Gen Z Would Do Anything for Love – Err, Money

For decades, young people have sought love, marriage, and a family. Now, though, priorities seem to be shifting as nearly half of the Gen Z crowd admitted in a survey that they yearn for money more than love. But why? Is it because the cost of nearly everything has so drastically increased over the last decade? Or because the last couple of generations of parents instilled in their children’s minds the importance of financial stability?

For Love or Money Survey

A recent study evaluated 1,000 young Americans regarding how money influences their dating choices. A shocking 46% of Gen Z chose money and financial stability over love. Some even admitted that they would restart a failed relationship if their ex suddenly became financially successful.

Brie Temple, the CCO and chief matchmaker at Tawkify, a matchmaking company, clarified the reason for this change: “Money equals safety, security and freedom. Taking an ex back because they got rich isn’t just about the bank account. It’s about what that wealth symbolizes: security, ambition and maybe a sense that they’ve ‘leveled up’ since the breakup.”

Forget the Ring, Gen Z Says Show Me the Money

Also revealed in the June 2025 survey was that one out of ten Gen Z women would ideally like their partner to bring home at least $200,000 per year and would settle for no less than $80,000 per year. This statistic holds true for Generation X and Generation Z; however, most millennials (around 59%) would rather be broke and in love than simply rich.

It seems that 63% of Americans agree with millennials and would prefer a healthy, happy relationship over a hefty bank account. Perhaps for Gen X and Gen Z, the cause of this shift in preferences stems from the 2008 recession, as well as severely increased student debt, job losses, and overall inflation. Houses are more expensive. Gas is more costly. Let’s not even start on the prices of groceries and dining out. Basically, everything costs more money today than it did just a few years ago. Anyone who has gone through financial struggles will admit that it is extremely difficult and incredibly stressful. But is that reason enough to forgo love and the joys that a meaningful relationship can bring to the table? For today’s young generations, apparently so.

Temple commented on this phenomenon as well, “The pressure to focus on finances likely feels so urgent because of the economic uncertainty Gen Z has dealt with through most of their lives. Being tied to a relationship in which there is financial insecurity or uncertainty may compete with their own personal goals and pursuits.”

Love Still Wins

Regardless of the shocking statistic, the majority of youth, though slim, chose love over money. Will the numbers continue to shift toward the almighty dollar, or will love win? Only time will tell. However, for young people today, it is understandable why they find themselves prioritizing money. It sure makes life a bit simpler when the bills are paid and the cash is there when needed.

Fortunately for love, it is a timeless and natural right of passage. It is difficult to force away those undeniable feelings and desires for love, intimacy, and a strong connection with someone with whom you choose to spend your life. Money may be important, but where would we be without love?

1. A recent study, which evaluated 1,000 young Americans regarding how money influences their dating choices, found a shocking 46% of Gen Z chose money and financial stability over love.
2. A June 2025 survey revealed that one out of ten Gen Z women would ideally like their partner to bring home at least $200,000 per year and would settle for no less than $80,000 per year.
3. But 63% of Americans would prefer a healthy, happy relationship over a hefty bank account.