Things are expensive these days!  Dinner and a movie have never exactly been cheap!  This means that dating has never been more expensive.

Daters are spending about 40% more on dating compared to a decade ago, according to a Match report released in November.

Maybe you’ve decided just to date less to save money. eHarmony’s end-of-year and 2023 dating trends report, 47% of singles have passed on a date due to their personal financial situation.

50% of single millennials and Gen Zers have decided to “infla-date” by going on budget-friendly dates.

(Video Courtesy of WKYC Channel 3)

Dating experts think the infla-dating trend could benefit more than just your bank account. Going on a less expensive date takes some of the pressure off.

In other words, it pays to go on a cheap date. No pressure, you get to know each other better! It’s not a bad thing! Remember, quality not quantity!

Go to a local art museum.
Donate a couple of bucks and enjoy what your community creates!

Stage a DIY paint and sip
We all know those paint and sip classes, right? Super romantic and fun, but when I went to book it for a first date it was minimum $65 per person! And that’s not including wine and snacks!  YouTube is your friend!

Go to a bookstore
Meet up and walk around to the genres you individually like. You can each pick a book to buy, get a coffee or tea from the cafe, and hang out and get to know each other.

Go kayaking
In most cities there are similar companies that rent out small boats, or you could even take a ferry somewhere fun, even if it’s simply to grab a drink at a dive bar. Being outdoors makes it feel low-key, and there’s lots of great people watching as a conversation starter. Pro tip: Don’t rent a boat for more than 1.5 hours.

Head to a drive-in movie
A drive-in movie allows you to talk, unlike going to a movie theater.

Go to the race track
It’s high-speed fun and you’ll have great convo!

Stretch that imagination!!