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The Cost Of Love: Average Date Night Costs In USA & Canada

You can’t buy love. Or can you?

Whether it results in a ghosting or a wedding ring, the dating game will cost you. Sure, you can't put a price on love, but how much you spend to get to that point can depend on where you're based in the United States or Canada. For instance, if your next romantic rendezvous is in New York, Hawaii, or Quebec, you may want to break open the piggy bank!

So, how much are you willing to cough up for the "average" date? Read our expert guide to find out if your budget aligns with the national average using our findings below.

Average Cost of a Date in the USA

Our study found that the average US date night will set you back $153.81. So, how much will dinner and bowling or seeing a movie cost in different states across the country?

Average Cost of a Date in the USA

Starting at the lower end of the scale, Kansas comes in at number 50 on our list. In the Sunflower State, you'll be looking at spending $107.30 on average if you want to treat your special someone to some good ol' fashioned Kansas BBQ.

Let's move slightly further up the list. While Alaska's cost of living is higher than the national average (1), it comes in 45th on our average date cost list. Nevada, Washington, and New Jersey come in at third, fourth, and fifth, where you'd be looking to spend $205.24, $196.77, and $185.29 for an average date, respectively.

Two surprising entrees on our table are New Hampshire and Vermont, at 36th and 39th. Both rank in the top 10 most expensive states to live in, but your average date here is almost $100 less than what you'd pay in states like Hawaii and New York. Unsurprisingly, the Aloha State and the Empire State take the joint top spot on our list. New York City is one of the world's most expensive places to live, and it seems that everything is more expensive in Hawaii – house prices, consumer goods, electricity, and, of course, dates.

Average Cost of a Date in Canada

Average Cost of a Date in Canada

Now, let's set our compasses to true North and explore the average date costs in Canada. While it may be Canada's second most populated (2) and second biggest province by land area (3), Quebec takes the crown for the nation's most expensive average date. Taking your special someone out for a romantic meal will set you back $176.24 on average, while you'll be looking at spending $217.74 on dinner and bowling or $205.46 on dinner and a movie.

The province has stormed ahead of British Columbia, with Quebecers spending $24.75 more on average on dates. Alongside BC, Quebec has also left Alberta and Manitoba in the dust, who take the second, third, and fourth spots, respectively.

"But what about Ontario?" we hear you asking. Well, even though it is Canada's most populated province, it comes in at number five on our average date cost list, which is somewhat surprising, given the province's extremely high cost of living (4).

Let's look to the other end of the spectrum. Nunavut is widely regarded as having the world's most stunning peaks and glaciers, but it can now be known for having the cheapest average dates in Canada. And that's by a mile! It may be the biggest Canadian province by land area, accounting for over 20% of the nation's land area, but you'll be paying $21.71 less on average compared to the country's next-cheapest area – the Northwest Territories.

The Dating Evolution

People have been going on romantic dates for hundreds of years, but modern dating is nothing like it was in the 50s, 70s, or even in the 00s. Dating is more fluid and flexible, and with the emergence of dating apps and social media, it's more accessible than ever. However, the one thing that hasn't changed is that most dates cost money. So unless you've got a very original and cool idea for a free activity, you better be prepared to bring your wallet, even if you're looking to split the costs.

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