In a new study, Emisil examined the most expensive countries in the world for acquaintance. They looked at dating costs around the world, ranking countries based on the average annual cost of singles.
Switzerland ranks first in the ranking of expensive dates, with an average annual cost exceeding $6,643. This high figure is due to surcharges for meals, cinema tickets and taxi fares. Although Swiss singles go on fewer dates each year — about 50 — their total spending is unparalleled. With an average monthly net salary of $6,500, these high costs are more manageable for Swiss residents.
Denmark is in second place, with singles spending $3,592 a year. Dining plays a prominent role in its dating culture, as a two-course meal averages $98, the second-largest among the countries analyzed. Danish singles go to 48 dates each year, which exactly corresponds to the frequency of other high-profile countries.
In third place is Norway, whose annual introductory costs are $3,279. While three-course dinners average $88, one of the highest meal costs, Norway compensates for low taxi fares starting at $1.50. Singles go to Norway 47 times a year, a little less often than in Denmark.
Belgium is fourth, with annual dating costs in excess of $2,000. Meal prices are slightly lower than in Norway, but taxi fares start at a higher level of $2.60. Belgian singles also have an average of 48 dates per year, which coincides with Denmark, but with a more economical total cost.
The Netherlands is in fifth place, with annual dating costs of $1,000, and one date costing $90. Dutch singles enjoy a high frequency of 60 dates a year, supported by moderate food and entertainment prices. With over 1,000 cinema screens, there is no shortage of outing options.
Finland ranks sixth, with singles spending $2,838 a year and $90 per date. Finnish singles meet 48 times a year, benefiting from relatively low meal costs, which average $57.
Ireland ranks seventh, with annual dating costs of $3,091 and one date cost of $87. Despite similar date costs to the US and the UK, Irish singles meet only 36 times a year, reflecting cultural or financial differences.
The United States ranks eighth, with singles spending $4,507 a year on 84 dates — the highest frequency among all countries. Since the average date costs $87.20, dating is relatively affordable. There are also over 40,000 cinema screens in the U.S. that offer rich entertainment options.
The UK is in ninth place, with an annual dating cost of $3,153. With $86 per date, the cost is slightly lower than in the U.S., but with an average monthly salary of $3,069, affordability is a bigger challenge. Like Americans, British singles have an average of 84 dates per year, which is the highest frequency on the list.
Australia rounds up in the top ten, with one of the lowest annual dating costs among high-income countries at $3,570. One date costs an average of $ 82, affordable three-course dinners cost $ 75. Australian singles meet 48 times a year, balancing affordability and social activity.
A spokesperson for Emisil said: “Our research on dating costs around the world shows some pretty interesting trends. Swiss singles spend the most — about $6,600 a year on dates — but it’s the Americans and Britons who date the most, averaging about 84 dates a year.”
They continued: “Here’s what caught my eye: since dating is expensive in the country, it doesn’t mean people meet less. It’s more about how their salaries match local dating costs and what’s normal in their culture. It tells us a lot about how different societies today treat and value dating.”
The study “analyzed data from 87 countries by examining factors such as dating frequency (surveyed among 500 to 2,000 participants per country), average post-tax monthly income, meal costs (three-course dinners at middle-class restaurants and cheap solo meals), movie ticket prices for two, and taxi starting prices.”
“Countries were ranked by annual dating costs, providing insight into global dating affordability and cultural spending habits,” Emilsil wrote.
