Money plays a major role in modern relationships, influencing everything from first dates to long-term relationship satisfaction. But according to a new survey by DatingNews, finances are also having a significant impact on Americans’ sex lives.
The study found that 47% of Americans say financial stress has negatively affected their sex life, with 14% reporting it happens frequently.
Younger adults appear to be the most affected. Gen Z (51%) and millennials (50%) were more likely to say money worries have hurt their intimacy than Gen X (41%) and baby boomers (40%).
Natassia Miller, a certified sexologist with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), said the findings highlight the emotional toll of financial instability.
“Gen Z and millennials are both the least financially stable and the most actively dating. Money can become a major obstacle to desire and intimacy.”
Income and Power in Relationships
The survey also found that 35% of Americans believe the higher-earning partner has more sexual power or influence within a relationship.
Men were more likely to hold this belief than women, with 41% of men compared to 30% of women saying income affects power dynamics in the bedroom.
Among younger adults, the perception was even stronger. Nearly 43% of Gen Z respondents said the higher earner has greater sexual power, making them the generation most likely to connect finances with intimacy.
Does Money Affect Sexual Confidence?
Financial differences between partners may also influence communication about sex.
According to the survey:
- 34% believe income inequality between partners affects sexual satisfaction.
- 21% said earning more than their partner makes them feel more confident expressing their sexual needs.
- 14% said earning less makes them feel less comfortable communicating those needs.
Men were almost twice as likely as women to report feeling more sexually confident when they earned more than their partner (28% vs. 15%). Meanwhile, women and younger respondents were more likely to say earning less reduced their confidence.
Financial Pressure Can Affect Intimacy
The findings suggest that financial stress doesn’t just impact household budgets—it can also affect emotional and physical intimacy.
As Miller explained:
“If you’re worried about making ends meet, your nervous system is in survival mode, not seduction mode.”
The survey concludes that financial stress, income differences, and perceptions of earning power are quietly shaping Americans’ relationships and sex lives in ways many couples may not recognize.
Methodology
The survey was conducted by DatingNews and Prodege in April 2026 and included 1,500 U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 79. Participants represented a variety of relationship statuses, genders, age groups, and regions across the United States. The survey has a theoretical margin of error of ±2.5% at the 95% confidence level.
