Love don’t cost a thing? Wrong! Survey says it’s about $760 a year

Love don’t cost a thing? Well, it appears that may be ‘fake news’!

As it turns out, you can put a price on love – and for Canadians, the price tag on courtship can be quite costly.

According to a recent survey, Canadians are spending an average of $760 a year on dating expenses like dinner and drinks, getting dolled up, and gift-giving.

We’re also apparently dishing out the cash for Valentine’s Day – with 61 per cent of Canadians spending an average of $170 on that day alone. For new couples, it could be even more expensive – almost 70 per cent of respondents say they feel that the first Valentine’s Day together receives the biggest celebrations and therefore, the steepest bill.

That’s good news for all the happily singles ladies though, as it clearly pays to be single and out of the dating circuit.

On average, Canadians will spend $176 on jewellery, $36 on flowers, $82 on lingerie, and $35 on chocolate and candy this Valentine’s Day.

For those looking for love – it’s also a pretty hefty tab. Single Canadians plan to spend $84 on dinner and drinks, $22 on coffee dates, $62 on new outfits, and $38 on personal maintenance and grooming.

Equal rights also now applies to the bill – with 58 per cent of respondents agreeing they split the bill 50/50 with their date.

You can visit RetailMeNot.ca to learn more, and see more survey findings below.

Material Confidence: 40 per cent of single Canadians like to buy a new outfit for a date so they feel more confident.

Valentine’s for the Ladies: 81 per cent of Canadians believe women tend to be more spoiled on Valentine’s Day, and 77 per cent believe that men are less excited to celebrate this holiday.

Selfless Lovers: Only 30 per cent of Canadians expect to receive a gift on Valentine’s Day from their significant other.

Love a Celebration: 22 per cent of Canadians celebrate Valentine’s Day regardless of whether they are seeing someone or not.