The Cheapest Days of the Week to Do Absolutely Anything
Updated: Aug. 15, 2023Plan your week around these major savings, whether you’re buying wine, filling up the tank or going to Disney World!
The best days to save
Like the prices of gas and plane tickets, the cost of many products and services changes frequently. In the winter, you may get the best deal on patio furniture and air conditioner installations, while in the summer, you’re likely to score huge discounts on winter jackets and skis. And it turns out, these pricing fluctuations apply to the days of the week too. Believe it or not, there’s a best day of the week to buy everything from a bottle of wine to major appliances like snow blowers and even a house.
We corralled advice from finance experts and savings surveys to find the best prices on pretty much anything—every single week. For even more tips on how to save, check out our guides on the best time to buy a TV, a mattress and plane tickets. Your bank account will thank you!
The cheapest day to get gas
Gas prices have been through the roof recently, which means you’ll want to be strategic about when you fill up. In 2021, researchers at GasBuddy found that Monday is the cheapest day to visit the pumps in most states, followed by Friday and Sunday. Whatever you do, never fill up on Wednesday or Thursday—that’s when prices are highest.
“Though there is variation in daily gas prices across different states, the consensus is that filling up at the beginning or end of the workweek, on Monday or Friday, is the best way to save money,” says Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “But even if you can’t always time your fill-ups, the golden rule is to always shop around before filling up.”
The cheapest day to buy wine
Although most people host dinner parties on Saturday and Sunday, purchasing wine on those days could cost you. “The cheapest day of the week to buy wine or beer is Tuesday or Wednesday,” says financial planner Michael Ryan, founder of financial literacy website Michael Ryan Money. “This is because most people do not drink wine midweek, so the stores offer their weekly sales then to encourage people to come in.” If you’re looking to bring something a little different to a dinner party, try one of these gifts for wine lovers.
The cheapest day to go to Disney
When it comes to a cheap trip to Disney, every bit of savings counts. Prices vary quite a bit depending on the day and time of year, but if you can, try to plan your trip for a weekday. In 2022, a one-day weekday pass in September starts at $109. A Saturday or Sunday pass, on the other hand, will cost you upwards of $139. Not ready to fork over that cash? Consider these hidden travel gems that are cheaper in the off-season.
The cheapest day to buy a house
The day of the week you close the deal on a home could make a huge difference in your savings. Here, Monday and Tuesday reign supreme. “This is because most people are working and are not able to view houses during this time,” says Ryan. “It is also in between the time sellers are excited about new buyers coming during the next weekend—and the disappointment of not getting an acceptable offer the previous weekend.” It doesn’t hurt that there’s generally less interest on weekdays too.
The cheapest day to buy beer
The best day to stock up on six-packs? Monday. “All types of alcoholic beverages are at their most expensive from Thursday to Sunday, since they are at their highest demand, and Monday is restock day for the majority of stores,” says Carter Seuthe, CEO of Credit Summit. “[That means] Monday is the day of lowest demand and highest supply, which is what drives down the price.” Need some new beverage suggestions? Try these top craft beers from around the country.
The cheapest day to fly
Most people leave for a vacation on a Friday and return home on a Sunday, which is why you definitely don’t want to fly on those days if you’re looking for a deal. The cheapest days to fly the friendly skies are Tuesday and Wednesday for domestic and international flights, according to a Fare Compare study. To save even more, check out these affordable family vacation ideas.
The cheapest day to book a hotel
When it comes to booking travel, earlier in the week is best. “Hotels are at their peak at the end of the week, so you’ll get the best rates by booking at the start of the week,” says Seuthe. “If you book on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, you’ll likely get the cheapest rates.” Staying at an all-inclusive resort can also help you stay within your budget.
The cheapest day to stay in a hotel
Looking for a one-night staycation? You’ll want to book a Sunday night. “Most people are leaving their personal travel on this day from the weekends, and business travelers don’t usually arrive until Monday or Tuesday night,” says Ryan. “Due to this, hotels are usually trying to fill their rooms on Sunday night.” Here are a few ways to avoid hating Sunday nights.
The cheapest day to shop for groceries
While specific days of the week are best for saving on specific items, the best overall shopping days are Wednesday and Thursday. Bread and beer are typically marked down on Wednesdays, and snacks are often cheapest on Thursdays, according to shopping experts. An added benefit is that the store will likely be less packed midweek than on a Saturday or Sunday. Here are more supermarket tricks that will save you money.
The cheapest day to buy a car
You might think that heading to the car dealership on a slow day will make the business more likely to give you a discount … but that’s not what the research shows. One True Car study from 2020 found that the best day to purchase a new car is Sunday, when buyers can save an average of 10% off MSRP. In states where car sales aren’t allowed on Sunday, you’ll want to shop on Tuesday. The day you’ll get the least amount of savings is Thursday.
The cheapest day to buy a laptop
Manufacturers that sell items such as cell phones, video games, televisions and laptops often release rebates and discounts on Mondays, according to TheKrazyCouponLady.com. Retailers tend to pass those savings on to consumers, which makes Monday the winning day for these purchases. You’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled on sale holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Presidents Day and Amazon Prime Day. You can find more information in our guide on the best time to buy a laptop, and you’ll also want to check out this list of affordable laptops under $500.
