{"id":14604,"date":"2023-02-13T17:09:37","date_gmt":"2023-02-13T23:09:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/?p=14604"},"modified":"2026-01-30T13:21:56","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T19:21:56","slug":"8-ways-to-save-money-on-date-night","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/8-ways-to-save-money-on-date-night\/","title":{"rendered":"8 ways to spend less on date night"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you\u2019re cozying up on the couch together with a bottle of wine or headed out to the trendy restaurant everyone\u2019s talking about, date night is an essential part of most relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDate nights are important because they give new couples a chance to get to know each other and established couples a chance to have fun or blow off some steam after a rough week,\u201d says Holly Shaftel, a relationship expert and certified dating coach. \u201cPenciling in a regular date can ensure that you make time for each other when your jobs and other aspects of your life might keep you busy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There\u2019s just one small snag. Or, maybe it\u2019s a big one. Date nights can get expensive.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re focused on improving your finances as a couple, finding ways to spend less on date night is a no-brainer. But you may be wondering: How can we save money on date night and still get that much-needed break from the daily grind?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of ways to conserve cash by bringing just a little creativity into the mix. Here are eight of the best ways to save money on date night:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Share common interests on the cheap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When Shaftel and her boyfriend were in the early stages of their relationship, they learned they were both active in sports. They were able to plan their date nights around low-cost (and sometimes free) sports activities<\/a>, like hitting the driving range or playing tennis at their local park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you\u2019re trying to find ways to spend less on date night, you can plan your own free or low-cost date nights around your and your partner\u2019s shared interests. If you\u2019re both avid readers, for example, even a simple afternoon browsing your local library\u2019s shelves or a cool independent bookstore can make for a memorable time. If you\u2019re both adventurous, check into your local sporting goods stores for organized hikes, stargazing outings, or mountaineering workshops. They often post a schedule of events that are free, low-cost, or discounted for members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Create a low-budget date night bucket list<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dustyn Ferguson, founder of a personal finance blog, suggests using the bucket-list approach to find the best ways to save money on date night. To gather ideas, make it a game. At your next group gathering, ask guests to write down a fun, low-budget date night idea. The host then gets to read and keep all of the suggestions. When Ferguson and his girlfriend did this at a friend\u2019s party, they submitted camping on the beach, which didn\u2019t cost a dime.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\u201cGo out for a nice dinner one week, and the next, go for a drive and bring a picnic.\u201d<\/p>\n