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10 Ways To Keep Your Entertainment Budget Under $100/Month
Netflix. End of post.
In all honesty though, I’ve been getting some serious backlash for suggesting that someone living in New York City could keep their entertainment spending under $100/month.
For clarity and context, I propose a $100 entertainment budget in my most popular post, “How Much Do You Need to Live In New York City?” – the purpose of which is to demonstrate that the cost of living (even in NYC) is far more reasonable than people assume, and far less than reported averages… if you want it to be.
So yes, of course you can spend more than $100 on entertainment each month – easily. But you can also spend less – easily. The point is, there are more than enough opportunities available to live well on any entertainment budget and limiting yourself to $100 for monthly fun is far from impossible, especially in New York City.
How To Keep Your Entertainment Budget Under $100/Month
- Happy Hour
At an average of $5-7 per cocktail, I can afford to indulge in happy hour weekly- bonus when there’s a food special to go with it. With ample low cost happy hour opportunities, I’ll admit it’s easy to get carried away and make a habit of post-work drinks, so I also institute the occasional at-home happy hour, which works out to be even cheaper (and an entertaining way of cooking dinner).
- Specials
Happy hours aren’t the only entertainment specials to enjoy- lunch specials, weeknight specials and event specials abound – particularly in cities with multiple venues on each block vying for business. Check out Time Out’s list of Cheap Eats for NYC bites that are special worthy round the clock.
In New York City, you can go see a Broadway show for thirty to forty bucks using rush, lottery or standing room specials. You can take advantage of pay what you wish policies and special free hours at top museums and attractions to enjoy world class culture free (or almost free) of charge.
- Coupons
Speaking of specials, don’t forget to check your coupons! That’s right – coupons are not just for the grocery store anymore. You can find promos on everything from your favorite late night hot spots to laser tag to kayaking excursions. If you’re stumped for ways to stretch your entertainment budget, sign onto deal sites like Groupon or LivingSocial and type in your location. You’ll likely be overwhelmed by the ample low cost options boasting high entertainment value.
- Meet Ups
Connect with like-minded folks in your area using sites like MeetUp and Nearify. Events range in cost, but many are completely free – ranging from outdoor movie screenings to scavenger hunts to good old fashioned conversation.
- Classes, Lectures and Seminars
Discover local events, classes and seminars through sites like Eventbrite. Retailers like the Mac Store and Lululemon also provide complimentary community classes at top locations- check the website and social media accounts of your nearest location for schedule information.
- The Library
If you’re not living in a big city with tons of event offerings, take a look at your local library or town hall website. The “calendar” or “community events” section can prove fantastic resource for finding free and affordable entertainment.
In New York City, the public libraries host free classes daily, ranging from yoga to computer fundamentals. Not to mention all the books, CDs, DVDs, periodicals and other entertainment that can be borrowed free of charge.
- Tours
I’m a big fan of touring my own town, having spent countless hours winding the streets of the West Village, walking the Brooklyn bridge and biking the Hudson river promenade – I often satisfy my taste for entertainment with no more than a little meandering.
Those who prefer more structure though can enjoy guided tours in cities around the country by utilizing services like those offered by freetoursbyfoot – which true to its’ name offers free walking tours. According to Yelp and TripAdvisor reviews, they seem to be pretty good too.
- Check out the Future Pros
Whether it’s stand up comedy or baseball, checking out the amateur, semi-pro and even lower cost professional scenes is a great way to enjoy quality entertainment on a budget.
A ticket to a Staten Island Yankees game for example, can cost as little as ten bucks. Catch some improv (and the likely future of SNL) at The PIT or Upright Citizens Brigade. Sample the latest up and coming bands in bars around Brooklyn for the price of a drink or two.
- Volunteer
I know not everyone will consider volunteering a source of entertainment, but considering how much giving back is proven to increase happiness, I consider it one of the best forms of entertainment available.
In addition to helping others, volunteering often comes with a host of added perks- connecting with new people, staying active, even advancing career prospects.
- Freebies
Along with free attraction hours, no cost museum days and various complimentary classes, concerts and events – there are many more freebies to be enjoyed with abundant entertainment value.
Google is always a trusty tool with a simple search of “free” followed your location yielding results more often than not. Nowadays tons of websites specialize in rounding up the best freebies in locales all over the map. My personal favorites in NYC are TheSkint and Brokelyn.
So what do you say, do you think you can play it away on less than $100 per month? What are your top strategies for keeping your entertainment budget in check?
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June 15th, 2015 at 7:43 am
Got to love libraries… and Netflix. 🙂
The cost of living in the big city might be higher but there are also so many more opportunities for free (or very nearly) entertainment that can’t be found elsewhere.
Swings and roundabouts, I guess.
June 15th, 2015 at 8:47 am
It’s funny how cities have that dichotomy between high cost of living and top access to affordable resources.
June 15th, 2015 at 7:53 am
Awesome list!! I can understand why you would get backlash for the under $100 a month statement but that’s only coming from people who take no time to research and have no creativity. If there was any city on the planet that you could be entertained for less than $100 a month it’s NYC. There are SO many free and inexpensive events and activities, it just takes planning and creativity.
June 15th, 2015 at 8:48 am
I think planning and creativity is always what it winds up boiling down to 🙂
June 15th, 2015 at 8:43 am
Great list Stefanie! Like has been mentioned, I can understand the backlash, on one level, but it just goes to show you how few actually do the little bit of research required to see what options/opportunities there are out there for entertainment. When I lived in Chicago there were always a ton of things to do that required little to nothing to do and know NYC is even more so the case. Heck, in most places, I’d think that would be the case – you just have to spend the time to find it and be willing to do it.
