31 Free and Cheap Date Ideas for Affordable Romance

During times of inflation and economic hardship, many struggle with the cost of dating. Infla-dating is a new popular form of dating in which couples choose to go out on cheap dates as the cost of living rises.

Young couples as well as older couples can benefit from feeling less pressured financially. It’s reassuring to know that there are ways to have fun times together and not break the bank.

This article explores why dating on the cheap is popular now, cheap dating ideas in your town and at home, and the age-old debate of who should pay for first dates.

Why Is Dating on the Cheap Popular Now?

It gets expensive picking up the tab for multiple dates at pricey restaurants while you’re a bit tight financially. And payments to keep looking attractive and for Uber rides home also add up. Factor in the added financial pressure dating creates for single parents and older people on a fixed income and no wonder people seek ways to minimize costs while dating.

Here are common reasons people are opting for cheap dates:

• Inflation has taken a toll on their monthly budget.
• They’re working part-time or have gig work.
• They’re working full-time, but their bills have increased.
• They have higher and unexpected housing costs.
• They’re currently unemployed.
• They’re on a budget.
• They’ve lost money in the stock market, on crypto, or in other ways.
• They’re saving for a household appliance, tuition for a family member, or a special event.

It’s good to be vigilant about what you spend on dates. And the good news is dating doesn’t have to go on hold or be a problem for you due to limited finances.

Fun, Cheap Date Ideas You Can Do in Your Town

1. Have a picnic on the beach
2. Discover a new food truck in a funky neighborhood.
3. Hike with your pets around a lake.
4. Enjoy free concerts in your local park.
5. Take the elevator to the tallest building in your city and share the best view.
6. Explore museums on their free admission days.
7. Volunteer at an animal shelter, school or food pantry.
8. Take a free or inexpensive class together.
9. Window shop or go antiquing.
10. Attend street fairs and block parties.
11. Take a train, trolley or ferry someplace and appreciate a new perspective.
12. Slow down by fishing in a nearby river or stream.
13. Fly a kite in a field.
14. Attend an author reading at a bookstore.
15. Hit up a dive bar.
16. Take a scenic or historic walking tour.
17. Spend Sunday at a farmer’s market.
18. Bike ride at sunset.

Inexpensive date ideas for when you want to stay in

1. Learn a TikTok dance together.
2. Play a video game, chess, Scrabble or cards.
3. Make art. Paint a mural on your garage or tackle a DIY project.
4. Cook dinner together.
5. Borrow a friend’s karaoke machine and have a sing off.
6. Share poems, song lyrics or a book you like. Read aloud to your date.
7. Have a spa night and pamper each other.
8. Stargaze. Find a telescope or library book about constellations.
9. Plant a garden.
10. 9 Plan a scavenger hunt.
11. Go through family photo albums.
12. Write love letters to each other.
13. Have desserts in bed.

Who Should Pay For First Dates?

The dating site Elite Singles tapped their database to survey over 300,000 American singles about who they thought should pay for a first date. Findings showed 63% of men thought they should pay and 46% of women thought men should pay.

But there is no consensus by psychologists or dating experts on who should pay on a first date. Traditional etiquette says the person who extends the invitation should pay, others say for heterosexual relationships the man should pay on the first date, still others say the first date should be split between the two parties.

Who should pay on subsequent dates is not clear either. Some say the bill should be split while others say the person who makes more money should pay. Ultimately, it depends on the couple, and if the person who makes more money wants to pay, that's fine. However, generosity feels good too so there is nothing wrong with alternating who pays from time to time.

The Impact of Financial Conflicts

Worries about money are bad enough if you’re alone. It’s compounded when you’re in a relationship. Conflicts about finances are a top source of friction in romantic relationships.

One study’s findings show that most couples’ fights about money deal with concerns about fairness and perceived responsibility, and the disagreement over minor purchases.

Not only is it troublesome in relationships, but financial stress can adversely affect your mental health. Scientists found that income loss and financial strain were uniquely associated with depressive symptoms and the exacerbation of these symptoms over time.

In abusive type situations, for example, if a partner is hiding purchases or assets or committing financial abuse by controlling their partner’s ability to acquire, use or maintain financial resources, the results can be even further anxiety-inducing and stressful for the victimized partner.

Talking to Your Partner about Money

Don’t underestimate the power of communication, even during times of financial strain. Though the subject matter may be difficult, research shows that couples who spend a larger part of their time together talking reported greater satisfaction, perceived more positive qualities in their relationships, and felt closer to their partners.

California-based Amy Keller, PsyD and MFT, says,  “If you deal with things with honesty, maturity and vulnerability, you can discuss almost any difficult money matter.”

Dr. Amy, as she is known, related a personal anecdote. “When my husband and I first started dating, we had a regular Wednesday night salsa dancing date. One night he told me he couldn’t make it. I called him back asking if something had come up or if there was anything that we needed to talk about. To my great surprise, he told me he had not been paid for a big job, had no money to take me out on a date and was embarrassed to tell me.

That night we created a simple picnic in the park from items we already had in our refrigerators. We turned on music and had our own salsa also under the stars. Looking back, that was one of the most romantic and magical dates we had ever had! 

That simple confession reinforced my trust in him and like the Grinch's heart, mine grew three sizes that day. I knew intuitively that I’d always be able to trust him when it came to discussing matters of money and of the heart.”