How Much Is a Mail Order Bride? Let’s Estimate Mail Order Brides Cost

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Mail Order Bride-US

13 min readJun 15, 2024

There is too much confusion surrounding mail order brides pricing, but I’m here to set things straight. Together, we’ll go over all the major expenses you may incur pursuing a relationship with a foreign bride to help you draw up a budget and avoid unpleasant surprises.

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How Much Does a Mail Order Bride Cost?

The cost of a mail order bride depends on dozens of factors, most of which are impossible to predict. What we can do is estimate average expenses based on research and personal experience. To be extra thorough, I’ll go over every major spending category and highlight factors affecting the bottom line the most.

Online Dating Expenses

When it comes to the overall mail order bride price, online dating expenses account for barely a fraction of the bottom line. Frugal daters can stay within a $100 to $200 monthly budget, though the first few months are typically more costly as you seek out suitable partners among thousands of options.

We can roughly split online dating spending into must-haves and additional expenses:

Online dating site membership. Most mail order brides sites use credit packages with prices ranging from $9.99 for 20 credits (La-Date) to $200 for 1,000 credits (SofiaDate). Considering every minute of live chat, email, photo, or video message takes credits, average monthly expenses amount to at least $100 to $200.
Additional expenses. Aside from basic online communication like live chat and mail, you may wish to purchase virtual or real gifts for potential matches. The prices range from $10 to $200+, though if you opt to gift mail order brides electronics or jewelry, the cost may exceed $1,000. Neither virtual nor real presents are by no means a requirement for a successful relationship.

To stay within your online dating budget, monitor your balance, especially if you choose a site that relies on credits rather than a monthly subscription.

Dates and Presents

I could skip this category when estimating mail order brides prices, considering you’d have to pay as much when dating a local girl. Still, I prefer to be thorough, so here’s my take on how much you may spend on going out and treating your lady to nice things:

Night out. An average date costs between $31 and $170 in major cities across the globe. This includes a dinner for two with a bottle of wine, two movie tickets, and a 5-mile taxi ride. But remember that you’ll likely go out with your potential bride every night you visit her in her homeland, so within one week, your expenses can range from $210 to $1,190.
Flowers or gifts. Here, the rates range from $50 for a simple flower arrangement to $1,000+ worth of jewelry, perfume, electronics, etc. I suggest paying attention to the lady’s wishes and interests instead of going with the most expensive option. If she likes houseplants, a rare variety of a potted plant will bring her more joy than a dozen of red roses. I also recommend bringing expensive gifts along on your trip instead of arranging international shipping, as your girlfriend may incur an unmanageable duty charge.

There are always ways to save on dates and presents, but it takes time to do your research and wait for good deals. Decide for yourself if the savings are worth the time spent.

International Travel

Visiting foreign mail order brides is a must in any long-distance relationship, but it’s also the biggest expense category. Whether you have to take a short hop to Mexico or a long-haul flight to Japan, prepare to dip into your savings account to afford:

Roundtrip tickets. Latin American countries offer the cheapest flights, starting at $400, and you can drive to Mexico if you don’t mind a road trip. European flights are also relatively affordable, at around $600, but traveling to Asia will likely require at least $1,000.
Accommodation. The bigger the city and the richer the country, the more a hotel or an Airbnb will cost. Capitals and tourist destinations are typically the most expensive, with rates twice or three times as high as elsewhere in the country. Remember that popular vacation destinations will also require a tourist tax and other additional charges.
Food, transportation, and entertainment. An average daily budget can vary from about $50 to over $200. For instance, if you opt for street food or are willing to cook for youself in your Airbnb, you can halve your expenses. Picking random eateries in high-traffic tourist locations can double them. The same goes for moving around town. Walking is the cheapest option, followed by public transportation, while taxis and Uber are the most expensive alternative.

I suggest you combine your own research with your bride’s recommendations when planning your itinerary. As a local, she’ll know all the best places to visit, but she may not be aware of the most affordable hotels or apartments for short-term rent.

Visa and Moving Expenses

All the spending categories we’ve discussed are pretty flexible, but you cannot get out of paying the full price for immigration services. Here’s how the travel expenses and filing fees affect the mail order bride prices:

K visa fees. US Citizenship and Immigration Services has recently adjusted immigration and naturalization charges. From April 1, 2024, the filing fee for Form I-129F will be $675 (instead of $535), while the processing of Form I-485 will cost $950 (instead of $750). Your fiance will also need to pay $265 for each K-type visa application. If your bride intends to be legally employed, she will need to apply for employment authorization (Form I-675), but she can pay half of the fee ($260) after covering the full charge of Form I-485. On the bright side, biometric services now only cost $30 (instead of $85), and they are included in most filing fees. Combined, all these charges amount to $2,150.
Moving and shipping. Your bride’s one-way ticket to the US should cost between $200 and $1,000, though she may need to pay extra if she chooses to bring more than one bag on her flight. Alternatively, she can opt to ship her belongings using international postal services. Air delivery will cost around $5 per pound and take a few days, whereas shipping by sea will take longer but will also cost two or three times cheaper.

