Jun 13, 2026
The world of dating has a culture and customs of its own.
One of the latest to-dos to get to “I do” might be paying for the Uber, professional matchmaker Anna Morgenstern told Moneywise she’s never seen physical distance be as much of a dealbreaker as it is today.
Advertisement
“There has definitely been a rise in women being more vocal about their expectations for men to pay for their Ubers to and from dates,” she said.
Rising food, drink and gas prices are prompting singles to look more closely at how much they’re spending getting to and from dates, according to Morgenstern. In an interview with Moneywise, Morgenstern said people shouldn’t have expectations but if your date is asking you to do something a little unusual or out of the way, whoever is inviting you should give you a plan on how to get there.
She added that acknowledging how the other person will arrive at the destination is important and that it’s more about comfort than the actual activity.
“A first date doesn’t need to include $25 drinks or an extravagant dinner,” Morgenstern said. She suggests keeping it simple to see if there’s a vibe, especially if it’s someone you met from a dating app versus through a friend or event.
Covering the commute
One man wrote on Reddit that his third date with a woman was canceled after she asked if he would send a car.
“I assumed this was a joke since she lives … like 15-20 minutes away, so I laughed and said I had full faith in her to make it to [me],” he wrote. “She quickly called off the date and broke things off.”
Some people replied saying it seems “extremely high maintenance” or that he “dodged a bullet,” while another said that for some women, “paying for Ubers shows interest and effort” and “it’s a nice gesture to make accommodations for her arrival.”
The topic was also discussed on a Breakfast Television episode. Host Devo Brown counterargued that sending a rideshare creates a safety issue, as it would require people to share their addresses.
Must Read
- You can now build wealth like a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to chase down rent or take 3 A.M tenant calls
- Goldman Sachs used to hoard prime real estate deals for the ultrarich. Two ex-analysts just opened the door for $250
- Robert Kiyosaki begs investors not to miss this ‘explosion’ — says this 1 asset will surge 400% in a year
Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywise’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.
The cost of love
Beyond Uber dating etiquette, the gas cost crisis is also showing up in how singles search. Rachel Tabacnic, who lives in Parkland, Florida, a suburb of Miami, told Moneywise that she will not go out with anyone who lives more than 20 to 30 minutes away by car. Otherwise, she’ll go through a gas tank too quickly driving back and forth to see that person.
Advertisement
One of the first questions she asks when chatting with a potential suitor is whether they live where the app says they’re located, or if they are just traveling. In an interview with Moneywise, Tabacnic said it’s been working “extremely well” and has met multiple men who are looking for the same things that fall within her radius.
When asked if she expects a date to pay for her Uber, Tabacnic said no.
“They’re already committing to meeting me and taking a chance to see if there’s a connection,” so she doesn’t feel a need to add more pressure to the date, she said.
Date-flation
According to a 2025 Bank of America report, 53% of Gen Z spends $0 a month on dating, while 23% spends less than $100 a month. Those in relationships spend the most, the report found. Restaurant prices are up 3.8% year over year, per the National Restaurant Association, and the average cost of a date for millennials is $252, up 32% from 2025, according to BMO.
The cost crisis could be influencing alternative dating options such as run clubs, art or cooking classes and pickleball tournaments. Dating experts recommend tips such as picking a BYOB restaurant to save on drink costs, bringing painting kits and a bottle of wine to a park, or aligning the date with a free event or entry to an attraction.
Morgenstern also advises that daters make spreadsheets to keep track of costs.
“See how much you’re actually spending on dates and how many are turning into second and third dates,” she said, adding that having more information and data might help you avoid going on a bunch of first dates just to see what sticks.
You May Also Like
- Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here’s what it is and the simple steps to fix it ASAP
- Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how
- Millionaires under 43 are reshaping investing — just 25% of their portfolios are in stocks. Here’s where their money is going
- Robert Kiyosaki issues grim warning for baby boomers. Many could be ‘wiped out’ and homeless ‘all over’ the country. How to protect yourself now
Amanda Smith is an Australian freelance journalist and writer based in the New York City area who reports on culture/society, technology, and health.
