Finding love can be expensive: How can you keep costs down?

How much do you spend on dating?

The average single person goes on dates about three times a month, according to VistaPrint.

But the cost of each date can quickly mount up, and many of us will also be spending on things like new clothes and hair appointments so we look our best.

That all means the typical singleton is spending about £2,270 a year on finding Mr or Mrs Right.

So it’s no surprise that many of us are looking for more budget-friendly ways to meet our perfect partner.

How daters are saving money

Money is a very real issue for daters right now.

In fact, more than two-fifths (43%) of single people say financial pressures are influencing how they date.

And almost six in ten (59%) say they’re likely to pick cheaper ways to meet a potential partner.

For example, instead of taking their date out for an expensive meal, 27% prefer to meet for coffee and 31% like to go out for drinks.

How to cut the cost of dating

Getting to know someone shouldn’t have to cost a fortune.

And it’s worth remembering that low-cost dates probably give you more of a chance to really enjoy each other’s company.

Try activities like:

• going for a walk in a local park, nature trail or beach
• visiting a free museum or gallery
• packing a picnic instead of spending money in a restaurant
• going to free local events, like markets, outdoor concerts and community festivals
• attending a low-cost craft workshop, like paint and sip events

They’re affordable, don’t need much planning and give you both a chance to get to know each other.

Finally, be honest about how much you’re willing and able to spend.

Good communication is really important in a relationship.

So if you can’t afford expensive restaurants or gestures like paying the entire bill, it’s worth being open and honest about it.

Who knows? That alone might be enough to impress your date.