Do You Make Enough Money for Someone to Date You? What Research Shows

People consider many factors when dating. Some women want a guy who’s over 6 feet tall. Some people want someone with blue eyes. But what about salary?

Money can’t buy love. Or can it?

How Much Do Singles Expect Their Partners to Earn in 2026?

According to a new study from Northwestern Mutual, singles may have income standards that are higher than you’d even think.

Northwestern Mutual surveyed single people (ages 18 to 45) and asked them to choose an ideal salary for their potential partners. Participants were told to be “realistic” when determining a number.

Millennials (ages 30 to 45) had the highest income expectations, saying their ideal partners should earn an average of $160,000. Gen Z (ages 18 to 29) preferred potential partners to earn $135,000, while boomers (62+) felt $125,000 a year was acceptable.

Is This Why People Are Dating Less Nowadays?

Could high income expectations be a reason why single Americans are dating less nowadays? Potentially. Some research has found that only 3 out of 10 singles are going on a date once a month or less.

Studies have also found that some people who are dating may lie about their financial situation to find love.

Is Six Figures an Unreasonable Dating Standard?

It might be easy to think someone is ‘high-maintenance’ for wanting a high-earning partner, but think about it.

The cost of rent is higher. The cost of groceries is higher. Life in general costs more than it did 20 years ago.

Is someone being unreasonable to want a partner who makes over six figures a year? Or are they simply interested in a partner who will help them build a financially stable future?

Feel free to share in the comments below. What do you think about this? How important is your partner’s income in 2026? Would you ever date someone who earns less than six figures?

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This post was previously published on medium.com.