The 2026 Planning & Progress Study highlights a growing divide between traditional romantic ideals and modern economic requirements. While roughly 40% of singles explicitly identify income as a key factor in their search for a partner, the expectations vary sharply by gender and age. Women set their sights on an average annual income of $172,000, while men report a more modest expectation of $101,000.
The Price of Romance: What Singles Really Expect From a Partner's Salary
While the median American worker brings home roughly $65,000 annually, the bar for romantic prospects is set significantly higher. According to new research from Northwestern Mutual, singles who prioritize financial status in a partner are looking for an ideal salary of $139,000—more than double the national median.
Generational trends further underscore these financial demands. Millennials lead the pack, seeking partners who earn $160,000, followed closely by Gen Z at $135,000. Gen X and Boomers maintain a more tempered outlook, anchoring their expectations at $123,000 and $125,000 respectively. Northwestern Mutual chief strategy officer Jeff Sippel notes that this focus on earnings reflects a broader desire for stability after years of economic volatility, as individuals prioritize partners capable of securing long-term financial health.
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