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Whether you’re single or in a relationship, there’s nothing better than a good date. From romantic dinners and movies, to fun sporting events and dance classes, the possibilities really are endless.
That doesn’t necessarily mean your wallet is endless, though. When you factor in cab rides, food, venue covers and more, you’re looking at a pricey night.
But have no fear! We have the solution for you.
Taking into consideration the average cost of groceries, transportation, miscellaneous goods and services, cheap outdoor activities and entertainment, and more, we found the 20 Best Cities for an Inexpensive Date.
After reading this list, your love life and wallet will thank you!
20. Lexington, Virginia
Located in north central Virginia, Lexington starts off our list thanks to its variety of wallet-friendly (and entertaining!) activities and dining options. Take a romantic stroll down one of the scenic trails, soak in the history at one of the museums or get to know each other’s likes at one of the art centers.
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 92.1 | 92.1 | 91.7 |
What to do:
Virginia’s Natural Bridge and Caverns, Hull’s Drive-In and Lime Kiln Theater
Where to eat: Colonial Dining Room, House Mountain Inn and The Red Hen
19. Brownsville, Texas
Nicknamed “The Green City,” Brownsville, Texas will be saving you a lot of green on your next date. And whether it’s a Monday or a Saturday, there’s “always a fiesta” happening in this great city.
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 88.6 | 95 | 91.4 |
What to do:
Brownsville Farmers Market, The Camille Playhouse and the Gladys Porter Zoo
Where to eat: The Vermillion, Johnny Carino’s and El Pollo Loco
18. Salina, Kansas
With the motto “Right place. Right reason. Right now,” there’s hardly a more perfect place for a romantic and inexpensive date than Salina, Kansas. Let this small town with big-city charm take your love life to the next level.
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 86.9 | 94.7 | 93.1 |
What to do:
The Salina Community Theatre, Prairie Lavender Farm and Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
Where to eat: Martinelli’s Little Italy, The Cozy Inn and Hog Wild Pit BBQ
17. Temple, Texas
Not only is Temple “The Wildflower Capital of Texas,” but it’s also an awesome city filled with awesome date ideas that are guaranteed to satisfy your SO and go easy on your wallet.
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 83.7 | 97.9 | 92.8 |
What to do:
Temple Symphony Orchestra, In the Mood Ballroom and Railroad and Heritage Museum
Where to eat: Megg’s Cafe, Schoepf’s Bar-B-Que and Dynasty Chinese Restaurant
16. Richmond, Indiana
Sometimes called “the cradle of recorded jazz,” Richmond, Indiana should also be called “the cradle of affordable dates.” This wonderful city also has a thriving Amish community, so you’ll never run out of unique things to try.
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 83.3 | 98.4 | 91.7 |
What to do:
Civic Hall Performing Arts Center, Gennett Records Walk of Fame and Cardinal Greenways
Where to eat: Galo’s Italian Grill, Ainsley’s Cafe and Harbor Bar and Buffalo Wings and Rings
15. Pryor Creek, Oklahoma
Originally named Coo-Y-Yah, which is Cherokee for “Huckleberry,” Pryor Creek, Oklahoma is a romantic and nature lover’s dream, especially for those who like to save. The Pryor Creek Golf Club even offers rates of just $10 a day during certain months!
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 95 | 86.6 | 91.5 |
What to do:
Rabbit Studio Gallery, Mid-America Industrial Park and The Christmas Train
Where to eat: Billy Sim’s Barbecue, Mazzio’s and Goldie’s Patio Grill
14. Amarillo, Texas
Fourteen is Amarillo’s lucky number — it’s the 14th most populous city in Texas, and it’s #14 on our list of inexpensive cities for dating. Do things the Texan way and go bigger with your love life in Amarillo!
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 89.9 | 92.1 | 90.8 |
What to do:
Amarillo Botanical Gardens, American Quarter Horse Museum and Historic Route 66
Where to eat: Coyote Bluff Cafe, Hoffbrau Steaks and 575 Pizzeria
13. Paducah, Kentucky
Nestled in the far left corner of Kentucky lies Paducah, an adorable town filled with just as many adorable date ideas for couples of any age, particularly the artsy types!
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 94.8 | 96.6 | 91.3 |
What to do:
Paducah Main Street, River Discover Center and The Yeiser
Where to eat: Doe’s Eat Place, Flamingo Row and Shandie’s Restaurant and Bar
12. Cookeville, Tennessee
According to Wikipedia, approximately 25,000 people travel to Cookeville every day to work, shop or attend school, but we’d bet most of those people are also traveling to this charming city because they know it’s a great place for great dates!
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 86.7 | 87.5 | 98.2 |
What to do:
Cummins Falls State Park, Bryan Symphony Orchestra and Cumberland County Playhouse
Where to eat: Cheddar’s, Nick’s and Crawdaddy’s Grill
11. Muskogee, Oklahoma
Home to the Castle of Muskogee, our 11th best city for date nights is sure to sweep you off your feet, therefore allowing you to sweep someone else off their feet.
