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Not to generalize, but women typically put in a lot more time, money and effort to get ready for that first date. I’m talking manicure, sometimes pedicure and getting hair done!  That costs money and on top of it, we put more effort into having a great outfit, looking pretty, etc….i realize its expensive, but please recognize that they put in money, time and effort to look nice for you! – Alexa

Alexa – Are you kidding me? Lets run down the bill for my date in NYC.

Hair Cut – $75
Transport – $10
Dinner – $85
Wine Bar – $40

If a girl spends more than half that (for the date itself) I would be surprised. And this wasnt even an expensive date. And, again, you really think the guy just throws on jeans and a sweater and thinks he is ready? Get over yourself. – Neal

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Without letting this devolve in to a “who should pay on a first date” debate, I’m curious to hear what everyone spends – both in terms of time and money -  for a first date.

When I was deciding on whether or not I wanted to meet someone from an online site, I most definitely figured in how much I would spend for said “date” and weighed that against what the possible return on investment would be.

I’m not sure it’s accurate to say that certain expenditures are made “for a date.” Come on. A haircut or manicure? Date or no date, you’d be getting these things done. Clothes? Those can be re-purposed and worn any time. Waxing? Well, I think most women wax/shave fairly regularly even when they’re not dating or having sex regularly.

When I was setting up my budget in my Droid, I realized I had to actually create a whole section for dating. I could have listed most of these things under “Entertainment” but it wouldn’t be accurate. Plus, when I’m cutting corners, I like to have an accurate breakout of how things are spent and what can go.

The expenses listed under Dating in my budget are (and this is monthly):

$60 for cabs

$160 – $40 per date for tip/round of drinks/appetizer per date (3-4 dates)

I usually come in under and roughly spend about $175 of the allotted $220.

I am adverse to paying for an online dating site at this point. I typically do my own hair (except for trimming) , waxing, shaving etc. I highly doubt whether guys can tell the difference. I sometimes pay for a pedicure, but usually do it on my own. I rarely pay for a manicure since I typically ruin whatever the manicurist does within hours or a day from banging on a keyboard. I occasionally make a Victoria’s Secret run. I don’t buy make up specifically for dates. I’ve never been an accessories girl, so I have maybe 5 pairs of earrings that I never wear.  My shoes are always kept simple because of having flat feet and having been hit by a car in college and done a number on my back, so really high heels are out of the question for me and not worn often.

Now that I write this out, I think I want to expand this beyond dating. How much money do you all spend on keeping yourself up? I’m talking skin care, gym memberships, cosmetic treatments, hair, manicures, medical check ups, etc? Do you buy high end products from department stores? Go to expensive salons? Or are you an over the counter, do it yourself person? What products do you like?

For years I have used the Olay Regenerist line for my skin care routine. I can not say enough good things about this line and what it does for my skin. That and tons of water and regular exercise.  I use their creme cleanser, exfoliant, peel, masque and moisturizer. That runs me roughly $60 every six weeks. My hair/roots I do myself. That costs me about $12 every six weeks. I shop for clothes MAYBE every two months and spend about $150. The Gap, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic have great pieces that last and always have some sort of sale going on. Sometimes I’ll blow the whole $150 on a pair of pants or a dress because they’ll last for a few seasons. I’m pissed because I bought two pairs of cargo pants back in April and they are now falling off me because I’ve dropped a size down. I’ve never worn much make up at all, rarely wear foundation because I don’t like clogging my pores.I might spend about $50 every 2 months on cosmetics, usually lip liner and gloss. I’m a Loreal/Sephora girl. I honestly don’t see the difference between Sephora and Sak’s. Finally, I got a free gym membership in exchange for advertising. FYI…many gyms offer outreach programs to people who are willing to manage raffles at events or participate in street promotions. Ask your gym if they have something like that and you can save $80 – $150 per month.

So what’s your dating budget? What are your splurges or must haves? Where do you cut corners and how?

And…who do you think spends more money on first dates…men or women?