New cost-of-living dating trend ‘exploding’ in Aus, Bumble reveals

Forget going to a posh restaurant or sipping on fancy cocktails, new data has revealed there’s been a drastic change to how Aussies date.

The current cost-of-living crisis has spawned a new dating trend that has “exploded” in Australia, new data has revealed.

Singles are so worried about the current financial climate and how it affects the future, a staggering 95 per cent of people who are currently dating said it is impacting who and how they date.

As a result, topics that were once deemed too “taboo” to mention on a first date, such as job security, budgeting and housing, have been identified as top dating considerations with one-in-three women “pushing” these conversations to be discussed earlier into a relationship than before.

The widespread concern about finances also sparked a rise in the low/no cost date, such as a walk in the park, a coffee, or a trip to the beach as many Aussies can no longer afford more traditional date options.

A ‘crazy’ new dating trend is currently ‘exploding’ in Australia, according to dating app Bumble. Picture: iStock

Why are Aussies ‘Future-Proofing’?

This new dating phenomenon has been dubbed “Future-Proofing”, a term which refers to an increase in singles who are worried about the future for a number of reasons, according to the 2025 annual report from Bumble.

“Whether it be cost of living, politics, climate change or anything and everything else – it’s clear our romantic life is no exception to being affected by these issues,” Lucille McCart, the dating app’s communications director, told news.com.au.

“The Future Proofing trend applies to people who are looking for a long-term relationship wanting to make sure they are on the same page with the people they are dating from day one.

“They are prioritising potential partners who are emotionally consistent, reliable, and who are clear about their life goals; are having conversations about the big topics early on to avoid surprises down the track; and are making less compromises than they might have before.”

Lucille McCart, the dating app’s communications director, told news.com.au many singles were ‘future proofing’ their lives when looking for a partner. Picture: iStock

‘Unsexy things to discuss on a first date’

While many of these topics are not glamorous and maybe even off-putting for some, Bumble said these conversations will become “top of mind from the get-go” for daters in the year ahead.

“In this economy, how you manage your finances, where and how you want to live, and career aspirations are really important things to be considering,” Ms McCart said.

“While these might feel like kind of unsexy things to discuss on a first date, we know that most people are dating with a long-term or serious relationship in mind, and I think so many of us can identify with the experience of getting invested in a person or a relationship and then realising down the line that while you might have a great connection, you’re not aligned on the big life things.”

In order to avoid this “heartbreaking and disappointing experience”, daters are now being more forward with their values, with the hopes of understanding of whether or not you are compatible, Ms McCart added.

“While going on a first date is a low-stakes decision, who you chose as a long term partner is a high-stakes decision that can have a huge impact on your future, so it’s about finding a balance between those two things.”

The cost-of-living crisis has affected daters disposable income, spawning a new trend of n/low cost date options. Picture: iStock

How is it affecting our love lives?

One of the biggest concerns among daters was the cost-of-living crisis which has seen disposable incomes suffer for many households across Australia.

With the cost of dating staples, such as going out for dinner or drinks, dramatically increasing in recent years, daters have decided to take a new low cost approach to single life.

“Rising prices over the last few years have completely changed the dating landscape,” Ms McCart told news.com.au.

“I was at a bar the other day where the special price of a ‘happy hour’ cocktail was $18. It’s crazy.

“If you go out for dinner and drinks a couple of nights a week, you can easily spend hundreds of dollars and most people just can’t afford that right now – especially if you factor in Ubers or parking, any kind of cover charge or entertainment, and all of the other little things that add up.

“That’s before you even think about a new outfit or a fancy lippy.”

‘Rising prices over the last few years have completely changed the dating landscape’, Ms McCart explained. Picture: iStock

As a result, Bumble has observed two changes. One is the “explosion” of the low/no cost date, and the other daters “getting more comfortable with having conversations about money and finances”.

“I’m actually so on-board for this because firstly, these are activities that are easier to fit into your schedule and don’t have as many distractions, so you can get to know each other in a more casual, relaxed setting,” Ms McCart added.

“There’s also no more shame in saying, ‘I can’t afford that right now’, or suggesting a less expensive venue if you’re on a budget or trying to save.

“It’s really healthy to have these conversations from the start and our insights say people are doing this more and more.”

Originally published as New cost-of-living dating trend ‘exploding’ in Aus, Bumble reveals