If your idea of a good night out with that special someone involves two movie tickets, two Big Macs, a couple of beers and some cab rides, Toronto and Ottawa are pretty good places to be, according to one of the world’s biggest banks.
Deutsche Bank released its fourth annual survey on the cost of living this week, mapping prices for everyday goods and services -- from the price of a loaf of bread to the cost of housing.
But the report also offers some insight on cost of living it up. The “Cheap Date Index” compares the price of cab rides, two movie tickets, two sets of McDonald’s burgers and soft drinks, and two beers in 31 cities around the world. It uses New York City as the base measure.
Two Canadian cities landed right in the middle of the list. Ottawa came in 15th, with a cheap date costing about $72, followed by Toronto, where a frugal outing will cost you just under $80.
While this might not be a sure-fire way of winning over your future partner, it does show that the “cheap” in cheap date is relative.
Worldwide, the cheapest cheap date can be had in Mumbai for just under $25. Manila and Moscow ranked fairly high -- $40.60 and $43.10 respectively for a cheap date. Mexico City came in at a reasonable $35, while in San Francisco was declared home of the world’s most expensive cheap date. A couple of burgers and brews there will set you back you a whopping $104.
The caveat is that all prices are U.S. dollars and the currency might hold a much higher value in some countries than others.
For Canadian lovebirds really looking to save, a weekend getaway might be better option. Ottawa and Toronto ranked fifth and sixth in the category, averaging 36 per cent less than a weekend trip in New York.
