When exploring dating options, a common question is, “How much does a matchmaker cost?” Many are surprised to learn that professional matchmaking is more in line with other dating expenses than they might expect. While dating apps may seem like a lower-cost alternative, they come with hidden expenses—not just in fees, but in the significant time investment required to sort through matches and go on dates without potential.
The Hidden Expense of Dating Apps
The average paying app user spends about $5,988 per year on premium subscriptions, while high-end app memberships can cost as much as $30,000 annually. But the true cost of dating apps goes beyond subscription fees; you need to consider your time investment as well.
According to a Forbes survey, the average dater spends 51 minutes per day swiping. For a C-suite executive earning $100/hour, that time investment equates to $2,550 per month, or a staggering $30,600 per year in lost productivity. Suddenly, the true cost of dating apps is not a low investment for love.
For that price, dating apps can offer a high volume of matches, but without guarantees on compatibility, intentions, or long-term potential. Matchmaking, on the other hand, provides a more refined approach—introducing you to carefully vetted individuals who align with your relationship goals while prioritizing privacy and efficiency, ensuring your time is focused only on dates with potential.
The Value Proposition of Professional Matchmaking
Professional matchmaking offers distinct advantages that apps simply can’t match:
- Vetted Matches: Each potential partner is personally screened and selected based on compatibility
- Privacy: There are no profiles, so your personal life can remain that – personal
- Customization: Services tailored to your specific preferences and requirements
- Time Efficiency: Highly aligned matches set you up for success
Selective Search Founder and President Barbie Adler shared with CNBC that our matchmaker cost is well worth the investment – “nothing is bigger or more important than who you’re going to be with for the rest of your life”. Further echoing being unapologetic about the cost of our matchmaking services, in a recent Forbes article, CEO Brad Blettner emphasizes the ROI when investing in love – “the best investment is to find the right partner”.
For busy professionals, matchmaking isn’t just about finding love—it’s about maximizing your most valuable resource: time. Instead of endless swiping and disappointing dates, you get carefully selected matches who meet your standards and relationship goals. When you consider the alternative, the question isn’t “How much does a matchmaker cost?”—it’s “How much is your time worth?” and “When do you want to meet the one?”