Long-distance couples spend a combined average of nearly $7,000 ($6,888) on travel to see each other over the course of their relationship, according to new data.

In a recent online survey of 761 couples who plan to move in together in the next few years, which was conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Mayflower , almost half of those polled (48%) were currently in long-distance relationships.

According to the data, while romance is naturally part of moving in together, the rising cost of travel is playing a major role in couples’ housing decisions.

In the study, nearly three-quarters of long-distance respondents (74%) admitted that the cost of travel to see their partner influenced their choice to move in together — a pattern researchers are calling the Long-Distance Tipping Point.

In a recent online survey of 761 couples who plan to move in together in the next few years, almost half of those polled (48%) were currently in long-distance relationships.…