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86% of singles would choose a $70K saver over a $250K spender, new Coffee Meets Bagel report finds
86% of singles would choose a $70K saver over a $250K spender, new Coffee Meets Bagel report finds
86% of singles would choose a $70K saver over a $250K spender, new Coffee Meets Bagel report finds
CMB Dating Realness Report reveals financial responsibility outweighs a high salary, rising costs are reshaping dating habits, and money remains a difficult conversation to navigate.
New York, NY — November 10, 2026 — Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB), the dating app for serious, intentional daters, today released its Dating Realness Report 2026: Love & Money, revealing that a bigger paycheck doesn't necessarily make someone a better romantic match. According to the report, 86% of singles would rather date someone earning $70,000 a year who budgets responsibly and saves consistently than someone earning $250,000 who spends irresponsibly and saves little.
The findings show a shift in modern dating culture and how singles view financial compatibility: it’s less about how much money a potential partner earns and more about how they manage their money. Financial responsibility, spending habits, and shared priorities are increasingly important when evaluating a partner and building a future together.
But money is influencing more than partner preferences. As the cost of living increases, singles are rethinking their approach to dating altogether.
Based on a survey of more than 3,300 CMB users in the U.S., the Dating Realness Report 2026 explores how financial expectations shape modern dating - from first-date etiquette and salary expectations, to long-term financial compatibility.
"What stands out in this year's report is how grounded singles are. They aren’t necessarily chasing the biggest paycheck, and are looking for someone whose values line up with theirs. That includes how they think about money. It’s still one of the hardest topics to bring up, but an important one. You don't need to share your salary on the first date, but being open about your habits and goals builds trust and helps both people see whether they're building toward the same future. Real conversations lead to real relationships,” said Quincy Yang, CEO of Coffee Meets Bagel US.
Financial habits matter more than income
For singles evaluating a potential long-term partner, how someone manages their money matters more than how much they earn. Spending habits ranked as the top financial topic respondents expected to discuss before committing to a long-term relationship (60%), ahead of income (46%) and debt (43%).
Respondents also defined financial security in a relationship through financial stability and day-to-day money management rather than traditional markers of wealth. When asked what financial security meant to them:
69% cited having a stable income
66% cited living within one’s means
52% cited having savings
Just 8% cited owning a home, while only 6% cited having a partner who earns more than them
Financial mismanagement also emerged as a significant relationship red flag. Spending beyond one’s means topped the list (63%), followed by expecting a partner to support them financially (58%), having an unstable income (56%) and significant credit card debt (53%).
There were also notable differences in what men and women considered financial red flags. Men were most concerned about a partner overspending (74%), while women were most wary of income instability (68%). Expectations of financial support from a partner, however, were a concern across genders, cited by 61% of women and 55% of men.
Love still comes first, but financial compatibility matters
Despite the growing importance of financial compatibility, singles aren't necessarily willing to sacrifice romantic connection for financial alignment.
Half (50%) would choose a partner with a strong emotional or romantic connection even if their financial situations were very different. Just 14% would prioritize financial compatibility over a somewhat weaker connection, while 36% were unwilling to choose between the two.
When it comes to sharing long-term expenses, respondents also favored flexibility over an equal split. More than half (52%) believe costs should be divided proportionally based on income and responsibilities, compared with just 8% who expect a strict 50/50 split.
The findings point to a nuanced view of modern relationships: singles aren’t necessarily looking for a partner with the same financial circumstances; they want a meaningful connection and someone whose approach to money is compatible with their own.
Rising costs are reshaping the dating experience
Financial pressures are changing the dating experience itself, with rising costs affecting the dating lives of over half (51%) of singles. Among them:
86% are going on fewer dates or being more selective
75% choose more affordable activities
55% have postponed or deprioritized dating
This shift toward more cost-conscious dating is reflected in how much singles typically spend. Six in ten (60%) typically spend less than $50 per person on a date.
Financial readiness can also influence whether singles pursue a serious relationship. Half (51%) of singles would either wait or approach a serious relationship more cautiously.
These findings suggest that the cost of dating extends beyond the price of a dinner or activity. Financial pressures are influencing not only how singles date, but also how ready they feel to pursue a relationship.
Money may be a dealbreaker, but remains a complicated conversation
While financial compatibility is important, knowing when to discuss money can be difficult. Nearly half (46%) of singles expect to discuss income before becoming serious, yet just 7% believe it’s appropriate to ask about salary on or before the first date. Three in ten (30%) believe the conversation should wait until a couple is exclusive, while 10% say salary should never be asked about directly.
These expectations around money also differ considerably by gender. Women were more than twice as likely than men to have ended a relationship over financial issues (27% versus 11%). 69% of women said they’d be unlikely to pursue a serious relationship with someone earning significantly less, compared with 16% of men.
The big question: who should pay on the first date?
When it comes to the first-date bill, traditional expectations aren't necessarily the default but the consensus is clear: whoever initiated the date should pay (54%). Just 10% favor splitting equally and 3% believe the higher earner should pay.
End.
About the Report
The 2026 Dating Realness Report: Love and Money explores how financial expectations, rising living costs and money-related conversations shape modern dating and long-term compatibility.
Coffee Meets Bagel surveyed 3,388 users between September 18 and October 8, 2026. Results are weighted to reflect an equal gender split. Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding, multiple-response questions or omitted response categories.
About Coffee Meets Bagel
Launched in 2012, Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) is a globally loved dating app for those seeking serious relationships. Continuing on its mission of giving everyone a chance at love, CMB has facilitated over 260 million matches to date and counting. Over 91% of the CMB community is looking for a committed relationship. CMB has been named Best for Real Dates by Mashable, and over half of CMB daters say their first dates often lead to second dates. CMB is available for free download on the App Store and Google Play Store.
