Inflation is hitting everybody like a truck full of bricks. Everything has become expensive, from grocery items to fares. Date spots and activities aren’t an exemption either, so much so that couples are looking for cheap date ideas to spare their wallets from further damage.
As much as dinners at fancy restaurants sound great, money can pose a problem. Whether you’re a worker getting by with minimum wage or a single parent living on a strict budget, “affordable” is seemingly getting out of reach.
We hear you. We’re even in this predicament ourselves. And with that, we’ve compiled a list of cheap date ideas for couples. They won’t break the bank and make you skimp out on the quality.
Love Comes at a Literal Price
They say the best things in life are free. Love should supposedly be among them. After all, you don’t need a nickel to give and receive one.
But unfortunately, romance comes at a cost—literally.
Soaring prices show no signs of stopping at the moment. And with price tags consistently increasing, some are forced to cut corners. And for them, it’s their dates.
Bills pile up every month, and there’s less money for things that aren’t necessities per se. Therefore, they cut their losses in the dating department, even if it hurts them.
A 2024 survey of more than 2,000 US consumers shared that 65% of active daters admit that inflation has affected their dating lives. 23% of them have tried spending less money on dates, while 21% have decided to go on fewer of them.
How to Date Without Hurting Your Pockets
Dates aren’t getting any cheaper, but that doesn’t mean you should pull the plug on romance. These tips should help you craft budget-friendly date ideas:
#1: Practice transparency from the jump.
We all want to make and leave good first impressions. But the thing is, the time you spend together with your match/partner matters more than your chosen activities.
If you’re worried about expenses, bring up that concern. You should be comfortable enough to mention it. If your date is sensible, they won’t hold this against you.
#2: Set a budget.
What does your monthly budget look like? Can you still squeeze a date night in?
If you already have a sound financial strategy in place, look at how much you can still spend on dates. Once you’ve got a number rounded out, make a plan from there.
But if you don’t have a set monthly budget, don’t panic. Review your essential costs and compare them with your monthly pay. This gives you an estimated amount of leftover money for more flexible expenses.
#3: Find affordable alternatives.
Who says you have to go for broke? Not us! Since you’re in the driver’s seat, you have the choice to avoid the expensive lane.
Lower price tags don’t necessarily equate to diminished quality and experiences. Fun and inexpensive date ideas aren’t boring and uneventful. Most importantly, there are plenty of options to choose from in that category, which we’ll share later.
#4: Use coupons, vouchers, and deals to your advantage.
Let’s be honest; nobody can resist great bargains. In a world of constant inflation, we can all use a win. Never underestimate the power of coupons and discounts.
The internet is a treasure trove of good deals. Explore coupon and discount platforms and go over their options. Just watch out for expiration dates and flimsy conditions for better experiences.
#5: Join membership/loyalty programs.
Let’s say you and your partner frequent certain spots. If they offer memberships or loyalty programs, sign up! They have perks and privileges that are helpful for date nights.
Cheap Date Ideas
Sometimes, the best date ideas don’t involve much spending. If that sounds too good to be true, let these fun and inexpensive date ideas convince you otherwise:
#1: Hit up a local arcade
Are you up for some nostalgia? Get a blast from the past by visiting your local arcade. The machines are the biggest reason they make for fun date places.
An arcade might not be your typical intimate, romantic date spot, but it creates great bonding moments. All you need is luck, quarters, and each other.
#2: Go on a drive
Sometimes, scenic routes are the best destinations. You don’t always need to have specific places to go to. Take the wheel, roll the windows down, and blast your favorite tunes as you drive around.
Go where the roads take you. Just make sure your car has enough gas in the tank for your spontaneous journey.
#3: Host a movie marathon or binge-watch your favorite show
Are you looking for free date night ideas? Start right in your own home.
Put your streaming subscriptions to good use and play a movie. It could be a favorite or something neither of you has seen before. If films aren’t your cup of tea, rewatch that one show you can’t seem to move on from.
#4: Have a cute indoor picnic
We typically associate picnics with the outdoors. If you don’t have the budget to go out or don’t have the garden space, why not do it within four walls? Trust us; it works just as fine.
Dust off that picnic blanket you’ve got lying around. Prepare your favorite finger food and cocktails. Don’t forget to place them all in a cute basket.
#5: Be a tourist in your town/city
If you’re short on cheap first date ideas, hear this one out.
Say you and your lover are from the same city. You may be in the same area, but you likely have different favorites. See your stomping grounds through fresh eyes and pretend to be tourists.
Take each other on a tour of your neck of the woods. Show your favorite spots, best-kept secrets, and other recommendations. This gives them the floor to share their selections. Not only do you get your feet moving, but you also get to know each other better.
…
Cheap date ideas like these (and more) prove that love doesn’t and shouldn’t come with expensive prices. Don’t cut your expenses and romance along with it. Put your resourcefulness and creativity to the test.
Reference
Davis, Maggie. 2024. “65% of Single Daters Say Inflation Has Impacted Their Dating Life.” LendingTree. https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-cards/study/dating-habits/.