68% of Gen Z Say Going Out Isn't Worth the Cost; 62% Skip Weekend Plans Altogether

A July 2026 Harris Poll survey found 68% of Gen Z adults say going out isn't worth the financial cost, and 62% avoid weekend plans altogether to dodge financial regret. The pullback reflects persistent cost-of-living pressure forcing a generation to ration leisure dollars at the weekend level. Consumer-facing businesses reliant on nightlife, dining, and group outings face cohort-level demand compression driven by budget arithmetic, not lost appetite for leisure.