How Much Should I Spend on an Engagement Ring in 2026?
Hot Answered
Everyone says spend 2-3 months salary. Is that still valid? What is the average cost?
2 Answers
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Best Answer
The 2-3 months salary rule was a De Beers marketing campaign from the 1930s - not real financial advice.
Average Cost 2026
- Average spent: $5,000-$7,000
- Median spent: $3,000-$4,000
- Millennials/Gen Z: $2,000-$5,000
Smarter Approach
- Do not go into debt for a ring
- Consider her preferences (ask friends/family)
- Moissanite or lab-grown gives 2-5x size for same budget
- Budget for wedding, house, kids too
Spend what you can comfortably afford without debt. A $2,000 ring owned outright beats a $10,000 ring you are still paying off.
1 day ago
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P Planning Peter 2 days agoOne small note: results vary a bit by skin type, in my experience.
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A Amanda W. 2 days agoI had the same question. So glad someone asked.
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As a woman who got engaged last year: we do not care about price tag. We care about thought. My fiance spent $1,800 on lab-grown and it is perfect. Have an honest budget conversation.
1 day ago
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B last weekI wish I had read this a year ago.