Is It Romance or Rent? 1 in 4 Singles Would Move In Early to Save Money

EAST TEXAS (TXAN 24) — A new national study from DatingNews.com and the Kinsey Institute finds nearly one in four American singles (23%) would move in with a partner sooner than planned just to cut housing costs.

Gen Z is leading the trend, with almost 40% saying economic pressures push them to cohabitate earlier, and over a quarter willing to marry faster for financial stability. Men are more likely than women to fast-track commitment, with 28.6% of men versus 18.8% of women saying they’d move in early, and 18.8% of men versus 13.7% of women ready to marry sooner.

But the study also shows a hesitation to commit: a third of singles say financial stress makes them wary of relationships, with nearly half of Gen Z expressing similar concerns. Meanwhile, frugal dating habits are on the rise, with 43% going on fewer dates and 37% cutting back on spending overall.

Sexologist and former wealth manager Natassia Miller warns that moving in for economic reasons can backfire. “Financial convenience can bind couples together without genuine compatibility, making it harder to leave unfulfilling relationships,” she says.

For more data and visuals, visit DatingNews.com