---
title: "Dating and debt: the relationship between love and money"
date: 2025-02-07T08:14:00-05:00
canonical_url: "https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/debt-help-resources/articles/dating-and-debt-the-relationship-between-love-and-money"
section: Articles
---
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# Dating and debt: the relationship between love and money

 

 

  ![An image of a man and woman at a cafe. The woman is sitting at a table with a cup of coffee, and the man has approached her and is standing next to her giving her a flower.](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Article-imagery/_articleHero/20066/dating-debt-2025-square.webp)  

 

 

Love may not cost a thing but finding it can be pricey. Between dating apps, dinners, and dressing up, the average Canadian expects to spend between $80-100 on a first date. It’s no wonder 1 in 5 have cut back on dating to spare their bank accounts.

In the six months since our last survey, loneliness statistics have risen by 6%. To find out why, we asked Canadians how they’re feeling about their relationships with money and each other.

## **The real cost of dating**

Love isn’t free. Most Canadians expect to pay $100-200 for a first date. Gen-Z are the only group to break this mold with more than one third only spending $20-50 for a first date.

             ![Infographic depicting the following statistics: 21% of women expect to spend $20-$50 on a first date, 37% of men expect to spend $80-$100, 35% of Gen-Z expect to spend $20-$50 and 33% of Gen-X expect to spend $100-$200.](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Article-imagery/_870xAUTO_fit_center-center_100_none_ns/how-much-do-people-expect-to-spend-on-a-first-date.png)  

## **Staying home saves money**

One is the least expensive number. 1 in 5 Canadians have cut back on dating because of the cost. 41% have even spent less time with friends in the last year to save money.

             ![A graphic of a pie chart in the shape of a heart, depicting the statistic that 80% of people are still dating despite debt, and that 20% of people have cut back on dating due to debt.](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Article-imagery/_870xAUTO_fit_center-center_100_none_ns/Have-people-cut-back-on-dating-to-save-money.png)  

## **Debt still causes stress between couples**

What’s money got to do with it? A lot! 37% of people have had a relationship negatively impacted by debt. This rises to nearly half for couples with children.

             ![Graphic depicting 3 icons of a human body, with one being a different shade of purple than the other 2, depicting the statistic that more than one third of Canadians have had a relationship negatively impacted by debt.](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Article-imagery/_870xAUTO_fit_center-center_100_none_ns/Slide-4-4.png)  

## **In it for the savings**

29% of Canadians now admit to staying in a relationship for financial reasons, 6% more than in our last survey. This is even higher for women, one third of which admit to sticking out an unhappy relationship because of money.

             ![Bar chart depicting percentages of expenses that keep people in unhappy relationships. 27% retirement plans, 33% shared debt, 43% shared assets, 44% rent costs, 60% cost of living.](https://pr-assets.grantthorntonlimited.ca/craftcmsimages/Article-imagery/_870xAUTO_fit_center-center_100_none_ns/Slide-3-5.png)  

## **Loneliness and debt can be defeated**

Debt and loneliness are both solvable problems. If you’re ready to start a new relationship with your money, our debt solutions professionals are here to help. With a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, you can take back control of your financial future. [Start today by booking your free, no-obligation debt consultation.](https://grantthorntonlimited.ca/en/get-in-touch/contact-us)

 

 

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