The cheapest day to eat out with kids
The only thing better than eating out is eating out for free. And if you have kids, that’s totally possible. Many restaurants offer “kids eat free” nights, when you get a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entree. The most common day of the week to find these deals? Tuesday. Chick-fil-A, Denny’s and TGI Friday’s all offer them then.
The cheapest day to go to the mall
If you can hit the shops midweek, you should. “The best day to go to the mall for the best sales is Thursday,” says Ryan. “Retailers know that the weekends are their busiest times, so they usually will release their sales on Thursday.” That means you won’t only get the best price on clothing—you’ll also get the biggest selection. We think this is an excellent reason to take a day off for some retail therapy!
The cheapest day to book a rental car
There isn’t a specific day of the week when rental cars are cheaper to book, but there is a time when you’ll get the best deal. A 2022 NerdWallet study found that customers pay an average of $75 more to book a weeklong rental car three months in advance compared with booking the rental a week in advance. However, NerdWallet travel expert Sally French notes that the best day to book a car rental is the day it crosses your mind. “Most rental car companies allow you to make a reservation to lock in a rate now but don’t require payment until you get to the counter,” she says. “If rental car prices do drop, you can always make a new reservation at the lower rate and cancel your old reservation.”
The cheapest day to do laundry
If you have a time-of-use utility plan that charges more for using electricity during peak hours, then there is a cheapest time of day to do your laundry. According to Tom’s Guide, off-peak times are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. in summer, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in winter. Run your washer and dryer during these hours to get the best deal. If you’re in the market for a new appliance, you’ll definitely want this info on the best time to buy a washer and dryer.
The cheapest day to go to the salon
Your salon may be easier to book and less crowded on weekdays. But if you really want to get a deal, find out which day it offers discounted—or free—haircuts from trainee staff. “Typically, larger hair salons that train staff will offer cheaper cuts on a specific day to give their trainees additional practice,” says personal finance expert Yasmin Purnell, founder of The Wallet Moth. “If you’re confident putting your hair in the hands of someone not fully qualified, this can be a great way to get a bargain haircut.” But regardless of the deal you get, here’s how much you should tip your hairdresser.
The cheapest day to go to a movie
You already know that matinees are heavily discounted. But did you know there’s a day of the week you can score a major deal too? AMC Theaters offers Discount Tuesdays every week (tickets currently go for just $5). Regal Cinemas also offers discounted movie tickets and 50% off popcorn for members of its Regal Crown Club on Tuesdays. Also, if you’re a frequent movie-goer, consider getting a MoviePass to help save while you enjoy the best upcoming movies in theatres.
The cheapest day to book a cruise
According to a study from CruiseWatch.com, cruise prices drop the most on Thursdays. But for the very best deals, booking a cruise is something you’ll want to do during a specific time of year versus on a specific day of the week. So, when should you book? “It’s called ‘wave season,’ and it takes place from January through March,” says Katie Roberts, a consumer analyst with DealNews, a shopping comparison site. “During this time of year, travelers can expect to find deep discounts on cruise rates, or extra amenities, including perks like beverage packages.” That way, you can hit the seven seas with extra cash in your wallet.
The cheapest day to get married
A weekday wedding may not be ideal, but it will save you major cash—especially if you say “I do” on a Tuesday. “Saturday tends to be the most popular day of the week to get married, and with that demand comes higher prices,” says Roberts. “Friday and Sunday may be slightly cheaper, but because they’re still connected with the weekend, when many people are off of work, you can still expect them to be pricier than a day during the middle of the week.” Need to pop the question first? This is the best time of year to buy fine jewelry.
The cheapest day to do home improvements
A key way to save on home improvement projects is to time them properly. For example, making an addition to your home is cheapest in winter, when it’s easiest for builders to pour concrete. The cheapest time to renovate your kitchen is during the winter holidays, when contractors’ workloads are lower. The good news is that you don’t have to peg your work to a specific day—all of winter is good in this instance. The best time to buy new appliances, on the other hand, is during 4th of July, Black Friday and Labor Day sales.
The cheapest day to hire a landscaper
No one wants to be woken by the sound of lawn mowers on a Saturday or Sunday morning, which is why those days just might be the most affordable ones to book a landscaping service. “The best time to have landscaping done in terms of price is during the weekend,” says Sarah Ross, a financial adviser and the cofounder of CocoLoan. “Weekdays usually are the time when there is a high volume of people seeking landscape services because they are not at home, so they wouldn’t be bothered.” Many people also want their yards in tiptop shape ahead of weekend parties, leading to an even higher volume of midweek clients, she notes. Want to DIY it? Here’s the best time to buy a lawn mower.
Sources:
- GasBuddy: “What Is the Cheapest Day of the Week to Buy Gas in 2022?”
- Michael Ryan, financial planner and founder of financial literacy website Michael Ryan Money
- Carter Seuthe, CEO of Credit Summit
- The Krazy Coupon Lady: “Kids Eat Free Restaurants: Your Comprehensive Guide”
- True Car Adviser: “The Best Time to Buy a New Car”
- NerdWallet: “Which Is Cheaper: Booking Rental Cars in Advance or Last Minute?”
- Tom’s Guide: “This is the cheapest time to do your laundry and save money”
- Yasmin Purnell, founder of The Wallet Moth
- Cruise Watch: “Always Book a Cruise on Thursdays”
- Katie Roberts, consumer analyst with DealNews
- Renovate with Character: “Best Times of the Year to Renovate Certain Parts of the Home”
- Sarah Ross, financial adviser and cofounder of CocoLoan
