Gone are the days of fancy dinners for first dates. These days, singles are opting for something more low-key.
Seventy percent of singles say they'd be open to having their first date at a fast-food restaurant, according to a recent DatingNews.com survey of 1,500 single U.S. adults ages 18 to 61.
Here's why Wendy Walsh, professor of psychology at the California State University, Channel Islands, thinks singles are choosing burgers and fries in lieu of steak and wine.
'Suddenly a dollar meal has become acceptable'
What it really comes down to is "the economy, the economy, the economy," Walsh emphasizes.
Housing costs are too high, she says, and many young people face crippling student debt. Average U.S. rent is nearly $2,000 per month, according to Zillow, and the average federal student loan debt is $39,075 per borrower, according to the Education Data Initiative.
The price of goods has been rising as well. Overall prices rose about 25% between January 2020 and December 2025, according to data from the Consumer Price Index.
"Suddenly a dollar meal has become acceptable," says Walsh.
Just 'bring a coffee and a snack'
Among the various fast-food options in the U.S., Chick-fil-A is the most popular, with 20% of singles saying it's their No. 1 pick for a first date.
Depending on where you are in the country, a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich can cost just over $5 and an ice cream cone less than $2.
If you're looking for a cost-efficient way to go on a first date but aren't keen on fast-food, 21% of women and 18% of men would choose to grab a coffee, DatingNews.com found. Nineteen percent of Gen Zers would opt for an ice cream or dessert shop.
Walsh would also recommend taking a nice hike. Just "bring a coffee and a snack" and enjoy the views, she says. "Or, if it's in the evening, a glass of wine and a little bit of cheese and crackers!"
Want to improve your communication, confidence and success at work? Take CNBC's new online course, Master Your Body Language To Boost Your Influence.
