Dating can easily end up being an expensive sport: Dinners, drinks, gas, or movie tickets, as well as various other expenses depending on the type of outing, add up and can easily exceed our available budget. Especially if inflation is added to the equation, our bank account will soon be feeling the pinch.

The dating app Plenty of Fish recently published its annual list of dating trends for the coming year. A survey of more than 8,000 users found that 48% of millennial singles or Generation Z singles suggest dates during the first few days of the month, when they are likely to have more money from their paychecks. This results in a phenomenon called «dating binge,» defined as a period when we go on many dates in quick succession.

As for Generation Z, they have adopted a different approach, which seems much more constructive and balanced: they arrange less expensive dates. This starts with what they will eat and drink, to how far they will travel from home and what activities they will fill their time with.

«Concerns about inflation dominate the headlines of news websites and newspapers, and, unsurprisingly, singles are not immune to this,» says Plenty of Fish dating expert Kate McLean. «So it's no surprise that singles are choosing to hang out in parks when there are great restaurants around,» she adds.

Dating expert Yasmin Diaz says that the current economic climate has made her clients more cautious about who they choose to go out with, carefully considering whether the person will be worth their time and money.

Before the pandemic, «singles took more risks,» Diaz explains. «Multiple lunch and dinner dates throughout the month were the norm.».

However, due to inflation, dating has evolved quite differently. Dating consultant Lily Woble says that the trend of «fixed dates» is not so bad. However, it is somewhat dangerous for our wallets, as going on expensive dates puts financial pressure on us without even giving us the chance to evaluate all potential matches.

«After all, when we are under financial pressure, it shows on the outside, while less pressure can mean more fun and deeper connections,» adds Gumble.

Our cheaper dates also get us out of the awkward situation of «who's going to pay,» while such a proposal, in fact, requires more creativity.

It's easy to make a date full of fanfare seem special. But a more affordable date can actually reveal more about the person we're with and how compatible we are.

Ideas for more affordable dates include:

One walk in a picturesque neighborhood or a hike in nature
One coffee in a charming café
Attending a cultural event, such as a performance or concert with free admission
A walk in the park with the pets ours (if we have any)
An atmospheric picnic
A bike ride
One evening filmat home with popcorn
A delicious meal we prepare at home
A tour of an art space with free admission