12 Affordable Date Ideas from a Dating Expert
Guest post from Talia Koren, dating coach and host of Dating Intentionally, a top-rated podcast that helps people approach modern dating with clarity, confidence, and strategy. She's known for cutting through the noise and offering practical advice that actually works.
As someone who went on around 150 dates (not with 150 people) in about a year, I know how expensive going on dates can get. Sometimes, just getting two cocktails each on a date can cost over $80 with tax and tip! I learned quickly that there were so many cheaper alternatives to the classic dinner-and-drink dates that were equally as fun without the bummer of a big bill at the end.
So whether you’re on a budget or just tired of the same old date routine (or both!), here are 12 unique and affordable date ideas that are way more fun and engaging without breaking the bank.
Note: Most of these are not great first date ideas. I’ve marked the good first date ideas with a * but otherwise, first dates are more of a vibe check and are best when they’re quick and simple (coffee, walk, park, etc).
The Best Cheap Date Ideas That Spark Connection
- Go thrifting.
Pick outfits for each other, hunt for weird finds, and see who scores the best gem under $10. It’s pretty easy to attach this activity to coffee or a sweet snack, too.
- *Check out a local museum.
The more niche, the better, like pinball machines, bad art, or neon signs. Weird = memorable. You never know what you’ll learn about your location (and each other). Some museums even have days you can visit for free.
- *Hunt down the best food truck in your city.
The casual vibe keeps it fun, and the food is usually amazing without being super expensive.
- Snacks taste test.
Head to a convenient store or supermarket and grab your favorite snacks, then do a taste test/review together at a brewery or at home. It’s silly, low-effort fun that never disappoints.
- Go on an easy (or hard) hike.
Bonus points for packing lunch together beforehand. This free date allows you to unplug, move your bodies, and enjoy uninterrupted time in nature together. With {THE AND} card decks you never have to worry about running out of things to talk about!
- Trader Joe’s date.
Trader Joe’s is known for fun, quirky and affordable goodies. Go food shopping together, then cook at home. See what you can make for $20 or less in groceries.
- *Visit botanical gardens.
Botanical gardens are a great nice-weather date! You can also check out a bird sanctuary or nature preserve. Beautiful, peaceful, and perfect for wandering and deep conversation.
- *Just dessert.
Go out for ice cream, gelato, or frozen yogurt and turn a sweet treat into a laid-back adventure.
- Try Kidulting!
Kidulting is designed to help adults rediscover the joy of play, featuring two unique decks (Player 1 and Player 2), each containing 50 cards with prompts that encourage playful and spontaneous interactions. Other than the deck, which you can use over and over for various adventures, this date is practically free.
- Setup: Create a comfortable space at home, free from distractions.
- Play: Each partner takes their respective deck and alternates drawing cards, following the prompts to engage in fun and unexpected activities.
- Duration: Customize the length of the game to fit your evening, whether it's a single session or an ongoing challenge over a whole weekend!
- Check out an open mic night.
Who doesn’t love a free performance? You never know what you’ll get at a local open mic, which makes it fun. Some performances might surprise you, and others will give you something to laugh about later.
- Look online for festivals, craft markets, antique shows, fairs, and events to go to.
Local events are usually free or cheap and allow you to people-watch and snack together.
- Get the freshest pastries.
Down for an early morning date? Go to a bakery as early as possible and enjoy freshly baked pastries! This is a cozy, delicious way to start your day together (or just go back to bed).
How to Go Beyond Small Talk on Any Date
The secret ingredient to making any budget-friendly date memorable? It’s not the activity - it’s the conversation. And you’ll always have something meaningful to dive into when you grab a few cards from any [The And] question card deck.
Right now, I’m loving {THE AND} Strangers Edition deck. I grab a few random cards from each category before heading out on date night, turning any date activity into a moment for real, deep connection.
Not sure which deck to start with? Check out {THE AND} Dating Edition!
by Talia Koren
Talia is a dating coach and host of Dating Intentionally, a top-rated podcast that helps people approach modern dating with clarity, confidence, and strategy. With years of experience creating content around relationships and intentional dating, she’s known for cutting through the noise and offering practical advice that actually works. Her work has helped thousands of daters navigate apps, build better connections, and date with purpose.
