Summer is the season of fun for a lot of people, but it doesn’t come cheap, especially in today’s economy. So, how much are people spending to enjoy summer activities? Almost $400 a weekend, according to a new survey.
A poll of 2-thousand adults across the country finds that half (50%) report that they spend the most money on socializing during the summer. This year, 60% say they’re trying to spend more time offline and face-to-face with their loved ones, and these IRL activities often come with a price tag.
- Dining out at restaurants tops the list (40%), followed by spending the day at the park, beach or lake (34%), and going to the movies or having movie nights (33%).
- While they want to have fun, 60% admit that having a social life is becoming harder to afford.
- Nearly three-quarters (73%) say their finances are holding them back from enjoying quality time with loved ones and 55% confess they often end up sacrificing their social lives because of financial restrictions.
- More than half (53%) have even picked up a summer side hustle to be able to maintain a social life.
- But budget constraints are affecting more than reservation numbers, 42% say they’ve lost friends because they couldn’t afford to keep up socially and nearly half (48%) admit to making up excuses to avoid plans instead of just admitting they can’t afford to go.
- Nearly two-thirds (62%) of those polled say socializing is important to their well-being, and people report needing nearly 10 hours, on average, with friends and family during a typical weekend to feel recharged and balanced.
Average Spending for a Typical Summer Weekend:
- Dining out - $61
- Transportation (trains, gas, parking) - $51
- Hosting gatherings at home or bringing food and drinks to someone’s gathering - $60
- Entertainment (movies, concerts, shows) - $57
- Outdoor activities (camping, boating, fishing permits) - $55
- Self-care/wellness (haircuts, spa treatments) - $54
- Attending celebrations, buying gifts (weddings, birthday parties) - $59
Source: Talker
photo: GETTY