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 98 | 80.8 | 93.5 |
What to do:
Three Forks Harbor, Five Civilized Tribes Museum and Honor Heights Park
Where to eat: Miss Addie’s Cafe, Boomarang Diner and Pisano’s Pizza
10. Fort Smith, Arkansas
With a nickname like “Hell on the Border,” you can bet Fort Smith, Arkansas brings its A-game when it comes to dates, whether it’s the first or the 50th!
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 92.5 | 87.9 | 91.7 |
What to do:
Fort Smith History Museum, Mount Bethel Winery and the parks
Where to eat: Rolando’s, Calico County and Whole Hog Cafe
9. Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi is the fourth Texas city to make our list, but it certainly won’t be the last! Whether you know it as “The Sparkling City by the Sea” or “The Real Windy City,” Corpus Christi won’t let you down when it comes to inexpensive and fun dates.
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 82.4 | 93.3 | 96 |
What to do:
Corpus Christi First, Bridge Walk and South Texas Music Walk of Fame
Where to eat: Brewster Street Icehouse, Executive Surf Club and Waterstreet Seafood
8. Knoxville, Tennessee
Some say “it’s a hard knock life,” but that’s certainly not the case in Knoxville, Tennessee, especially when it comes to dating! Not only does K-Town offer all the Southern hospitality you could ask for, but it’s also a city full of culture and diversity, which add a lil’ somethin’ somethin’ to any date.
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 91.4 | 84.2 | 95.1 |
What to do:
Ijams Nature Center, Sunsphere and Knoxville Museum of Art
Where to eat: Shuck Raw Bar and Ale, Oodles Uncorked and Downtown Brewery
7. Louisville, Kentucky
, Kentucky may be the “gateway to the South,” but it’s also the gateway to our hearts. When you’re in this amazing city, you know anything is possible when it comes to life and love.
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 81.6 | 96.9 | 91.9 |
What to do:
Actors Theatre of Louisville, Jim Beam Distillery and Louisville Nature Center
Where to eat: Harvest, The Mayan Cafe and Ramsi’s
6. Martinsville, Virginia
Martinsville, Virginia’s motto is “a city without limits,” and that couldn’t be more accurate. With Martinsville by your side, you can kiss all your dating fears goodbye!
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 94 | 82.9 | 93.2 |
What to do:
Philpott Marina, Martinsville Speedway and Smith River Trail System
Where to eat: Checkered Pig BBQ, Papa’s Pizzeria and Wild Magnolia
5. Waco, Texas
Texas does it again, but now it’s time to give Waco the recognition it deserves. Waco is considered “the heart of Texas,” and it definitely lives up to its reputation, especially for those lovebirds out there.
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 81.8 | 97.6 | 90.5 |
What to do:
Dr. Pepper Museum, Cameron Park Zoo and The Grove Belton Ghost Town
Where to eat: George’s, Vitek’s BBQ and Cafe Homestead
4. Round Rock, Texas
Round Rock is “the sports capital of Texas,” but this gorgeous city also offers a variety of affordable date options that include art, nature, music, history, fine dining and more.
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 81.9 | 87.6 | 97.6 |
What to do:
Round Rock Sports Center, Forest Creek Gold Club and Halina Spa
Where to eat: The Salt Lick, Fire Bowl Cafe and Mighty Fine Burgers
3. Wichita Falls, Texas
Aptly nicknamed “Falls Town,” Wichita Falls, Texas will have you falling in love (or reigniting the love!) in no time thanks to its parks, restaurants, theaters, walking trails, museums — the list goes on and on!
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 91.9 | 82.5 | 87.4 |
What to do:
Backdoor Theatre, Kemp Center for Arts and River Bend Nature Center
Where to eat: Parkway Grill, Pelican Surf Club and El Mejicano
2. McAllen, Texas
You’ll find McAllen in the Southern tip of Texas, but what you’ll find in the actual city are a ton of date ideas that will woo your date or SO without breaking the bank. From the world’s best nature tourism to thrilling outdoor recreation to high-quality art attractions, McAllen and the people of the city definitely live life to the fullest.
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 79.8 | 92.4 | 84.3 |
What to do:
Quinta Mazatlan, International Museum of Art and Science and McAllen Entertainment District
Where to eat: Santa Fe Steakhouse and Cantina, My Blue Onion and El Divino
1. Harlingen, Texas
No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. That’s five Texas cities in a row, but the state can’t help itself — it’s just so awesomely cheap and romantic!
Harlingen is no exception, what with its unbeatable nightlife, entertainment opportunities, museums, gardens and more.
| Grocery costs | Transportation costs | Miscellaneous goods and services costs |
| 81.5 | 88.7 | 79.1 |
What to do:
World Birding Center, Creasey’s Bowl and the several parks
Where to eat: La Playa Cafe, Colletti’s and Fast Track’s Bar and Grill
Note: The cost of living numbers for each city is based off the U.S. Census Bureau’s cost of living data sheet. The number is based off a scale in which 100 represents the average cost of living in the U.S. If a city’s cost of living is below 100, then that city’s cost of living is lower than the average across the U.S.
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