On the bright side, you won’t have to pay all the fees at once, and processing time for each form can take a few weeks to a few months.

Wedding Ceremony

Although the average wedding expense in the US is between $20,000 and $45,000, you’ll have better luck estimating the costs by checking wedding planning subreddits to learn the current rates for:

Venue, catering, tax. The costs depend on the location, venue, and the number of guests, ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 and more. The prices have skyrocketed in 2022 and have been holding as the demand remains strong.
Wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, suits. A designer dress can cost up to $10,000, while each bridesmaid dress is under $1,000. Ready-made suits for the groom’s party are cheaper, but tailored ones fit better.
Photographer, videographer, DJ. Each one will likely take at least $2,000 for their services, but the price may increase depending on their portfolio and the range of services.
Flower arrangements. Expect to spend up to $500 on a bride’s bouquet and double that on bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres, etc. The florist services for the reception will also add at least $2,000 to the bottom line.

By the way, if you want to keep the mail order wife price as low as possible, getting married in a city hall or courthouse is always an option, and the marriage license will only cost you around $100.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Filipino Bride?

Considering the 12 time zones separating the Philippines from the US, Filipina girls could have been among the most expensive of Asian mail order brides, if not for the low cost of living. Here’s a breakdown of the Filipino mail order bride pricing:

Round-trip tickets: About $1,000, depending on your destination and season.
Accommodation: Around $50 daily, though upscale hotels in tourist destinations can cost $100+ per day.
Transportation: Between $10 and $25 per day on average.
Food: Surviving on street food in the Philippines is easy and will cost around $20 per day.
Date expenses: An average date costs around $64, though you may need to splurge for special occasions.
Local wedding: A ceremony in Batangas will cost around $18,000, not much cheaper than in the US.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Thai Bride?

Expect to spend at least $6,800 getting a lady from Thailand. Thai mail order bride pricing includes everything from dating site fees to travel and wedding expenses, including the following:

Round-trip tickets: About $1,100, though the prices can be higher on short notice, especially during the high season.
Accommodation: A standard double room is around $72, but the rates may skyrocket depending on the season.
Transportation: Local buses, trains, etc., are pretty cheap, averaging $12 for daily expenses.
Food: If you’re not picky and seek out establishments catering to locals rather than tourists, you should spend no more than $20 daily.
Date expenses: A nice dinner and a show should cost you around $80.
Local wedding: Hosting a wedding ceremony and reception in Phuket will cost you around $15,000.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Chinese Bride?

According to my estimates, the Chinese mail order bride pricing starts at $6,500, accounting for online dating, travel, and visa expenses. Here’s a more in-depth look at non-negotiable Asian mail order bride spending:

Round-trip tickets: Depending on your airport of arrival, the prices range from $1,100 to $1,300+.
Accommodation: Expect to spend no less than $70 per day on a hotel stay.
Transportation: Unless you want to travel across the country, $20 per day should satisfy your local transportation needs.
Food: Meals are pretty affordable in China, so you can budget about $30 per day for eating out.
Date expenses: In Hong Kong, the cost of a date is around $104, but Mainland China can be more affordable.
Local wedding: Wedding expenses in China have skyrocketed in recent years, reaching an average of $25,000 per couple.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Japanese Bride?

Considering Japan is among the most successful Asian countries with a high cost of living, the Japanese mail order bride pricing is obviously higher than that of other Asian girls. Your mail order wife cost will start at $7,500, including the following expense categories:

Round-trip tickets: Prices start at $1,300 and will be even higher during the summer, especially if you travel to a popular destination like Tokyo or Kyoto.
Accommodation: A stay in a modest hotel will cost about $120 per day, and the price will only go up if you’re looking for a more upscale location.
Transportation: Subway, trains, and buses can get pretty expensive, so plan to spend up to $20 per day.
Food: Budget at lrast $30 per day for meals, though you will need to pay more if you get stuck in tourist-heavy districts of Tokyo.
Date expenses: Japan is the fifth most expensive country when it comes to dates, with an average cost of $122 per night.
Local wedding: An average ceremony and reception in Tokyo costs around $23,000, though you’ll need to pay extra if you choose to follow local traditions.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Mexican Bride?

Although you can get to Mexico pretty quickly, that doesn’t necessarily translate into affordable Mexican mail order bride pricing. The cost averages at around $6,800, accounting for everything from online dating expenses to the wedding. Here are a few more estimates to help you draw up a budget:

Round-trip tickets: You should be able to get to Mexico for under $400, regardless of your departure and arrival airports.
Accommodation: Expect to spend around $100 for a room in a comfortable hotel in a safe neighborhood.
Transportation: The daily transportation budget shouldn’t exceed $20 unless you plan a cross-country trip, though you can save more if you drive.
Food: Your daily meal budget should be about $30 if you’re comfortable eating at establishments frequented by locals rather than tourist traps.
Date expenses: With its low cost of living, Mexico makes for affordable dates with an average check of around $45.
Local wedding: Depending on your venue, the cost of a wedding ceremony and reception can range from $8,000 to $19,000.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Brazilian Bride?

