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Long-distance couples spend a combined average of nearly $7,000 ($6,888) on travel to see each other over the course of their relationship, according to new data.<\/p>\n
In a recent online survey of 761 couples who plan to move in together in the next few years, which was conducted by Talker Research on behalf of\u00a0Mayflower<\/a>, almost half of those polled (48%) were currently in long-distance relationships.<\/p>\n According to the data, while romance is naturally part of moving in together, the rising cost of travel is playing a major role in couples\u2019 housing decisions.<\/p>\n In the study, nearly three-quarters of long-distance respondents (74%) admitted that the cost of travel to see their partner influenced their choice to move in together \u2014 a pattern researchers are calling the Long-Distance Tipping Point.<\/p>\n These findings highlight the emotional, interpersonal and financial challenges of long-distance dating, as well as couples\u2019 nuanced motivations for moving in together in the coming years in an increasingly challenging financial climate.<\/p>\n One respondent summed this up well by saying their greatest difficulties in a long-distance relationship have been \u201chigh travel costs, missing physical proximity and feeling disconnected from daily life.\u201d<\/p>\n In the survey, the average long-distance dater also said that three months would pass between visits to see their partner, making connections and quality time challenging.<\/p>\n Knowing that, it comes as no surprise that moving in together comes up quickly when dating, with the average couple reporting they brought this topic up 10 months into dating, regardless of how far they live from their partner.<\/p>\n Looking at moving motivations more broadly, there are a range of reasons couples are combining households in the coming years, with love and romance (68%) naturally topping the list.<\/p>\n Other top motivators include wanting to try out living together before thinking about getting married (36%), lowering household costs and combining their cost of living (31%), the rising cost of travel (25%) and wanting to live in a locale that better matches their shared interests (23%).<\/p>\n Some who plan to move in with their partner in the near future aren\u2019t exactly sure where they\u2019ll live quite yet, but, for those who do, most (60%) diplomatically talked about the pros and cons of each party moving and made the decision that way.<\/p>\n And an adventurous 6% actually flipped a coin to decide who\u2019d move where.<\/p>\n \u201cOur research shows that for many couples, the decision to move in together isn\u2019t just about romance; it is also a practical response to the rising cost and strain of maintaining a long-distance relationship,\u201d said Eily Cummings, vice president of communications at Mayflower. \u201cWhen couples are spending thousands just to stay connected, combining households becomes both an emotional milestone and a smart financial step forward. At Mayflower, we\u2019re seeing more couples take that next step sooner, and they\u2019re looking for a partner they can trust to guide them through every stage of the move.\u201d<\/p>\n The survey looked to uncover how couples planning to move in together in the near future are making this major transition logistically.<\/p>\n According to results, many will have friends and family pitch in and help (42%) and some (23%) will pack everything themselves, but hire movers to load and unload.<\/p>\n Nearly a fifth (19%) plan to fully outsource the job to a full-service moving company, with long-distance couples (22%) naturally being most likely to go this route.<\/p>\n One in three survey takers (32%) admitted that they\u2019ve experienced a \u201cmoving mental breakdown\u201d in the past because the process was so overwhelming. Out of all generations, Gen Z (39%) were the most likely to report previously experiencing this.<\/p>\n But despite anxiety being a commonly reported emotion around moving (31%), the results showed that people see the positives more than the negatives: 85% say moving excites them, with 63% saying it gives them hope.<\/p>\n \u201cOur survey makes it clear that moving is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for couples taking a big step together,\u201d Cummings said. \u201cThat\u2019s why many are turning to full-service movers to reduce stress and stay focused on what matters most: starting their life together. As one of America\u2019s most trusted movers, we\u2019re committed to supporting customers every step of the way, bringing experience, care and reliability to one of life\u2019s biggest moments.\u201d<\/p>\n Research methodology:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Talker Research surveyed 761 Americans in a relationship who are planning to move in with their partner in the next 5 years who have access to the internet;<\/strong>\u00a0the survey was commissioned by\u00a0Mayflower<\/strong>\u00a0and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between\u00a0Feb 18 and March 9, 2026.<\/strong>\u00a0A link to the questionnaire can be found\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR\u2019s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research\u00a0Process and Methodology page<\/a>.<\/p>\n Full research findings are published at:\u00a0mayflower.com\/research\/long-distance-couples-moving-in-together-2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNavigating the Complexities of Modern Dating<\/b><\/h2>\n
Long-Distance Couples Key Stats<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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TOP\u00a0 REASONS COUPLES ARE MOVING IN TOGETHER<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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