How much does a relationship cost? Study reveals the price of love
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LOS ANGELES - With Valentine’s Day around the corner, love may be priceless, but relationships come at a cost. A recent survey by CouponPi found that the average American spends $6,138 annually on relationships, with most of that going toward dates, activities, and gifts.
By the time the average couple ties the knot, they’ve already spent $19,306 on their relationship.
Amid rising living costs, 53.7% of Americans say they feel financial stress over relationship expenses. Still, for many, these investments—whether romantic dinners, event tickets, or thoughtful gifts—are essential to maintaining happiness in their partnerships.
How much do Americans spend on their relationships?
By the numbers:
The study found that the majority of relationship costs stem from dates and activities:
- Eating out: 93.8% of couples dine out, spending $1,624 per year each.
- Events: Concerts and sports events average $1,569 annually.
- Casual outings: Museum trips or coffee dates cost $1,203 annually.
Gifts are another significant expense, adding up to $559 per year per person, with holiday, anniversary, and birthday presents leading the list.
Married couples spend more on love
Married couples tend to invest more in their relationships, spending an average of $8,143 per year, compared to $5,516 for unmarried couples. The biggest difference lies in spending on dates and activities:
- Married couples: $7,513 annually.
- Unmarried couples: $5,004 annually.
Gifts also see a bump after marriage, with spending increasing from $512 to $630 annually.
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FILE - A woman and a man hold hands during a walk on the beach. (Photo by Axel Heimken/picture alliance via Getty Images)
How financial dynamics shape relationships
Big picture view:
Money plays a significant role in relationship dynamics:
- 42% of Americans say their partner spends more on dates and gifts.
- 30% split costs evenly for activities and gifts.
- 53.7% feel financially stressed by the cost of maintaining a relationship.
Interestingly, LGBTQ+ couples are far more likely to split costs equally, with 46.7% of gay couples and 46.2% of lesbian couples sharing expenses evenly, compared to 28.8% of straight couples.
Do higher expenses mean happier relationships?
The survey suggests that couples who invest in shared experiences tend to report higher satisfaction:
- Couples attending events together have a 90% happiness rate compared to 67.8% of those who don’t.
- Weekend getaways boost happiness to 90.5%, compared to 69.4% for those who skip them.
Is love worth the cost?
Why you should care:
While relationships require emotional and financial investment, these costs often enhance happiness and strengthen bonds. From casual coffee dates to weekend getaways, spending time and money on your partner is about more than just the price tag—it’s an investment in love and connection.
For those feeling the financial pinch, prioritizing meaningful experiences over extravagant expenses can help maintain both your budget and your relationship.
The Source: This article is based on CouponPi’s 2024 relationship spending survey, polling 1,000 Americans on their financial habits and relationship satisfaction.