Introduction
You’ve been seeing someone for some time and want to take them out on a date. You don’t want to overspend and seem like you’re trying too hard, but at the same time, you’re not looking for a cheap date.
So, what’s the right amount to budget? The answer depends on where you live, how much money you have lying around in general, and the relationship status you have with this person. How much to budget for a date? Let’s take a look at some different scenarios:
Your date preferences.
Before you begin budgeting, it’s important to ask yourself: what does my date like to do? What does my date enjoy spending money on? What does my date find important?
It’s a good idea to know these things so you can plan your night accordingly.
For example, if your date loves going out for drinks and watching movies at home, you should limit yourself to one expensive activity per month. If all they care about is having some fun together while saving their money for other things, then go ahead and splurge on every meal.
The typical cost of a first date
The average first date cost is $100, with an average second date costing $150. The third date is when things get expensive: proverbially, you start spending more than you would on rent. If things continue to move forward, you can expect to spend about $300 on your fourth date and over $500 for the fifth.
However, remember that these numbers are not set in stone they’re just guidelines based on averages from previous studies done by economists. Your situation may require more or less money depending on how much cash you have going into the relationship (or if it’s even worth investing in).
Realistically, you may be wanting to cook a dinner at home by the third of fourth date which is a much cheaper option. This really depends upon you personal financial position and whether you are really trying to impress. Of course, it can really be impressive if you can cook a great meal. Maybe you can impress with your order-in skills.
The typical cost of a second date
As with the first date, the cost of a second date will depend on the type of activity you choose. For how much to budget for a date, you could spend $100–200 at a restaurant, $10–20 at the movies, or nothing if you go to the park together.
Cost of coffee/tea dates
- Cost of a coffee/tea date:
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- $5-10 per person,
- depending on the type of coffee shop & drinks you order. Going to a more upscale place, like Starbucks or Blue Bottle Coffee (if you have one or a similar one in your area), can get expensive quickly.
- Try to find cheaper places in your neighborhood.
- Cost of a dinner date
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- $40-$50 per person for food plus tip (the amount depends on how fancy your meal is).
- If there’s alcohol involved in any way during this meal, add another $25-$30 for that expense.
- You’re also going to want to factor in transportation costs as well. You may have been supposed to meet at the restaurant but don’t want to walk and get too cold.
- So, rent an Uber or Lyft ride instead ($8-$15 each way).
Cost of dates when already in a relationship.
The cost of a date depends on the couple’s preferences and what they want to do. While it’s possible to have a date that costs $10 or less, it’s also possible to spend upwards of $100 or more per date if you’re looking for something extravagant.
And sometimes, it doesn’t even cost anything at all! You can go on dates with your significant other without spending any money. For example, visiting museums or parks together is free.
Dates when living in together
If you are living together and want to go on a date, keep in mind that going somewhere expensive or fancy is not necessary. The best thing about spending time with your partner is that it never gets old. Even a simple walk around the block can be loads of fun and meaningful if you don’t overthink it.
If you are married, what is the best date to go on? How much to budget for a date? There is little difference between dating and married life regarding spending quality time with each other. You can still do things like going out for dinner or seeing a movie together, but if you want to make the most out of your relationship, why not try something new?
The best part about these types of activities is that they don’t cost much money (especially if there is no food involved).: $100-150 for a movie and dinner at a nice restaurant.
Dates when married
When you’re married, it’s easy to forget that dates are an important part of a healthy relationship.
When you’re married, it’s easy to forget that dates are an important part of a healthy relationship. You know each other so well and have been together for so long that it can feel like all you need is one another. But the truth is: Some couples don’t see each other much during the week because they work different shifts or have kids who are in school full time—so making time for just the two of you is essential.
First date: $30-50 at a coffee shop or restaurant. Second date: $60-100 at a nice restaurant (usually). Third date: $30-50 at a coffee shop or restaurant. Fourth date: $60-100 at a nice restaurant (usually). Fifth date: $1,000+ on an exotic vacation
Most people spend about $100 on a first date, which goes up to $150 for the second date. Coffee/tea dates are often cheaper.
- Most people spend about $100 on a first date, which goes up to $150 for the second date. Coffee/tea dates are often cheaper.
- The average cost of an engagement ring is between $5,000 and $20,000. A little off subject, but you might have been thinking this? So, you might also need to budget for wedding planner, bridal party gifts, and transportation costs like hiring a limo or renting a trolley bus.
- Before you get married (or move in together), consider allocating some money toward your partner’s birthday, anniversary, and holiday gift-giving so you don’t have a surprise bill when the time comes around (and they ask what they can give back). If they’ve been especially good this year, maybe by making an effort with chores around the house or taking care of any shared pets you could also give them something special.
Conclusion
That should be enough to get you started. How much to budget for a date? Remember that it’s more about the experience than the price tag, so don’t stress too much if your first few dates are a little pricier than expected! Hopefully, this article has given you some helpful guidelines and insight into how much money a typical date will cost.
