Study Finds Men More Eager Than Women to Fast-Track Cohabitation and Marriage

A nationwide survey of 2,000 single adults indicates that American men are significantly more likely than women to accelerate key relationship milestones such as moving in together and getting married. The study, conducted by DatingNews.com in partnership with the Kinsey Institute, challenges the longstanding stereotype that women are the primary drivers of commitment in heterosexual relationships.

Key Findings of the Survey

Researchers asked participants whether they would consider shortening the timeline for living together or marrying. Results show that 28.6% of male respondents would move in with a partner sooner than planned, compared with 18.8% of female respondents. When it comes to marriage, 18.8% of men said they would wed earlier, while only 13.7% of women expressed the same willingness.

Financial considerations emerged as a leading motive. Respondents who favored an accelerated schedule cited rising housing costs, inflation and uncertainty in the job market as reasons to combine households more quickly. By sharing expenses, many see an opportunity to improve cash flow and build savings faster.

The research also highlighted a notable gender gap in social support systems. Men reported fewer sources of emotional support outside romantic partnerships, a factor that appears to magnify their interest in formalizing relationships. Women, by contrast, described deeper connections with friends and family that reduce pressure to advance a dating relationship.

Economic Pressures Influence Relationship Timelines

The survey took place against a backdrop of cooling job growth and persistent inflation. Participants pointed to higher rents and everyday expenses as catalysts for combining households. Moving in together, they said, can cut housing costs nearly in half, while marriage often brings health-care and tax benefits.

Justin Lehmiller, senior research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, notes that “financial stress is reshaping the calculus for many singles, especially men.” According to Lehmiller, men see cohabitation and marriage not only as emotional milestones but also as practical strategies for economic resilience. “In an uncertain economy, sharing expenses provides immediate and tangible relief,” he explained.

The trend aligns with broader consumer data showing that U.S. households continue to adjust spending habits. Couples who merge finances earlier can negotiate larger apartment leases, consolidate debt and pool resources for emergency funds, giving them a perceived edge in today’s volatile market.

Social Support Gap Drives Male Urgency

Beyond monetary factors, the study suggests men often rely more heavily on romantic partners for emotional and social support. Geoff MacDonald, a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto who studies singlehood, points out that women generally maintain stronger friendship networks. “Women tend to secure emotional backing through friends and relatives, which may reduce their urgency to move relationships forward,” he said.

Traditional views of masculinity can limit the ways men express vulnerability among peers, Lehmiller added. Without comparable support systems, men may perceive a committed relationship as the most reliable source of connection and well-being. Previous research has linked robust social bonds to lower stress and better mental health, underscoring why men might prioritize formal commitments sooner.

Implications for Relationship Coaching and Counseling

Professionals in the relationship-coaching sector are already observing the pattern identified in the survey. Kyle Scheinkman, director of coaching at Relationship Hero, reports that men comprise the majority of the company’s client base and tend to schedule more sessions. Many male clients seek guidance on how to progress from dating to cohabitation or marriage efficiently.

Coaches and counselors often advise couples to balance financial practicality with emotional readiness. Experts recommend transparent conversations about debt, savings goals and household responsibilities before moving in or tying the knot. Establishing a shared budget and setting clear expectations can mitigate conflicts that arise when decisions are driven primarily by cost considerations.

Changing Stereotypes Around Commitment

The new data complicates a cultural narrative dating back decades, reinforced by romantic comedies and popular media, that portrays women as the ones most eager to settle down. By highlighting men’s heightened interest in accelerating commitment, the study encourages a reassessment of gender assumptions in modern dating.

Analysts caution, however, that the findings do not imply all men want to rush the aisle or that all women prefer to wait. Instead, the survey reveals shifting priorities influenced by economic realities and evolving social norms.

Looking Ahead

As economic pressures persist and social attitudes continue to evolve, researchers plan to track whether men’s preference for quicker commitment grows stronger or stabilizes. Future studies may examine how variables such as regional housing costs or student-loan debt affect relationship timelines across different demographic groups.

For singles weighing the benefits of cohabitation or marriage, specialists recommend evaluating both financial and emotional readiness. Clear communication, joint financial planning and realistic expectations remain essential, regardless of who initiates the conversation about moving faster.

Readers interested in practical ways to manage shared expenses can explore our recent insights on safe spending strategies in the Safe Spending & Discounts section.

INVESTING FOR THE FUTURE

Image credit: Kinsey Institute