This report examines current dating expenditure patterns in Malaysia, with a focus on spending behaviour, preferred dating locations, payment arrangements, perceptions of dating costs, and the financial pressures associated with dating.
Based on 152 responses collected between 20 May and 13 June 2026, the survey provides an initial overview of dating-related spending patterns in Malaysia. The findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limitations of the sample and are not intended to represent the Malaysian population as a whole.
The survey finds that 52.6% of respondents spend between RM51 and RM200 per date, with food and beverages forming the main component of expenditure. Nearly half of respondents, or 49.3%, also consider the current cost of dating to be expensive.
Differences are also observed between male and female respondents. Among men, 59.3% reported that they typically cover the full cost of a date. Male respondents were also more likely to report experiencing financial pressure and having incurred debt for dating.
Taken together, these findings provide an early indication of how financial considerations and social expectations may shape dating behaviour in Malaysia.
Read the full Tinjauan Perbelanjaan Janji Temu (Dating) di Malaysia to explore the findings in greater detail.