‘Between the taxi, the night out and one extra drink, I’m already at €60’: Inflation makes finding love more expensive than ever

“Between the taxi, the night out and one extra drink, I’m already at €60.” For people looking for love in France, romance is increasingly becoming a question of budget.

Inflation has returned since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, raising the cost of outings, meals and dating-app subscriptions. Rosalie, a Paris student who has been in a relationship for several months, said she and others are cutting back on social activities and favoring low-cost outings.

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Of course, we are cutting back on outings and favoring low-budget activities.

Emmanuel, a 40-year-old Parisian actor recently separated and searching for a partner, noticed the sharp rise in prices at a dating event in the capital in late August. He said he now has to make trade-offs and choose dates that cost less.

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I make trade-offs and choose dates that cost me less.

Fresh from vacation, Emmanuel said he was paying particular attention to his spending. Instead of offering a restaurant meal, he prefers suggesting a walk because he cannot afford a restaurant at the moment.

France’s annual inflation rate stood at 2.4% in August, according to Insee. Driving to a date has also become more expensive, with diesel prices hovering around €2.20 per liter. Museum prices rose by an average of 10% over the year in July, while prices at cinemas, theaters and concert halls rose by 0.4%.

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I would rather suggest a walk because I cannot afford to offer a restaurant at the moment.