First Date Costs: How to Budget for Dating in 2025
Dating in the UK is getting expensive – and it’s time to talk about it openly.
New research from Barclays shows that UK adults spend over £111 per month on dates and dating apps. That’s more than £1,300 a year. For people under 30, the cost is a real problem: over half of Gen Z adults say dating expenses stop them from going out at all.
With cocktails hitting £15 and restaurant bills climbing, even a casual evening can strain your budget. So how should you handle the money side of a first date?
There’s no single right answer – but communication matters
The BBC recently explored who should pay on a first date, and the verdict is clear: there’s no rule that works for everyone. Some people believe whoever asks should pay. Others prefer to split equally. Many still see the gesture of one person paying as romantic rather than outdated.
What matters most is honesty. If you’re dating on a budget, it’s worth thinking ahead about where you’ll go and how much you’re comfortable spending. If money is tight that week, suggest somewhere affordable – a coffee shop, a walk, or a casual bite to eat. Anyone worth dating will understand.
Practical tips for dating on a budget
Choose venues with transparent pricing. Avoid surprises like hidden à la carte menus or unexpected extras. If someone suggests splitting, that’s a reasonable conversation to have – it doesn’t mean they don’t care about you.
If you’re paying for a date, make sure you can genuinely afford it. One person’s story in the BBC article showed how awkward things get when someone pays but then asks for money back, or when a card declines and plans fall apart.
The bottom line
Whether you split the bill, take turns, or one person pays, the key is feeling respected and comfortable. If dating costs are putting real pressure on your finances, it’s okay to be selective about where you go and to have honest conversations about money from the start.
For more help budgeting for social activities, check out MoneyHelper (the UK government’s free financial guidance service) or your local Citizens Advice Bureau.