Brazil is among the most successful and prosperous of South American countries, so it’s no wonder Brazilian mail order bride pricing starts at $7,000. Here’s what’s included in this estimate:

Round-trip tickets: Airfare ranges from $600 to $1,000 depending on your destination and season, so you’d better monitor prices to get a good deal.
Accommodation: Location and season will affect your accommodation expenses, but the average rate should be between $90 to $100 per day.
Transportation: Brazil has a well-developed public transport system, which is surprisingly affordable, so your daily expenses should stay within $15.
Food: If you do your research and pick affordable eateries, you should spend no more than $30 on meals every day.
Date expenses: Brazil is on the upper side of the date spending scale among Latin American countries, with an average budget of around $70 per date.
Local wedding: A ceremony and reception in Porto Seguro will cost around $8,000, though you can always save money by picking a simple ceremony at a local civil registration office.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Colombian Bride?

Colombia is among the cheapest Latin American countries with a relatively low cost of living, so Colombian mail order bride pricing should be within the affordable range. Here’s how much you can expect to spend on your visit:

Round-trip tickets: Airfare should stay between $200 and $400, though the rate can tick up during high season.
Accommodation: Hotel prices start pretty low, and you can rent a room for as little as $30, though you shouldn’t expect much in terms of creature comforts.
Transportation: Moving around big Colombian cities will cost you no more than $10 per day.
Food: Meals are just as cheap as public transport and accommodations, averaging at under $20 per day.
Date expenses: Taking a Colombian girl out on a date is pretty affordable and shouldn’t cost more than $50 or $60 if you pick the right venue.
Local wedding: Hosting a wedding in Cartagena will cost you about $10,000, but you need to add in inevitable travel expenses for you and your guests.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Venezuelan Bride?

Estimating Venezuelan mail order bride pricing is quite challenging, considering massive inflation and unstable exchange rates. Besides, the Department of State recommends that American citizens not travel to Venezuela. As such, the numbers below are liable to change:

Round-trip tickets: A trip to Caracas will cost $1,000 on average, with at least one layover.
Accommodation: Affordable hotel prices start at $93 per night, though you can expect to pay up to $150 for a Venezuelan 5-star experience.
Transportation: Moving around in Venezuelan cities should cost you no more than $10 to $20 per day.
Food: Your daily meals budget should also stay within $20, though you can save and spend no more than $5 per day if you’re ready to survive on street food.
Date expenses: A reservation for two in a nice downtown restaurant will amount to around $50 per night.
Local wedding: The lowest rates I could find are within the $1,000 range, though elaborate traditional receptions can cost up to $10,000.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Ukrainian Bride?

Due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, it’s challenging to estimate Ukrainian mail order bride pricing, just like it is for Russian mail order brides costs. Although the Department of State recommends Americans not travel to Ukraine, I tried to provide a rough estimate if you decide to ignore the travel advisory:

Round-trip tickets: Ukrainian airspace is currently off-limits due to the Russian invasion, but you can fly to Poland for around $600 and take a train to Ukraine for about $100 to $200.
Accommodation: A one-day stay in a nice hotel should cost around $35, but remember to choose a place with a bomb shelter.
Transportation: Depending on the city and your preferred mode of transportation, budget $10 to $20 daily, though you may prefer to travel on foot in older cities.
Food: Your daily meal budget should be between $10 and $20, depending on your preferences.
Date expenses: A dinner and a movie in one of Ukraine’s major cities will cost around $50, though the movie can be interrupted by the air raid sirens.
Local wedding: Considering the more affordable cost of living, you should be able to host a classy reception for under $8,000.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Polish Bride?

By my estimate, a Polish bride should cost around $4,500. Let’s unpack this Polish mail order bride pricing, accounting for average travel, dating, and wedding expenses:

Round-trip tickets: As we’ve previously established, airfare to Poland should remain within $600.
Accommodation: A mid-priced Polish hotel costs around $70, but more elaborate options are also available.
Transportation: Polish public transportation is relatively affordable, which should let you stay within a $10 daily budget.
Food: Poland is renowned for its generous portions, so daily meals will cost you around $20 on average.
Date expenses: Depending on your choice of venue, a night out should cost $50 in Warsaw and other major Polish cities.
Local wedding: Polish weddings are typically grand affairs spanning a few days, which drives the cost up to between $9,000 and $13,000.

Conclusion

At first, the mail order bride cost may seem exorbitant, but it’s pretty tame when you add up the money you’d otherwise spend looking for dates and courting local girls. It all comes down to your frame of mind. Think of your first visit to your bride’s country as a honeymoon preview and of immigration charges as an investment into your happily ever after with the woman you love. Besides, when it comes to the wedding expenses, a foreign bride can be less demanding than an American bridezilla.

With my estimates, you should be able to draw up a realistic budget that won’t drain your bank account and ensure you get your perfect bride.

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