June 15th, 2015 at 8:46 am
I too understand some immediate aversion to the idea of $100 entertainment budget, but in the context of deciding whether to move to the city or not, it’s a small trade off, especially with all these freebies. That’s the great thing about cities- so many resources!
June 15th, 2015 at 8:55 am
We only budget $50 per month for entertainment. I know,we’re cheap 🙂 Our local library has a museum pass you can borrow to visit local museums for free. We bought the kids season passes for Six Flags for Christmas (it was less than $50 each) since that seems to keep them entertained over the summer.
June 15th, 2015 at 9:04 am
You guys are rockstars. Great to know that it’s not only doable, but you’re also DOING IT!
June 15th, 2015 at 9:18 am
Great tips! I live in the Chicagoland area and try to keep my entertainment budget well under $100. I live for free events, Groupons and happy hour specials. It can definitely be done if you are determined and creative enough.
June 15th, 2015 at 10:51 am
Dollar slice, yo!!! Haha, I watched a lot of Casey Neistat vlogs over the weekend.
I love doing groupon, never ordering expensive drinks at restaurants (or desert), and staying in unless I really want to do something. I’ve stopped going out ‘just because’. It was expensive and boring most nights.
June 15th, 2015 at 11:22 am
Agreed about Netflix. Hubby and I are always unsure how people need more than the billion shows that are available over the air and on Netflix…? We have a budget of $300 for our family of 7, and we never have a problem staying under budget. We know that it’s one of the first things that we could drastically cut if needed. I’ve often thought about how we could do cheap entertainment and still make a day of it, and it would totally involve time at the library, the park, popcorn and a new goldfish at petZoo, and a round of 50 cent cones at DQ. Boo ya!
June 15th, 2015 at 12:08 pm
These are great ideas! I would usually just stay inside when I need to save money on Entertainment. Finding good deals is a much better option.
June 15th, 2015 at 12:33 pm
LA is the same way. If you want to, there are TONS of free or cheap ways to entertain yourself here! And yes I love netflix too! 🙂 When I went to NY we did the lottery and on the same day we won tickets to Newsies, then the Book of Mormon in the evening. The tickets were $30/$25 respectively, and the BOM it was front row center!
June 15th, 2015 at 12:48 pm
Rush tickets to theater productions are a great perk of living in NYC. My brother lives there and he is able to go to the theater to try to get tickets and if he can’t, no problem. He tries again next week. Unfortunately this doesn’t work if you’re visiting for a weekend.
I also like the happy hour suggestion. Sadly happy hour is illegal in puritanical Boston.
June 15th, 2015 at 1:21 pm
I have a Meet Up account, but I haven’t used it. I really think there is enormous benefit to be had from getting around like minded people – especially when it’s free (or very inexpensive). I think it’s a hidden gem of the internet and a great way to connect with people. I want to do it with other bloggers / online entrepreneurs.
June 15th, 2015 at 1:40 pm
People over look fun times at the library. Since I’ve been on this journey to becoming debt free my daughter and I frequent the library and we really enjoy it.
June 15th, 2015 at 2:22 pm
I’m all about activities outdoors. Sure, it can be expensive to start outdoors activities but once you buy everything you are set to go!
June 15th, 2015 at 5:48 pm
I’m from the PNW so I feel very fortunate that we’re able to take advantage of local hikes and parks with our kids (when it’s not raining of course). There are always affordable options out there if you’re willing to seek them out. At the end of the day it’s the things that money can’t buy that provide the best form of entertainment. Good people and conversation.
June 15th, 2015 at 11:36 pm
I think another big one – especially among friends in the arts – is swapping. I go to lots of shows and events for free because friends are working them and get me in. And I’m totally down to reciprocate whenever possible. Use your network – for more than just work.
June 16th, 2015 at 6:33 am
Anyone could spend zero if they really wanted too and they had other priorities for their money. Using the excuse you can’t live on less than $100 on entertainment living in NYC is just a rationalization because entertainment is more important than other financial goals. It really is about where you want to spend your money,
June 16th, 2015 at 4:53 pm
Libraries and Netflix. With our busy schedules and super active 2 year old, there’s really nothing else we need besides these two things. You’re absolutely right, you can spend very little on entertainment if you want to.
June 17th, 2015 at 5:31 am
Of course we can. What I do is I watch Netflix stories (that’s it). Now, I am rewatching Sense8. Been a fan of this series since it came out. Thanks for the tips Stef btw.
June 17th, 2015 at 8:20 am
My favorite (in winter as well as summer) in NYC is Coney Island. As cold as it is in the winter, the Russian community makes much more of an appearance as do other Coney Island locals. In the summer, you have the free dance party Saturday evenings as well as ample time – but less space – to roam the boardwalk or get some sun on the beach.
A close second in NYC for the summer is Governor’s Island. Just being there is an experience in itself!
Stef’s right; it’s so easy to keep it cheap but it’s equally as easy to get up and end your evening with a bill in the 3digit range.
June 17th, 2015 at 8:20 am
Keeping our entertainment budget low has been fairly easy this summer. The neighborhood pool is open which means all my kids want to do is swim. We pack a cooler and head over there most weekend days.
June 17th, 2015 at 7:18 pm
Don’t forget movie screenings. The alternative weekly papers had the most offers in Seattle and it’s similar here in Phoenix. But you can generally pick up passes in person at a specific store or send a postcard. You have to show up early and BYOC (bring your own candy), but it’s a great free time.
June 17th, 2015 at 7:48 pm
Sitting on my deck with friends having a drink or two while we just shoot the breeze with Tiki Torches lit, and Sirius Radio playing. I could do that every weekend!
June 19th, 2015 at 8:32 am
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Good luck with the move!
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