Feb 14, 2026
Dating in Canada is starting to feel like another line item in the budget, and for many people, it’s one they’re quietly trimming.
A new TD survey suggests rising costs are reshaping how Canadians approach dating and relationships, from how often they go out to how quickly money comes up in conversation. Instead of splurging on nights out, many are opting for cheaper alternatives or choosing to date less altogether.
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“As Canadians navigate an evolving economic landscape, we’re seeing a meaningful shift in priorities,” said Jeet Dhillon, senior portfolio manager at TD Wealth, in a statement. “Adapting to these realities within relationships means reassessing what truly matters — whether that’s how we spend, save or connect with one another.”
Dating gets downsized as costs rise
According to the survey, nearly three in 10 Canadians say they’re going on fewer dates because of the cost, while a similar share say they’ve switched to more low or no-cost options.
Gen Z is leading that shift, with more than a third saying they’re deliberately choosing cheaper dates — well above the national average.
The pressure isn’t just about restaurants or entertainment. Financial considerations are increasingly shaping how people think about compatibility. For example, one in four Canadians said they’re prioritizing financial transparency earlier in relationships, while others are paying closer attention to a partner’s spending habits, money management skills or overall financial stability.
For some couples, those pressures are already showing up as friction. About one in 10 respondents said they argue more about money, while others said financial stress has influenced major life decisions, including whether or when to have children.
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Gen Z wants honesty — but struggles with secrecy
The survey highlights a tension among younger Canadians: a strong demand for financial honesty paired with a higher likelihood of keeping money secrets.
More than half of Gen Z respondents ranked lying about finances as their top relationship dealbreaker, yet four in 10 admitted they’ve withheld financial information from a partner — significantly higher than older generations. Gen Z is also far more likely to keep finances separate, with a majority maintaining individual bank accounts.
At the same time, younger Canadians are becoming more deliberate about long-term protection. For the second year in a row, a majority of Gen Z respondents said they would want a prenuptial agreement if they married or entered a common-law relationship, far exceeding the national average.
Money talks still happen later than many expect
Across all age groups, money is increasingly seen as essential to relationship success.
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Canadians ranked financial honesty, spending habits, shared goals and debt levels among the most important factors when choosing a partner.
"With 35% of Canadians wanting a shared financial plan with their partner, it's clear that transparency and boundaries around money are top of mind for singles and couples alike," added Dhillon.
Even so, many couples tend to delay the conversation. According to the TD survey, two in five Canadians said they didn’t talk seriously about money until after moving in together or reaching later milestones, while others said they’ve never had a dedicated discussion at all.
Budgeting together remains another hurdle, with over a third of Canadians reporting that they don’t have a shared budget with their partner, and among those who do, many say sticking to it is difficult.
So is romance fading, or is this just realism setting in? As dating becomes more expensive and financial pressure persists, Canadians are adjusting — cutting back where they can, asking tougher questions sooner, and redefining what partnership looks like when money might matter just as much as chemistry.
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Steven Brennan is a freelance finance writer based in Vancouver, BC. He holds a BA and an MA from Maynooth University, Ireland. His work regularly appears at Canadian Mortgage Trends, Lowest Rates, Loans Canada and other Canadian and US brands, while also working as a ghostwriter for financial influencers.
