Love can be wonderful, exciting, fun, annnnddddd expensive. According to a new report by ratesupermarket.ca, the average cost of love in 2015 is a whopping $50,339.21!
As listed in this handy-dandy infographic, the combined cost of one year of dating, a one-year engagement, and the average Canadian wedding, totals to that pretty hefty price tag.
Image: collegelifestyles.org
So before you dish out the dough for yet another pricey date night, here are some inexpensive suggestions for showing you care without breaking the bank:
1) Games night: Break out the board games and let your caring-but-competitive side show. Spell her name with Scrabble, take on the Miss Scarlet persona, or get undressed by playing strip poker.
2) Get intimate with a musician: Discover the next Arcade Fire or Mumford and Sons together by heading to a smaller music venue in the city. Venues like The Drake, Garrison, Holy Oak, The Boat, and Dakota Tavern host nightly concerts for cheap.
3) Watch a movie: Get cuddly on the couch with some homemade popcorn and a Netflix account. Or head to the theatre on a Tuesday for cheap night.
4) Head to the market: Whether it’s flea, food, or antique, markets are a great place to stroll through without having to spend a dime. We recommend the Junction Flea, St. Lawrence Market, and the Toronto Underground Market.
5) Rush to the theatre: Theatres often release a handful rush tickets a few hours before each show and they are much, much cheaper. But go early to secure your spot!
6) Go to a gallery: Many art galleries throughout the city are free or PWYC. MOCCA, Analogue Gallery, Power Plant, and The Black Cat are just a few options. And don’t forget that the AGO is free on Wednesday nights.
7) Explore the city: Show each other your favourite spots in Toronto and get to know new ones by traversing the city by foot, bike, or streetcar.
8) Volunteer your time: Share a cause and volunteer with an organization that supports it. Walk dogs at the Humane Society, sort food at the Daily Bread Food Bank, or donate blood at the Canadian Blood Services (okay, that one may be a little weird for a first date).
9) Strap on your skates: Hold hands as you glide around one of Toronto’s many free ice rinks, including at the Harbourfront Centre where DJ Skate Nights happen every Saturday in the winter.
10) Play chef: Show off your skills in the kitchen by making a home-cooked meal. Nothing says “I’m a really good partner” like be able to feed someone.
What’s your favourite cheap date activity? Tweet us at @ClutchPR.
