Save money, rent movies instead

Assuming you live in North America, which if you’re reading this is probably a given, you probably go to the movies. Some more than others, surely. It’s no secret that filmgoers spend a lot of money.

Let’s break it down.

The average movie ticket in 2018 was $9.11, which is an increase from 2017’s $8.97. Let’s also say you have a date. That’s two people. That’s $18.22 per movie.

Obviously, you can’t just go to a movie. One must always visit the concession stand for some mid-movie grub. The staples of the film-going experience are popcorn and soda. And if you’re human, you will get a large popcorn, covered in butter with at least one salt packet on top. Naturally, you’ll purchase a large soda. It must be large to match the popcorn. Consistency is key to happiness, after all.

Here’s the important bit: The average price of a large popcorn is $8.49 and the large soda is $6.07. In total, you’re spending $14.56 on concessions.

Let’s total these together.

$18.22 + $14.56 = $32.78

A single movie-going experience will cost you, on average, $32.78 USD. The average amount of time any individual goes to the movies is about four times a year.

$32.78 x 4 = $131.12

Blockbuster and Hollywood Video have long been tossed into the dustbin of history. Some might be praising God for this, but this doesn’t leave you with a lot of cheap, easy-to-access choices with regards to movies. Here’s one that works perfectly: Redbox. Redbox is fairly easy to find. Chances are there’s a Walmart or 7-11 that has a rental kiosk conveniently located near your home.

Depending on the desired video quality (DVD or Blu-ray), you’ll spend $1.75 to $2 per movie, per day. Don’t worry about popcorn and drinks. Go to Target and buy a box of Orville Redenbacher microwaveable popcorn for $3.89 and a two-liter bottle of Coca-Cola for a $1.79.

Look at the numbers:

$1.75 + $3.89 + $1.79 = $7.43

It’ll cost a whopping $7.43 USD for a movie and concessions. Now, multiply that by the number of films viewed.

$7.43 x 4 = $29.72

By switching over to the cheaper movie experience you’ll save $101.40 from the original $131.12. That’s a 77% savings.

If you can stand to not be in the first person on your Facebook page to see a new movie, viewing movies from your home is significantly cheaper and can be done from the comfort of your favorite easy chair, sofa or bed. Invite a couple of friends over and you’ll all save even more.

Derek San Filippo

Derek San Filippo

Derek is a freelance writer who spends his off time either working with his rescue animals or writing children’s books. He lives in San Diego with his beautiful wife ... Web: www.financialfeed.com Details