It’s a recession in affection.

Money problems used to just ruin weekends and credit scores — now they’re ruining date nights, libido, and long-term relationships.

According to a recent ZipHealth survey, one in four Americans (26%) say they’re too stressed about money to have sex. Finance issues are becoming foreplay’s biggest mood killer.

Economic uncertainty is no longer just showing up in bank statements; it’s sneaking under the sheets. Financial pressure is reshaping how we date, relate, and procreate.

With 73% of renters cost-burdened, and nearly half spending more than 50% of their income on housing, there’s not much left for dinner and flowers, Hud Housing Network reported.

More than half of Americans (53%) say the lack of affordable date nights is hurting their sex lives.

Meanwhile, 1 in 2 renters has delayed breaking up because they literally can’t afford to move out. Forget “staying for the kids.” In 2025, couples stay for the Wi-Fi and shared Netflix.

The data doesn’t lie — broke people are having less sex and enjoying it even less when they do. Financially satisfied folks are twice as likely to have good sex lives, 2.6 times more likely to have frequent sex, and 6 times more likely to feel secure in their relationships.

Meanwhile, almost a quarter of young adults say they’re avoiding dating entirely due to financial uncertainty.

In the end, it’s clear: money isn’t just shaping our futures — it’s hijacking our love lives. Whether it’s lease regret, delayed breakups, or the bedroom turning into a budgeting office, Americans are feeling the heat from overdue bills, not the sexual tension.

So if your love life feels like it’s on pause, don’t blame your partner. Blame the economy.

Love may be free — but in 2025, sex comes with a cost.