Who cheats more in the USA?

Who Cheats More in the U.S.? The Gender Gap Is Shrinking

When it comes to infidelity in the United States, the answer to "Who cheats more?" has long leaned in one direction—men. Despite evolving social norms and greater gender equality in relationships, data consistently shows that men are more likely than women to admit to cheating in marriage.

Recent findings suggest that about 20% of married men confess to having been unfaithful at some point. For women, that number is slightly lower, though not nearly as far behind as it once was. Just a few decades ago, the gap between male and female infidelity was much wider. Today, shifting cultural attitudes, greater financial independence among women, and changing expectations in marriage appear to be leveling the playing field.

Interestingly, while men still lead in self-reported infidelity, the trend is changing. The rate of cheating among women has risen steadily over the past 20 years, narrowing what was once a significant divide. Some researchers attribute this to the rise of dating apps, longer life spans leading to midlife reassessments, and more open conversations about sexual and emotional needs in long-term relationships.

It’s also worth noting that “cheating” isn’t always defined the same way. Emotional affairs, for instance, may be reported differently across genders—women often place higher weight on emotional betrayal, while men may focus more on physical fidelity. This nuance can affect how surveys are interpreted.

Still, the big picture remains: men cheat more, but the difference is shrinking. As marriage continues to evolve—from how it's formed to how it's maintained—so too do the patterns of loyalty and betrayal within it. The old assumptions are fading, and with them, the idea that infidelity is strictly a man's domain.