Strapped for Cash? Consider a Costco Food Court Date

There are certain financial disadvantages to being single. You don't have someone to split the rent or mortgage with, and you can't share the cost of travel by booking a single hotel room that both of you pay for equally. 

Being single can also be financially draining when you factor in the cost of dating. Recent data from Match.com reveals that single Americans are spending a collective $117.4 billion annually on dates. That amounts to $1,560 a year per person.

If you're tired of draining your savings account to keep up with dating, there may be a better solution. And you just might find it at your local Costco.

When Costco's food court comes to the rescue

If you shop at Costco regularly, you're no doubt aware that the stores' food courts offer a variety of menu items at extremely reasonable price points. For example, it's hard to beat the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo. And even if you want to spring for a slice of pizza, that'll generally run you just $1.99 for a giant portion.

Meanwhile, the cost of restaurant food increased 7.1% between July 2022 and July 2023, according to the Consumer Price Index. That means it's more expensive than usual to take a prospective romantic partner out to a restaurant.

Of course, the cost of a restaurant meal will hinge largely on factors such as what type of establishment you choose to dine at and what you order. Loading up on alcoholic beverages and appetizers will no doubt drive your bill up, as will choosing a restaurant where the typical entree is $30 or more. But even if you stick to lower-cost restaurants, you won't get anywhere close to the cost of a meal at a Costco food court.

At an Applebee's in Central New Jersey, for example, a fiesta lime chicken entree costs $16.49. Meanwhile, a chicken bake at the Costco food court will cost you $3.99. And while you can argue that the Applebee's entree is larger, the Costco chicken bake is pretty darn filling in its own right. And if not, you can buy two for half of the Applebee's entree price.

It's more than a matter of saving money

The Costco food court may not exactly provide the ambiance you're after in the context of a date. And you may need to put up with screaming children, frazzled shoppers, and the occasional poke from an overloaded shopping cart if you choose to dine there. 

But from a money-saving perspective, it's hard to beat the prices at the Costco food court. So if you have a membership, why not suggest it the next time you're scheduling a date?

Not only might a Costco food court date save you money, but it might also give you key insight into the person you're meeting up with. If they're cool with the idea of a Costco food court date (or, better yet, enthusiastic), it's a sign you've found someone who's low-key and not too materialistic. But if your date scoffs at the idea of meeting for food at Costco, then they may not be an optimal match for you to begin with.