86% of singles would choose a $70K saver over a $250K spender, new Coffee Meets Bagel report finds
CMB Dating Realness Report reveals financial responsibility outweighs a high salary, rising costs are reshaping dating habits, and money remains a difficult conversation to navigate.
New York, NY — November 10, 2026 — Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB), the dating app for serious, intentional daters, today released its Dating Realness Report 2026: Love & Money, revealing that a bigger paycheck doesn't necessarily make someone a better romantic match. According to the report, 86% of singles would rather date someone earning $70,000 a year who budgets responsibly and saves consistently than someone earning $250,000 who spends irresponsibly and saves little.
The findings show a shift in modern dating culture and how singles view financial compatibility: it’s less about how much money a potential partner earns and more about how they manage their money. Financial responsibility, spending habits, and shared priorities are increasingly important when evaluating a partner and building a future together.
But money is influencing more than partner preferences. As the cost of living increases, singles are rethinking their approach to dating altogether.
Based on a survey of more than 3,300 CMB users in the U.S., the Dating Realness Report 2026 explores how financial expectations shape modern dating - from first-date etiquette and salary expectations, to long-term financial compatibility.
"What stands out in this year's report is how grounded singles are. They aren’t necessarily chasing the biggest paycheck, and are looking for someone whose values line up with theirs. That includes how they think about money. It’s still one of the hardest topics to bring up, but an important one. You don't need to share your salary on the first date, but being open about your habits and goals builds trust and helps both people see whether they're building toward the same future. Real conversations lead to real relationships,” said Quincy Yang, CEO of Coffee Meets Bagel US.
Financial habits matter more than income
For singles evaluating a potential long-term partner, how someone manages their money matters more than how much they earn. Spending habits ranked as the top financial topic respondents expected to discuss before committing to a long-term relationship (60%), ahead of income (46%) and debt (43%).
Respondents also defined financial security in a relationship through financial stability and day-to-day money management rather than traditional markers of wealth. When asked what financial security meant to them:
69% cited having a stable income
66% cited living within one’s means
52% cited having savings
Just 8% cited owning a home, while only 6% cited having a partner who earns more than them
Financial mismanagement also emerged as a significant relationship red flag. Spending beyond one’s means topped the list (63%), followed by expecting a partner to support them financially (58%), having an unstable income (56%) and significant credit card debt (53%).
There were also notable differences in what men and women considered financial red flags. Men were most concerned about a partner overspending (74%), while women were most wary of income instability (68%). Expectations of financial support from a partner, however, were a concern across genders, cited by 61% of women and 55% of men.
Love still comes first, but financial compatibility matters
Despite the growing importance of financial compatibility, singles aren't necessarily willing to sacrifice romantic connection for financial alignment.
Half (50%) would choose a partner with a strong emotional or romantic connection even if their financial situations were very different. Just 14% would prioritize financial compatibility over a somewhat weaker connection, while 36% were unwilling to choose between the two.
When it comes to sharing long-term expenses, respondents also favored flexibility over an equal split. More than half (52%) believe costs should be divided proportionally based on income and responsibilities, compared with just 8% who expect a strict 50/50 split.
The findings point to a nuanced view of modern relationships: singles aren’t necessarily looking for a partner with the same financial circumstances; they want a meaningful connection and someone whose approach to money is compatible with their own.
Rising costs are reshaping the dating experience
Financial pressures are changing the dating experience itself, with rising costs affecting the dating lives of over half (51%) of singles. Among them:
86% are going on fewer dates or being more selective
75% choose more affordable activities
55% have postponed or deprioritized dating
This shift toward more cost-conscious dating is reflected in how much singles typically spend. Six in ten (60%) typically spend less than $50 per person on a date.
Financial readiness can also influence whether singles pursue a serious relationship. Half (51%) of singles would either wait or approach a serious relationship more cautiously.
These findings suggest that the cost of dating extends beyond the price of a dinner or activity. Financial pressures are influencing not only how singles date, but also how ready they feel to pursue a relationship.
Money may be a dealbreaker, but remains a complicated conversation
While financial compatibility is important, knowing when to discuss money can be difficult. Nearly half (46%) of singles expect to discuss income before becoming serious, yet just 7% believe it’s appropriate to ask about salary on or before the first date. Three in ten (30%) believe the conversation should wait until a couple is exclusive, while 10% say salary should never be asked about directly.
These expectations around money also differ considerably by gender. Women were more than twice as likely than men to have ended a relationship over financial issues (27% versus 11%). 69% of women said they’d be unlikely to pursue a serious relationship with someone earning significantly less, compared with 16% of men.
The big question: who should pay on the first date?
When it comes to the first-date bill, traditional expectations aren't necessarily the default but the consensus is clear: whoever initiated the date should pay (54%). Just 10% favor splitting equally and 3% believe the higher earner should pay.
End.
About the Report
The 2026 Dating Realness Report: Love and Money explores how financial expectations, rising living costs and money-related conversations shape modern dating and long-term compatibility.
Coffee Meets Bagel surveyed 3,388 users between September 18 and October 8, 2026. Results are weighted to reflect an equal gender split. Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding, multiple-response questions or omitted response categories.
About Coffee Meets Bagel
Launched in 2012, Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) is a globally loved dating app for those seeking serious relationships. Continuing on its mission of giving everyone a chance at love, CMB has facilitated over 260 million matches to date and counting. Over 91% of the CMB community is looking for a committed relationship. CMB has been named Best for Real Dates by Mashable, and over half of CMB daters say their first dates often lead to second dates. CMB is available for free download on the App Store and Google Play Store.
