Dating can get very expensive, especially in your 20s when you’re just starting your career. Navigating the complexities of relationships is challenging enough without the added burden of financial stress. So, how do different cities stack up when it comes to the cost of dating? Based on things like the cost of drinks, coffee, meals, and entertainment attractions, we’ve mapped out the 10 most & least expensive U.S. cities for dating in this pivotal decade of your life.
With each city offering its unique charm and experiences, it’s essential to know where you can get the most bang for your buck (or heart!). So, whether you’re looking for budget-friendly date ideas or considering a move to a new city, our insights will guide your romantic endeavors.
Key Findings
- San Francisco daters experience the most expensive dating scenes, spending nearly $2,700 yearly!
- Boston romantics aren’t far behind, shelling out just $30 less.
- Birmingham’s young couples enjoy love on a budget, as their city ranks as the most affordable city for dating in your 20s, with singles spending under $1,350 annually.
- In Las Vegas, love shines without the price tag, also below $1,370 a year.
The Most & Least Expensive Cities for Dating in Your 20s
#1 Most Expensive: San Francisco, CA — $2,697 Yearly Cost for Dating
- Ah, San Francisco! The city where tech dreams come to life and love comes at a premium. Between the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the buzzing piers, and romantic sunset cruises, dating in the City by the Bay is an unforgettable experience. But be prepared, as these enchanting moments come with a higher price tag. It costs roughly $227 to get to and from dates in San Francisco in a given year.
#2 Most Expensive: Boston, MA — $2,662 Yearly Cost for Dating
- Boston, steeped in history and filled with cultural riches, offers dates that are both intellectually stimulating and delightfully romantic. From strolling along the Freedom Trail to cozy dinners in the North End, love blossoms in Beantown. However, these charming escapades might require a bit more budgeting. An average meal in Boston costs roughly $100 for two, compared to the national average of $74.
#3 Most Expensive: Dallas, TX — $2,513 Yearly Cost for Dating
- Dallas, where the vast Texan skies meet urban sophistication. Whether it’s a night out at a ritzy restaurant in Uptown or catching a show in the Arts District, dating in the Big D is as grand as the state itself. Yet, elegance and grandeur in Dallas come with their own set of expenses. The average Dallas dater spends upwards of $1,300 on event tickets for a date alone each year.
#1 Least Expensive: Birmingham, AL — $1,345 Yearly Cost for Dating
- Birmingham offers a blend of Southern charm and modern vibrancy. Here, romance thrives amidst lush parks, historical sites, and a burgeoning food scene. The Magic City ensures that your love life sparkles without burning a hole in your pocket. In Birmingham, you can get a cocktail for just $11 — you can only find a cheaper cocktail in just seven cities!
#2 Least Expensive: Las Vegas, NV — $1,363 Yearly Cost for Dating
- Beyond the glitz and glamour of the Strip, Las Vegas harbors intimate spots perfect for budding romances. Surprisingly, in this city of lights, love doesn’t have to cost you all your chips. With a plethora of affordable date options, you can bet on finding love without breaking the bank. Vegas is home to cheap entertainment, with the average ticket for two costing $68.
#3 Least Expensive: Memphis, TN — $1,421 Yearly Cost for Dating
- Memphis, where the rhythm of blues and the aroma of barbecue set the stage for love. From sunset picnics by the Mississippi to groovy nights on Beale Street, dating in the Birthplace of Rock ’n’ Roll resonates with soulful experiences, all while being easy on the wallet. Coffee lovers can snag a cappuccino for under $5, making Memphis a great spot to start your meet-cute.
Full Data
Curious about where your city stands? Explore the interactive table below to delve into the full dataset. From the cost of cocktails to annual dating expenses, discover where your city falls below.
Behind the Numbers: How Twentysomethings Really Feel About Dating
While the cost of dating varies from city to city, so do attitudes and preferences when it comes to twentysomethings.
The age of a potential partner seems to matter differently to men and women. Females, on average, prefer going on a date with someone older, whereas males tend to seek someone their own age. This difference could be rooted in various social and personal preferences, adding another layer of complexity to the dating scene.
When it comes to enjoying the dating process, men claim to have more fun compared to women. The enthusiasm for dating also seems to dwindle as individuals advance through their 20s; those in their upper 20s reported enjoying dating less than their younger counterparts.
Lastly, the frequency of dating and willingness to travel for a date seem to be influenced by the age group. Mid-20-year-olds go on dates the least frequently, with just about 1.87 dates every quarter. In contrast, the upper 20s are the most active, going on about 2.32 dates in the same period.
Interestingly, this older group is also willing to travel almost twice as far for a date — up to 23 miles — compared to just 11.8 miles for mid-20s and a mere 9.9 miles for the younger part of the generation. It seems that as we age, the radius of our search for love expands.
Closing Thoughts
Navigating the dating landscape, especially in your 20s, is both exciting and stressful. As we’ve discovered, some experiences come with a heftier price tag than others.
One milestone that stands out in the journey of love is the engagement. Just as you seek the perfect date, finding the perfect ring is equally paramount. Shane Co. offers a stunning selection of engagement rings to fit every budget.
After all, love is priceless, and finding your lifelong partner makes the expenses worth it!
Methodology
To determine the cost of dating in your 20s in cities across the country, we first began by surveying over 750 Americans that are in their 20s and single to understand their dating tendencies. Once we uncovered the frequency they go on dates, we then multiplied that by common date expenses in every city (extracted from Numbeo and Expatistan) to determine the cost of going on dates in a year.
The “Yearly Cost for Dating” is the sum of the spend for each “type” of date (“getting drinks,” “grabbing coffee,” casual dinner, fancier dinner, or an event (show, sports game, concert, etc.)) in a year and the travel expense to and from the dates.
