Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

New Yorkers Don't Spend Enough On First Dates, You Guys!


By

Christopher Robbins

Published Jun 12, 2011

Modified Jun 12, 2011


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Christopher Robbins

Published Jun 12, 2011

Modified Jun 12, 2011


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Know why your first date fizzled last week? No, not because you hadn't bathed in days and referred to her as "My Precious." You just didn't spend enough money! According to the cheery-sounding dating website WhatsYourPrice.com, New Yorkers are cheap first dates, spending only an average of $145. Denver "wins" with an average of $221 blown on the first date, and Seattle ($197) Philly ($158) and DC ($154) all "beat" us to burn money that we don't have to impress someone we'll never see again.

By borough, Jersey City (which the study dubiously calls a borough) spends $193 and Staten Island $181, more than Manhattan's $166, with the Bronx spending the least at $112. Naturally The Post finds a "fashionista" to slam all of those lame paupers who think they have a chance with her: "The cheapos will try to take a walk or go out for tea. A little glitz and glam is appreciated." Oh, those "cheapos"—always trying to supplant the fleeting gratification of a $16 bowl of lobster bisque with actual human interaction. LO$ERS! An "energy analyst" even says, "I had to get a girlfriend. I couldn't afford to keep going on first dates." That, or the revolving door of faceless humanity made you crave something a $200 hickey at Brooklyn Bowl can't give you.

WhatsYourPrice.com knows a thing or two about the economics of dating, because it's a site where you're literally asked to "name your price," just like a common prostitute charity auction! What a revolutionary way to look at internet dating! We didn't think the Casual Encounters section had enough pictures anyway. Even hotter than making a date a literal transaction are Mike Tyson facial tattoos! That's right, apparently looking like a convicted rapist turns girls on, and is one face painters' "No. 1 requested design I get from men of all ages." A few months of spending money on this trend and we'll be beating Denver in no time!

Tagged

cheap skates

dating

first dates

internet dating

nyc dating scene


Christopher Robbins

Twitter

Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

2 men accused of stabbing off-duty NYPD detective in the Bronx plead not guilty

Sneider Mejia and D’Angelo Caraballo are both facing several charges, including attempted first-degree murder.

By

Charles Lane

and

Brittany Kriegstein

Published Oct 14, 2026 at 2:40 p.m. ET


Man who pushed his baby and her mother from a Bronx balcony arraigned from psych ward

Angel Carrasco, who shoved his infant daughter and her mother from a 15th floor balcony, appeared virtually in Bronx criminal court.

By

Brittany Kriegstein

News

Man who pushed his baby and her mother from a Bronx balcony arraigned from psych ward

Angel Carrasco, who shoved his infant daughter and her mother from a 15th floor balcony, appeared virtually in Bronx criminal court.

By

Brittany Kriegstein


NYC looks to grow involvement in Open Streets as applications open for 2027

By

Catalina Gonella

New Yorkers are paying $300 million for natural gas they don't even use

By

Rosemary Misdary

Early Addition: Eric Adams did not convince a Wisconsin town to build a data center

By

James Ramsay


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .