# Hily Survey Shows Free Dates Gaining Popularity Among Gen Z and Millennials, Indicating a Shift in Dating Economics _Hily's survey reveals 47% of Gen Z and 54% of millennials accept free dates, suggesting a shift in dating economics as costs rise._ Source: https://highintentmedia.com/news/younger-daters-choose-free-dates Author: High Intent Newsroom Published: 2026-09-16T07:05:03+00:00 Last updated: 2026-09-16T07:56:24.819826+00:00 Category: The Data ## Summary Hily's survey shows 47% of Gen Z and 54% of millennials accept free dates, indicating a shift in dating economics. With the average millennial date costing $252 and rising, younger daters seek low-cost options. Operators should consider how to facilitate affordable dating experiences, though some women view free dates negatively. ## Key takeaways - Many Gen Z and millennials accept free dates due to rising costs, with millennials' average date cost at $252. - A significant portion of Gen Z (47%) and millennials (54%) would accept a no-cost date. - Women are more likely to view free dates as "low-effort," with 44% of Gen Z women holding this view. - Dating apps facilitating low-cost dates may see increased usage as financial pressures reshape dating. - More than one-third of Gen Z and two in five millennials have suggested a free event as a date. ## FAQ ### What percentage of Gen Z and millennials are open to free dates? Nearly half of Gen Z respondents, at 47%, said they would accept a no-cost date, while 54% of millennials would. This shows a notable openness among younger generations to reimagining date types without high costs. ### How has the cost of a date night changed for millennials? The average cost of a date night for millennials rose 32% over the previous year to $252, according to the 2026 BMO Real Financial Progress Index. This rising expense is driving younger daters towards free or low-cost options. ### Do free dates have a negative perception among certain groups? Yes, women are more likely to view free dates negatively. Some 44% of Gen Z women and 39% of millennial women said free dates did not match their level of interest, and 38% of Gen Z women described them as "low-effort." ### What impact could this trend have on dating apps and services? Dating apps that provide tools facilitating low-cost or free dates are likely to see a rise in overall usage. This trend reflects fundamental economic pressure reshaping how younger generations approach romantic connections, favoring affordability. ### What proportion of young people have suggested a free date event? More than one-third of Gen Z respondents and two in five millennials said they had suggested a free event as a date. This indicates that free dates are already part of the dating mix for some younger adults actively seeking low-cost options. - More than one-third of Gen Z and two in five millennials have suggested a free event as a date - 47% of Gen Z and 54% of millennials would accept a no-cost date - The average cost of a date night for millennials rose 32% to $252 in 2026 - Women are more likely to view free dates negatively, with many calling them "low-effort" Gen Z and millennial singles are increasingly looking for ways to date without the cost of a traditional night out, as rising expenses make dating less financially appealing. Free dates are becoming a practical alternative for younger daters seeking connection without the burden of high costs. Young couple on casual outdoor date ## The Rise of Free Dates Among Younger Generations A new survey of 5,400 Gen Z and millennial daters in the U.S. by dating app Hily found that free dates are already part of the dating mix for some younger adults. More than one-third of Gen Z respondents and two in five millennials said they had suggested a free event as a date. Meanwhile, 17% of Gen Z respondents and 25% of millennials said they had been asked on a free date, including options such as promotional events. Nearly half of Gen Z respondents, at 47%, said they would accept a no-cost date, while the figure rose to 54% among millennials. This willingness to embrace free dating options reflects both practical financial concerns and a shift in dating culture. The acceptance rates suggest that a significant portion of younger daters are open to reimagining what constitutes an appropriate first date. > Nearly half of Gen Z respondents, at 47%, said they would accept a no-cost date, while the figure rose to 54% among millennials. ## Gender Divide on Free Dating Expectations The idea is not universally popular, however. Women in particular were more likely to view free dates negatively. Some 44% of Gen Z women and 39% of millennial women said free dates did not match their level of interest. Among Gen Z women, 38% also described free dates as potentially "low-effort" or last-minute. Couple discussing plans at coffee shop Expectations around who should pay also remain. More than half of Gen Z women and millennial women said that someone who cannot afford to pay at least part of a date should not ask someone out. The same view was held by 47% of Gen Z men and 45% of millennial men. These traditional expectations continue to exist alongside the growing acceptance of no-cost dating alternatives. ## The Economics Behind the Dating Shift The survey comes as the cost of dating continues to rise. According to the 2026 BMO Real Financial Progress Index, the average cost of a date night for millennials increased 32% over the previous year to $252. Gen Z daters were spending an average of $205, up from $194 in 2025. > The average cost of a date night for millennials increased 32% over the previous year to $252. Young people enjoying outdoor activity together For some younger daters, the choice may increasingly be between finding a low-cost way to meet someone and reducing their dating activity altogether. Dating apps that provide tools facilitating these low-cost dates are likely to see a rise in overall usage. This economic pressure is fundamentally reshaping how younger generations approach romantic connections. ### Key Takeaways - Economic pressures are driving younger generations to embrace alternative dating formats, with free dates becoming increasingly normalized despite some lingering stigma - Gender differences in expectations persist, with women more likely to view free dates as low-effort, creating potential tension in modern dating dynamics - Dating apps that facilitate affordable or free date options are positioned to capture growing market share as traditional dating becomes financially prohibitive for many young adults ## Sources - [Gen Z and millennial singles are increasingly looking for ways to date without the cost](https://www.fastcompany.com/91607729/gen-z-and-millennials-have-found-a-way-around-the-soaring-cost-of-dating), Fastcompany - [survey of 5,400 Gen Z and millennial daters in the U.S. by dating app Hily](https://hily.com/data/survey-free-dates-promotional-events-and-whos-paying/), Hily - [According to the 2026 BMO Real Financial Progress Index](https://www.bmo.com/en-us/main/about-bmo/news-insights/blog/bmo-rfp-survey-americans-dating/), Bmo Published by High Intent (High Intent Media Inc). 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