Who costs more? Women or Men? There are many different angles to the argument. Some might argue men in general like expensive toys. But in parallel women have expensive hobbies too. But overall I think women are unfortunately the more expensive creatures.
Why? If you get your hair done it’s like more expensive than a man’s haircut. Plus while you might not go as often, most men get a cut, women will often get a cut, color, or highlights. Following that line of thought women use more shampoo and conditioner because in general they have more hair then men. Hence they will use a bottle up faster and be more expensive.
Underwear is also more expensive for women. Even if both sexes bought hanes, bra and panties cost more than a pair of boxers. Plus depending on your figure, cheaper bras might not be possible for women who need extra support. And those who need extra support will pay 2-3x as much as a normal bra and still endure back pains and discomfort.
Also women well need birth control and feminine products for a large chunk of their lives. I have yet to hear of men paying for it. One can argue they do after marriage but before? Even in serious relationships men usually don’t pay for it, although one can argue maybe they should.
Another funny thought is toilet paper. I’ve been accused by my DH of using way more than my share. And having a male roommate with his own bathroom, I believe now the evidence is in. Besides the fact when female guests visit our roomie is astounded by the amount used.
Of course men would argue they like electronics/gadgets, sports (golf, event tickets), etc. But many women including myself love those things too on top of our $400 manolo blanicks and prada purses. So are women or men really more expensive?
8 responses so far ↓
1 Mom @ Wide Open Wallet // Apr 9, 2008 at 8:39 pm
I agree that it’s more expensive to be a woman. The average woman also has more clothing and usually more expensive clothing, and don’t forget shoes. Plus, nails, make up, hair products, jewelry, the list is endless.
2 dogatemyfinances // Apr 9, 2008 at 10:36 pm
I agree, except for food. Guys eat more. And all the single guys I know eat out constantly, way more than the single ladies.
3 Livingalmostlarge // Apr 10, 2008 at 3:11 am
But do women eat more gourmet food than men? Do men scarf down fast food and stuff that’s cheap? While women hold out for wine, cheese, etc?
4 Meg // Apr 10, 2008 at 4:52 am
If you are talking about the middle class, I think women are probably more expensive on average. Middle/lower class women will still splurge on cosmetics, haircuts, pharmacy items, more (not more expensive, but more) clothes, and manicures and tanning. Men will largely avoid all such purchases and subsist on little more than more frequent eating out (fast food) and perhaps some flashy car accessories (a one time purchase).
However if you’re talking about upper middle class demographics, I think it’s much more even - or even tipped so that men frequently outspend women. Women may still spend more on haircuts (though men get them more often) and buy more clothing (more, not more expensive). Women also indulge in spa treatments and dinners out. But men will indulge in expensive hobbies such as golf rounds every weekend and regular guys trips to Vegas. And they’re more apt than women to spend on electronics and gaming and DVDs and the like. PLUS they eat out daily, and not just at fast food locales. Their frequent happy hours and sports bar outings almost certainly exceed women’s - and that doesn’t include treating women on dates or in bars. Oh, and men at this income level also love their cars and are apt to spend more on them, their detailing and related accessories.
When you’re looking at higher incomes and bank balances, tampons aren’t going to tip the scales to make women more expensive creatures.
5 Livingalmostlarge // Apr 10, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Except women in the upper middle class don’t work. They lunch with friends, and as a friend once called them “shopper” mommies. Nothing wrong with that, but I think they are more expensive. Between yoga and a housekeeper, nanny, gardener, mommy and me classes, etc.
Not a bad life and one I would not mind at all. Plus you forget these women also love expensive toys and expect way more expensive jewelry than the middle class. They expect to be treated to b and b, weekends away, second homes, driving a BMW, Lexus, or Porshe SUV. Plus they usually their clothes are way more than the mens. Having 20 pairs of prada are not uncommon. $80 makeup or $200 perfume.
A friend of mine spend $400/month on her hair alone. Between cut, color, highlights. That’s not including weekly manicures/pedicures, massages, etc.
Men don’t do that. But I agree men have expensive hobbies. But most women I know who are single in their 30s have NICE cars. They believe in indulging themselves as well. And ann taylor is low end shopping.
6 Barb1954 // Apr 11, 2008 at 4:27 pm
A lot of women who are upper middle class are working women. If they’re spending money, it’s money they earned. Let’s not generalize or stereotype.
8 Fabulously Broke // Apr 14, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Men should help pay for BCs that’s for sure.. but how do you ask for half of it?
Besides, it’s only $25 on my end, so not a huge deal, but he DOES kind of compensate in other ways so I find it fair
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