The economics of dating: Is it hard to find love or just expensive?

The dating landscape in 2026 is increasingly complex, with the pursuit of long-term relationships seemingly taking a backseat among young adults.

Also see: Ways to reconnect with your partner

Negative attitudes towards dating have grown in recent years, with many women experiencing dating fatigue while some men venture deeper into the manosphere. The widening divide between the two has fuelled tension, frustration and a growing reluctance to date altogether.

But could there be more to this than a gender war?

Perhaps the growing disconnect between men and women is also shaped by the pressures of an increasingly expensive economy, raising the question of whether financial strain is influencing how people approach love and relationships.

Is the juice really worth the squeeze?

Dating can take a lot of time, money, and energy. While millennials and older generations may have viewed dating as enjoyable, younger generations increasingly see it as tedious.

According to IOL, some women report that emotional labour fatigue is high, as many feel that men use women’s presence as a woman in their lives to extract healing, therapy, and morality. Men report that the provider role is too much pressure.

The money spent on a date alone tends to steer people away from dating, with dinner and drinks ranging from hundreds or thousands of rands for two, excluding fuel or e-hailing prices to get there and back home.

Then, taking into account, as a woman, the potential that the man one is going to meet wants to use you for emotional labour, and then taking into account, as a man, that there’s a societal expectation to pay.

Also see: Online dating safety: Red flags every South African should know

The cost breakdown

The general cost breakdown for a dinner date may include:

1. The restaurant price range for a casual dining experience is between R300-R500
2. The transport cost, at roughly R30 per litre and depending on how far one lives, is R200-R700
3. Getting ready, some women see to their nails, hair, and make-up, which could cost around R700-R1000
4. Men, on the other hand, may spend R80-R220

For each individual, a first date could cost round about R1200 to R2200.

The aspect of unemployment

With youth unemployment among 18- to 35-year-olds sitting at approximately 55%, many young adults hoping to pursue long-term relationships face a significant barrier: financial independence. For those without an income, dating can become a luxury rather than an accessible part of adult life.

The R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is intended to help cover basic needs, leaving little room for discretionary spending. For an unemployed young person, planning a date could mean sacrificing money needed for essentials.

This raises an important question: are the frustrations surrounding modern dating rooted in the struggle to find love, or is the financial pressure that shapes people’s ability to pursue relationships an often-overlooked part of the conversation?

Featured image: iStock

Also see: BrideVibes: Where the modern bride meets heritage, expert advice and inspiration