It’s that time of year again, when everything — from your local grocery store to television commercials turns unapologetically mushy. With Valentine’s Day around the corner if you are wondering what partaking in this holiday may mean for your wallet, a recent nationwide survey may help you plan your spending better.
A just released report by Curacao-based JB.com — a digital entertainment platform that offers gaming and leisure experiences breaks down what taking someone on a date can cost around America.
The report finds that San Francisco is the most expensive city in the country to celebrate Valentine’s Day. On average, couples in San Francisco will have to shell around $372 for this romantic celebration. The estimated cost of a date includes food and drinks, entertainment, flowers and more. Most of this expenditure is estimated towards a three-course meal, averaging at $145. Flowers are not cheap either in this Californian city; partners can expect to spend $105 for a dozen roses.
For the most part, the research focused on average couples and their spending patterns. To keep the findings relevant to a broader demographic, the study did not include ultra-luxury options.
Dallas and Austin, two popular Texas cities, ranking as expensive date spots may come as a surprise, given that the average cost of living in both cities is slightly below the national average. However, the survey reveals that if you are planning to buy roses this Valentine’s Day, that small gesture could set you back $125 for a dozen roses.
New York ranks second in the most expensive place and this comes as no surprise, given it placed in the top 10 for most expensive entertainment. Average entertainment ticket for a movie night can cost over $60 for a couple in New York. The research estimates that a restaurant run afterwards can cost around $140, making it comparable to San Francisco. But buying flowers in NY may be tad easier than in Texas will $98 on average for a dozen roses. A chocolate box to finish the romantic present will take another $60.
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Amongst some of the other major cities to make it in the top ten expensive date night spots is also Boston, MA, in third place. Here a perfect date for Valentine’s Day requires almost $350.
Restaurants and movies are cheaper here than in New York, requiring about $150 for both. A big bouquet can be found in Boston for $120 on average, while a coffee date and a Valentine-themed box of chocolates will add $62 more. Washington, D.C., follows closely behind Boston with an average cost of a Valentine’s date at $348. The evening in the restaurant with three-course meals costs $138 on average. Those who want to give a romantic present here will need $165 more for flowers and sweet treats.
New Orleans is another surprise entry and rounds up the top five, with couples budgeting $327 for a perfect Valentine’s date. A romantic dinner here is more expensive than in Washington or Boston, costing around $134, Flowers in New Orleans are priced at $98 for a dozen roses, helping to make a big romantic gesture.
The JB study also found out that across the country, the Valentine’s Day trend has expanded beyond just a couples’ celebration. The spending pattern around this holiday proves it. The survey revealed that around 32% of people are buying gifts for friends this year making it the highest ever.
Other interesting findings include that over half of Americans say Valentine’s Day celebrates both romantic and platonic relationships. People are also budgeting for Valentine’s brunches, coworker treats, and friend group dinners in the same week, so the overall celebration costs are higher than ever.