They don't cost anything, if you don't spend anything. I get a date a month (Honestly, you can get more, if that's your thing.)out of using sites, some work better than others and you really have to stand out, anymore. Standing out isn't hard, especially if you can say more than "Hi" or "Hello".
Dating services are too superficial for my taste but it is what it is. Would rather get to know people and have things grow naturally then to feel like im shopping for someone.
making friends outside your typical group i suppose. Its a lot easier to find guys into anime than women it seems from my observations. Even harder to find someone that lives close enough
Dating apps tend to cost you a lot of money for very little yield.