The rising cost of a date and why you don’t need to spend a lot to find love

A new study suggests some Maritimers just don’t have the cash to wine and dine that special someone.

Dating in 2025 can be expensive.

According to a recent BMO survey released just ahead of Valentine’s Day, more than half of Canadians said the rising cost of living is affecting dating.

“On a national standpoint, on average, Canadians are spending $173 per date. In Atlantic Canada, it’s $134,” said Gayle Ramsay, BMO’s head of everyday banking and customer growth.

Those totals include more than just the cost of a meal. BMO said it also reflects the cost for transportation, as well as preparation such as grooming and clothing.

The survey also found 42 per cent of single Canadians admitted to adjusting their plans for a date for financial reasons.

It also revealed 30 per cent of singles cancelled a date altogether to save money.

“You have to have a budget,” said Ramsay. “It sort of becomes like overall budget. How you spend things, and one of those things can be in your entertainment could also include the dating piece, and so you need to have a plan.”

The survey also found Canadians go on 10 to 20 dates before committing to a relationship, which means they could spend more than $3,600 on dates before making it official.

Halifax matchmaker Jean-eva Dickie said the cost of living hasn’t impacted the dating scene in the Maritimes the same way it has in larger cities, but there are ways money can hold people back.

“I think when we feel like we can’t afford the basics … that it impacts our confidence, which then might reflect on the dating life,” said Dickie.

While the cost of dating can seem daunting at times, it doesn’t have to.

“What we need to keep in mind when we’re dating is not the fact that who can plan the nicest date or who can spend the most on this date or what have you. Our main goal from dating is to find a like-minded partner,” Dickie said.

Finding love without breaking the bank

When it comes to planning a date, Dickie said you don’t need to spend a lot to make a lasting impression.

“I think a beautiful well-planned intentional date that may be a little bit less expensive always goes over better than just a fancy dinner with a big bill at the very end.”

She said the first thing that often holds people back when going on a date is figuring out what to do. In her matchmaking world, she likes to design it around four types of dates: a full dinner, an activity date, a coffee and a walk, and grabbing a drink.

“The only thing I would suggest regardless of what baseline you’re going for -- always try to spice it up,” said Dickie. “If it’s an activity date or going to a brewery, pick a brewery that has an arcade in the basement and go play games.”

If someone does plan to go on a first date, Dickie suggests the person who asked should pick up the tab.

“We’re so lucky to live on the East Coast because I think overall when I’m talking to matchmakers in the big city, money really has a bigger influence there than it does here,” she said.

“I find we care a lot more on who the person is, their integrity, what they bring to the relationship.”

The BMO survey was conducted between Dec. 23, 2024 and Jan. 20, 2025 with 2,500 Canadian adults. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 2 per cent 19 times out of 20.