San Francisco tops list of most expensive cities for Valentine’s Day dates
San Francisco is the most expensive city in the United States to celebrate Valentine’s Day, according to a January 2026 study by digital entertainment platform JB.com. The report analyzed the average cost of a “perfect date,” including dinner, wine, entertainment, flowers, and gifts. The study focused on typical couples and excluded luxury spending.
JB.com found that couples in San Francisco spend an average of $372 on Valentine’s Day. The high cost is driven largely by restaurant prices and flowers, making the city the priciest destination for the romantic holiday. The findings highlight how Valentine’s Day spending continues to rise across major US cities.
How US cities compare
New York ranked second with an average Valentine’s Day date cost of $371. Entertainment prices were a major factor, with movie tickets for two averaging $60, while restaurant meals cost about $140. Flowers and chocolates added nearly $160 to the total bill.
Boston placed third at $349, followed closely by Washington, DC at $348. In both cities, couples spend heavily on dining and gifts, with flowers alone costing well over $100 on average. New Orleans rounded out the top five, with couples budgeting about $327 for dinner, wine, and romantic presents.
Dallas and Austin stood out for flower prices, with a dozen roses costing around $125, the highest in the country. Other cities in the top 10 included Seattle, Los Angeles, and Miami, where Valentine’s Day date costs exceeded $300. The study shows that even mid-range celebrations now carry a significant price tag.
What’s driving higher Valentine’s spending
According to JB.com, Valentine’s Day spending is no longer limited to romantic couples. The company said about 32% of consumers plan to buy gifts for friends, the highest share recorded. More than half of Americans now view Valentine’s Day as a celebration of both romantic and platonic relationships.
The shift has expanded spending beyond dinner dates to include brunches, coworker gifts, and group outings. As a result, total Valentine’s Day costs continue to rise across cities. JB.com said the trend reflects changing social habits and broader celebrations during the holiday week.
