What does the average American summer cost?

This story version has been formatted as an on-air script for broadcast outlets. See the original research story here.

IS IT GETTING TOO EXPENSIVE TO HAVE A SOCIAL LIFE?

FOR A LOT OF AMERICANS,  THE ANSWER IS YES.

A NEW SURVEY OF 2,000 ADULTS FROM DAILY-PAY FOUND FOUR IN TEN HAVE LOST FRIENDS BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T AFFORD TO KEEP UP SOCIALLY.

THE STUDY, CONDUCTED BY TALKER RESEARCH, ALSO FOUND NEARLY HALF REGULARLY MAKE EXCUSES TO SKIP PLANS INSTEAD OF ADMITTING THEY CAN'T AFFORD TO GO.

AND WHILE THE AVERAGE AMERICAN SPENDS ALMOST 400 DOLLARS ON SUMMER ACTIVITIES OVER A TYPICAL WEEKEND, MORE THAN HALF SAY THEIR FINANCES ARE KEEPING THEM FROM ENJOYING QUALITY TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

SO WHAT ABOUT YOU? HAVE YOU EVER PASSED ON PLANS BECAUSE THEY JUST COST TOO MUCH?

SPENDING OVER A TYPICAL SUMMER WEEKEND, ON AVERAGE:

• DINING OUT (EATING AT RESTAURANTS, GETTING COFFEE, GOING TO BARS, ETC.) — $61
• TRANSPORTATION (TRAIN OR METRO TICKETS, RIDESHARES, GAS, PARKING, ETC.) — $51
• HOSTING GATHERINGS AT YOUR HOME AND/OR SPENDING MONEY BRINGING FOOD OR DRINKS TO SOMEONE ELSE’S GATHERING — $60
• ENTERTAINMENT (GOING TO THE MOVIES, GOING TO A CONCERT, ATTENDING A SHOW, AMUSEMENT PARKS, ETC.) — $57
• OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES (CAMPING, BOATING, HIKING PASSES, FISHING PERMITS, ETC.) — $55
• SELF-CARE AND WELLNESS (HAIRCUTS, SPA TREATMENTS, BEAUTY SERVICES, ETC.) — $54
• ATTENDING CELEBRATIONS AND BUYING GIFTS (ATTENDING WEDDINGS AND BUYING WEDDING GIFTS, ATTENDING BIRTHDAYS AND BUYING BIRTHDAY GIFTS ETC.) — $59

TOP 10 SUMMER 2026 “IRL” ACTIVITIES:

1. GOING TO RESTAURANTS (40%)
2. GOING TO THE PARK, BEACH OR LAKE (34%)
3. MOVIE NIGHTS / GOING TO THE MOVIES (33%)
4. PARTIES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS (32%)
5. GO ON A ROAD TRIP (27%)
6. PICNICS (23%)
7. WEEKEND GETAWAYS (23%)
8. COOKING AS A SOCIAL ACTIVITY/SHARED EXPERIENCE (23%)
9. GAME NIGHTS (21%)
10. CONCERTS (17%)

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans evenly split by generation who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by DailyPay and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between July 1 and July 7, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.