Best Places for Valentine’s Day 

They say money can’t buy love, but it can certainly help express it. This Valentine’s Day, Americans are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on gifts, from greeting cards and jewelry to a special night out, with the average person shelling out about $189.

But showing your romantic side doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right spot and a thoughtful plan, a memorable evening can be both affordable and special.

To help couples make the most of the holiday, WalletHub analyzed 100 of the largest U.S. cities to identify the most romantic and cost-effective destinations for Valentine’s Day. Cities were compared across 25 key metrics, including florists per capita, forecasted precipitation, and the cost of a three-course meal for two.

For more fun and surprising Valentine’s Day stats, check out WalletHub’s Valentine’s Day Fun Facts infographic.

“It’s common to spoil your partner on Valentine’s Day, but inflation can certainly put a damper on those plans. Fortunately, the best cities for Valentine’s Day offer a wide variety of affordable date activities, food options and places to buy gifts, so you can show that you care without breaking the bank. It’s never a good idea to go into debt just to enjoy a holiday or give a gift.”

Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst

In-Depth Look at the Best Places for Valentine’s Day

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is the best place for celebrating Valentine’s Day, in part due to the fact that it has the highest prevalence of affordable restaurants, florists and second-highest gift shops rated at least 4.5 stars. That covers dinner and presents – but the city is also perfect for dates, with an extremely high number of attractions.

If you want to take a romantic stroll on Valentine’s Day, you’ll benefit from the fact that San Francisco ranks as the most walkable city. And for those who like to drink, it surprisingly has one of the lowest costs for beer and wine, when adjusted for the median household income. 

Even if you’re just a new couple and plan to go with some basic cards and chocolate to celebrate, the Golden Gate City tops the list when it comes to card shops and chocolatiers per capita.

San Diego, CA

San Diego is the second-best city for Valentine’s Day, rounding out the list with another win for the west coast. If you want to pamper your Valentine, you could take them on a spa date, since the city has one of the highest number of wellness and spa centers per capita in the country. 

America’s Finest City, as it’s often called, also has a high Google search interest for Valentine’s Day-related terms, and an abundance of affordable restaurants, jewelers and florists. Plus, if you’re looking for a unique place to eat that will make the day memorable, San Diego’s restaurant options are more diverse than those of most other cities.

Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas isn’t just the city of dazzling lights and unforgettable nights – it’s also the third-best city to be in on Valentine’s Day. For those who want to spoil their partner, it has the highest prevalence of affordable jewelry shops rated at least 4.5 stars, plus also ranks at the top for affordable restaurants and florists.

Residents of the Neon City also search for keywords relating to Valentine’s Day gifts, flowers, cards and chocolate more often than people in most other cities, which shows that they care about the holiday and want to make it special.      

Tips for Saving Money on Valentine’s Day

1. Plan a homemade dinner date: Instead of dining out at an expensive restaurant, opt for a cozy homemade dinner date. Cook together and enjoy a romantic meal at home, saving money while creating memories.
   
2. Give personalized DIY gifts: Get creative and make personalized DIY gifts, such as handwritten love letters, photo albums, or handmade crafts. These heartfelt gestures not only save money but also demonstrate thoughtfulness and effort.
   
3. Explore free or low-cost activities: Consider inexpensive or free activities to celebrate Valentine’s Day, such as picnics in the park, stargazing, or scenic nature walks. Enjoying quality time together without spending extravagantly can be just as meaningful.
   
4. Set a budget and stick to it: Establish a budget for Valentine’s Day celebrations and make sure not to exceed it. Plan activities and gifts within your budgetary constraints, avoiding unnecessary expenses and financial strain. Going into debt just to have a better holiday isn’t worth it. 
   
5. Plan ahead for discounts and deals: Buying your gifts early gives you more time to take advantage of sales and special deals from merchants. It also gives you more time to plan out a gift that’s thoughtful.