With the cost of living climbing steadily, Gen Z is taking notice. From daily expenses to dating habits, young adults are reshaping their lifestyles to keep up with rising prices. Faced with rising prices on just about everything, young adults are changing how they live, spend, and even date.
Dating, once a small but regular expense for many people in their 20s, is now being skipped altogether. A growing number of Gen Z adults are spending nothing at all on dates—not because they don’t want to go out, but because they can’t justify the cost. How much does a meal out, a few drinks, and transportation cost? It adds up quickly. Many young individuals struggling to make ends meet, purchase groceries, or settle debts now view dating as a luxury.
It is all part of a broader shift: with tighter budgets and shifting priorities, many young adults are cutting back on non-essentials—dining out less, opting for budget-friendly supermarkets, and rethinking everyday spending. The focus has shifted toward saving—or at least making the effort. But even that remains a challenge, as many still lack enough savings to cover just a few months of expenses in case of an emergency.
The idea of financial freedom, having enough to live without worry, feels further away for this generation. More than half of Gen Z say they do not earn enough to live the life they want. Even when they try to budget, they are hit by costs that keep climbing: rent, energy, food, and transport. For many, there is not much left over at the end of the month.
Where earlier generations could often rely on family support, today’s young adults are finding that help harder to come by. Fewer young people are getting regular help from their families, and when they do, it tends to be less than before. As a result, many are finding themselves on their own sooner and facing more severe financial pressures.
Many are adjusting, developing better financial habits like setting savings goals, tracking expenses, and making more informed everyday choices. There is a growing understanding that being charitable with money is not just sensible—it is necessary.
Financial values are also changing how people approach relationships. It is not just about looks or shared interests anymore—financial stability and future goals are becoming just as important. For many, compatibility now includes how someone handles money. People view dating someone who manages their finances responsibly and stays within their means as a positive aspect.
Gone are the days of lavish outings. Instead of splurging on expensive dinners, couples are opting for walks, cooking together, or streaming shows at home. It is more relaxed and much cheaper, which might not be such a bad thing after all. When the pressure to impress with money is gone, people often show up more honestly.
Financial struggles in your 20s are more intense than ever. The anxiety around money today runs deeper than what previous generations experienced. Due to frequently static incomes and rising costs, the strain only worsens. Even basic independence—moving out, paying your own way, building savings—feels harder to achieve.
Gen Z is already finding creative ways of adapting even amid the challenges, whether it is learning side hustles, being money smart, or redefining conventional milestones. It is not glamorous, and it is definitely not easy, but it is practical.
In today’s uncertain world, this approach carries real meaning, especially for a generation growing up amid uncertainty—financial caution is not merely a sign of fear but a reflection of resilience and adaptability.
