We’re often led to believe that higher prices mean better quality, taste, convenience, or durability, however, that’s not always the case—sometimes, more affordable options can be just as good, if not better, than their expensive counterparts. This article showcases some surprisingly budget-friendly items and alternatives that prove you don’t need to spend a fortune.
Physical Board Games
Don’t be tempted to pay for downloadable games or in-app purchases on your smartphone, especially if you don’t live alone. Classic or modern board games are a fantastic way to spend quality time with friends and family and can be infinitely more fun and social than solo online play. You can pick these games up cheaply at thrift stores and rotate them among your friends.
Camping
Not everyone has the adventurous spirit necessary for camping under the stars, but proper equipment and preparation can make it a fun, fulfilling experience that allows you to experience nature and learn self-sufficiency. National and state parks often have campsites available for a fraction of the price of a hotel room, so why not enjoy the simple pleasure of sleeping outdoors?
Free Walking Tours
If you’re exploring a new city, check for any free tours before shelling out for a paid one. Free Walking Tours by Locals is a European company that offers enthusiastic, local knowledge of famous cities like Madrid and Prague at no cost to you whatsoever. They offer unique, charismatic tours full of hidden gems, without the clock-watching or capitalistic extras.
Picnics
While it may take a bit more planning and preparation (and good weather), a picnic is the perfect option for eating out on a sunny day. Pack a picnic basket full of your and your family’s favorite finger foods and head to a local park, beach, or lakeside spot. It doesn’t need to be fancy. Cheese, cold cuts, sandwiches, salads, fruits, and a bottle of wine can be a delicious option.
Generic Painkillers
While unbranded headache pills might not be more effective than expensive alternatives, they’re much easier on the wallet and work identically. So long as the active ingredient is the same and the strengths match, you won’t tell the difference between branded and unbranded products, such as a $5.00 box of Panadol and a $2.00 strip of paracetamol from Costco.
Public Libraries
Variety Magazine found that the average American spends $61 per month on streaming services like Amazon Prime and Netflix. Yet you can get a public library card for free and access a treasure trove of entertainment and knowledge, including books, audiobooks, DVDs, ebooks, music, and video games! You may even meet fellow enthusiasts while picking one out.
Homemade Pizza
While not everyone has the time and the cooking confidence, making pizza dough at home produces a superior pizza with a fresh and tasty base that only requires the cheapest of ingredients—flour, water, yeast, and sugar! You can also customize your toppings and crust to your exact preferences while saving money on expensive pizza restaurants and delivery services.
Park Recreation
Do you have an expensive gym membership that leaves you feeling uninspired and imprisoned? Many parks and recreation departments offer affordable fitness classes (like yoga, pilates, swimming, and weight training), many of which are held outdoors when weather permits. Exercising in nature or with others is far more enjoyable and motivational than slogging it out at the gym.
Local Festivals
Apollo Academy reports that “the average price of a concert ticket has increased from $90 in 2018 to $120 in 2023.” Yet many towns and cities host free or low-cost festivals throughout the year that offer unique bands and original acts at a fraction of the cost of more professional alternatives. These festivals are often great for families and offer local cuisine and crafts, too.
Volunteer Work
Do you have too much free time and often spend money on shopping sprees or expensive activities? Try volunteering some of your time instead. Not only is it free, but it can also be a rewarding experience that can make you feel like you’re making a positive impact. There are countless options, from animal shelters and soup kitchens to community gardening and mentoring.
Baking Your Own Bread
Even without a breadmaker, baking bread is relatively simple and cheap, especially once you know what you’re doing! Store-bought bread is not only more expensive, it’s less fresh, and has more salt and other additives than anything you make at home. Let’s not forget the smell of freshly baked bread and the fact that you can customize your recipes to suit your tastes.
Second-Hand Clothing
Shopping at thrift stores and consignment shops is a sustainable and budget-friendly way to update your wardrobe, and you are sure to be rocking some original garments that no one else has! Much second-hand clothing is gently used, of good quality, and a fraction of the price of similar garments found in department stores. You just need patience and a keen eye!
YouTube Workouts
There’s a wealth of free workout videos available on YouTube, catering to all fitness levels and interests—you only have to deal with the occasional advertisement. In contrast, Bark.com states that the average personal trainer costs $30–80 an hour in the U.S. Whatever you’re into—be it Zumba, yoga, HIIT, or strength training—you can find an online teacher with a style that suits you.
Local Farmers’ Markets
Grocery stores may offer peak convenience, but they often fall short when it comes to taste, competitive pricing, and freshness! Farmers’ markets are the way to go for the most recently picked, best-quality, and ecologically friendly produce. You won’t just be making your meals more delicious either—you’ll be supporting local producers rather than lining the pockets of big business.
State Parks
The glitz and excitement of theme parks can be alluring, especially for children, but there is beauty and awe to be experienced in America’s numerous wildernesses and state parks. Unlike artificial, man-made attractions, state parks have minimal fees and offer unique activities and scenic landscapes for hiking, swimming, camping, fishing, or simply relaxing in nature.
Free Online Courses
We’re not suggesting that a free app can replace a college degree, but the sheer variety, affordability, and convenience of e-learning are impressive, particularly when you compare the cost with more traditional learning. If you want to try a new language, hone your cooking skills, or start computer programming, entry-level internet courses are a fantastic resource.
Stargazing
You don’t need an expensive, high-powered telescope to enjoy the night sky’s natural beauty and learn more about our universe. Instead of a costly trip to the movies, escape the city lights and head to a dark location on a clear evening for a breathtaking view of the night sky. You can even download free apps to help you identify constellations and planets.
