When life gets difficult, love (and maybe wine) become more precious.

Research by ING Australia has found that the average single Australian spends $384 per month on three dates.

In total, Aussies splurge $42.8 billion per year on dating – an increase of $31.1 billion since 2017.

ING found people, on average, spent $154 on a first date, including $66.53 on preparations such as new clothes and shoes and hair services.

So who now pays, you might be asking.

The results showed that 76 per cent of women were most likely to split the bill on a first date, but 45 per cent of men expected to pay.

The study involved 1040 Aussies aged 18-plus. It was commissioned by ING and conducted online in May by YouGov.