shoes. It's called being a big girl and getting ready for middle school.
Besides, what are you offering men that they should waste not just their time, but also money, on you? Seems like you want them to do all the work.
Guess it comes down to what yo mean by DATE!!
interaction.
You got it right Stanley, you know how to date, right on!