There’s no getting around it: dating in 2026 feels… considered. More thoughtful, more intentional, and yes, a little more budget-aware.
With the cost of living continuing to dominate everything from our grocery bills to our social calendars, it’s no surprise that dating has shifted too. But while headlines love to suggest romance is being priced out altogether, we can’t help but feel that the reality might be more nuanced.
So, we set out to understand what dating really looks like right now. Not just in theory, but in real life. So we asked our community how money is shaping their dating habits, expectations, and decisions. The results? Well, we’ll let you read into them however you wish, but we think it shows that dating in 2026 isn’t dead, it’s just different.
This is the state of dating in 2026.
Are we raising the bar or just getting choosier?
Let’s start by clearing the air: people are still dating in 2026. Most of the people we asked haven’t let the rising cost of living stop them from meeting new people and forming new connections, but they are being a lot more selective. Here’s what you need to know:
35% of our audience told us they’ve skipped dating or turned down a date because it felt too expensive, a strong majority (65%) said they haven’t.
When we asked how the cost of living has affected your dating lives overall, this is what you had to say:
This tells us something important. The dominant shift isn’t withdrawal, it’s intention. Fewer “just because” dates and fewer expensive evenings spent with someone you’re not totally sure about. The dating world is shifting its focus to compatibility, effort, and emotional return on investment, not the chronic validation that comes with serial dating. The result is that dating is no longer a numbers game, and we’re kind of here for it… Quality over quantity is our dating mantra for 2026.
Who pays, who plans, and why it still matters
The question of who pays on the first date has always been a controversial one. And in 2026, we’re no closer to agreeing on the answer.
So, that one is still up for debate, but what is clear is that context matters. On the first date, 56% said it’s very important that a partner contributes financially, while 34% said it's somewhat important.
In the early stages of dating, nearly 91% still said it mattered (a lot or somewhat)
And even in a committed relationship, 86% said financial contribution remains important
This isn’t about old-fashioned rules or keeping score. It’s about shared responsibility and a mutual commitment to ensuring no one bears the full financial brunt of romantic outings. This idea of feeling like you’re building something together, not carrying it alone, is something we can totally get behind.
The real cost of a first date might be lower than you think
Despite the current social media obsession with the luxury dating scene, we found that most peoples’ expectations are refreshingly grounded.
And while some have splurged in the past:
- 70% have never spent more than £100 on a single date
- Only 2% have ever spent over £500
Translation? Most people aren’t chasing luxury, they’re chasing connection. That’s reinforced even further when we asked what matters most about their dates right now:
- 62% said the experience and connection
- 37% want a balance of cost and experience
- Just 1% prioritised keeping costs low above all else
Hard truths: we asked, you answered
This is where your responses really come together.
- 31% are choosing cheaper or free date ideas
- 30% are dating less often
- But 38% say their date choices haven’t changed at all
So what does this tell us? People are still dating, but they’re trying to be more intentional with how and who they date. People are opting out of dates that don’t spark excitement and opting into ones that feel personal. A walk. A coffee. A shared moment without pressure.
Date night feeling pricey? Here are chic date ideas that cost nothing but time
If the idea of dating makes you stress about money, we’ve got one word for you: simplify. Yes, some of the best dates you’ll ever have are the ones that aren’t over the top and don’t come with a price tag:
- A long walk with good conversation and no agenda
- Watching the sunset from a favourite spot
- Exploring a local gallery or exhibition
- Cooking something simple together
- Spending time outdoors, like a local park or beach
These dates aren’t a downgrade, they’re a filter which require real effort, conversation, and chemistry – all things that will tell you far more about your date than a fancy menu ever could.
Abbott Lyon: made more you, every step of the way
If dating in 2026 is about intention, then so is gifting. While experiences are fleeting, meaningful presents can last a lifetime. A carefully chosen gift says “I appreciate you”, without the pressure of an expensive night out or the expectation of some kind of grand gesture.
At Abbott Lyon, we believe love shows up in the details, in personal touches, and pieces that become part of someone’s everyday life. It’s a quieter way to express affection, and one that feels aligned with how modern relationships actually work.
So… is there still room for love?
Absolutely. But it’s a more grounded, intentional kind of love. Your thoughtful responses tell us that dating hasn’t disappeared under financial pressure, it just looks different. People are clearer about their expectations, more selective with their time and energy, and more focused on genuine connection rather than spectacle. And honestly? That feels like progress.