Where to Live While Looking for Love: The 15 Most Affordable Cities for Singles
It’s hard to find love in the big city, and even harder to afford the cost of dating.
An average Los Angeles date will set you back $148.22, reports LA Weekly. That number includes two movie tickets as well as dinner, drinks and “two cappuccinos.”
Just want a nice dinner with wine and dessert? Be prepared to pay $88, unless you and your date go Dutch.
But take heart, lonely singles — and save money. GoBankingRates has a list of the 15 most affordable cities for singles. Is your city on the list, or is it time to think about moving?
Find Love in Chattanooga, Memphis or Reno
Here are some of the highlights from GoBankingRates’ list (all numbers represent average costs):
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis has the most affordable housing of the 15 cities listed, with rent at 63 cents per square foot.
Use the money you save to take your date out on the town; you’ll pay $85.60 for “a bottle of wine, dinner for two, two movie tickets and a 10-mile taxi ride.”
However, be prepared to put some of those savings towards staying fit, because a gym membership costs $40/month.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Head east for an even less expensive date night; your wine+dinner+movie+taxi combo costs only $78, making River City the most affordable date option on the list.
But you’ll see those gains at the gym when you pay $49 a month for your membership.
Reno, Nevada
If you’re looking to save money overall, try The Biggest Little City in the World. GoBankingRates calls it the most affordable city for singles with rent at 86 cents per square foot, a $20.67/month gym membership and a $97.30 date night.
Check out GoBankingRates’ full list to see all 15 cities. Is yours on the list? Let us know!
Don’t Want to Move? Learn How to Be a Great Cheap Date
Don’t want to pack everything up and move to Memphis, Little Rock, St. Louis, or any of the other cities on GoBankingRates’ list? Don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to save money on dates, even in a major metropolitan area.
Start with our list of 100 free things to do in the summer, or check out our 11 dates for cash-strapped parents.
Once Cupid’s arrow hits, use our list of 50 Valentine’s Day gifts under $5 to keep the love — and savings — flowing.
And when wedding bells ring, use our 101 creative ways to save money on weddings to start your new, financially prudent life together.
Your Turn: How much do you usually pay on a date?
Nicole Dieker is a freelance writer focusing on personal finance and personal stories. Her work has appeared in The Billfold, The Toast, Yearbook Office, The Write Life and Boing Boing.
