New study based on 14 metrics has revealed the best U.S. states for singles this Valentine’s
Valentine’s Day has long been marketed as a couples-only holiday, but for millions of Americans, February 14 now looks very different. Singles are increasingly treating it as a chance to date, socialize, or simply enjoy a night out without the pressure of grand gestures or overpriced prix-fixe menus. From speed-dating events and singles mixers to casual first dates and solo nights out, Valentine’s has quietly evolved into one of the busiest nights of the year for dating apps and nightlife venues.
At the same time, the cost of dating has become impossible to ignore. With dinner, drinks, movies, and transportation adding up fast, where you live can dramatically shape how easy and enjoyable Valentine’s Day is when you’re single. In some states, a night out can feel effortless and affordable. In others, it can feel like a financial commitment before the first drink arrives.
To understand where singles truly have the upper hand this Valentine’s Day, Tarotoo analyzed a wide range of dating-related costs, opportunities, and activities across all 50 U.S. states. The result is a ranking that reveals which states make it easier to meet people, go out, and enjoy February 14 without overspending or striking out.
The highest-ranking states share a clear theme: lower costs, better dating odds, and surprisingly strong nightlife and attractions. Rather than being dominated by large coastal hubs, the top 10 is led by smaller, more affordable states where singles can do more, spend less, and meet people more easily.
Wyoming takes the top spot overall, driven by a rare mix of affordability and opportunity. The state ranks near the top nationally for taxi affordability, beer prices, nightlife options per capita, and attractions density. While its share of single residents is relatively low, Wyoming’s extremely male-heavy dating pool and high dating app interest make it one of the most favorable places for singles looking to meet someone new. It proves that population size matters far less than balance and cost.
Nevada ranks second, standing out as the nightlife capital of the rankings. It boasts the highest concentration of nightlife venues per 100,000 people in the entire study, paired with a large single population and one of the strongest diversity scores. While dating costs are higher than in Wyoming or the Dakotas, Nevada’s social scene and sheer volume of dating opportunities keep it firmly in second place.
North Dakota and Montana continue the trend of smaller states outperforming expectations. Both benefit from low meal prices, cheap taxis, and favorable male-to-female ratios. North Dakota’s young median age and high dating app interest help offset its more limited nightlife, while Montana shines for restaurant density and attractions despite having fewer singles overall. In both states, dating around Valentine’s Day is far less crowded and far more affordable than in major metro areas.
Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Delaware are next, where dating costs remain manageable and transportation is consistently cheap. Oklahoma stands out for having the lowest movie ticket prices and late-night food costs in the study, making spontaneous Valentine’s plans far easier. Delaware, meanwhile, benefits from strong dating app interest and competitive dining prices, even if its nightlife scene is more modest.
The final three spots in the top 10 go to Alaska, Nebraska, and Kansas, each offering distinct advantages. Alaska’s dating costs are among the highest in the ranking, but it compensates with the most attractions per capita in the entire study and the most male-heavy dating pool in America. Nebraska and Kansas, while quieter on the nightlife front, score well thanks to consistent affordability, younger median ages, and solid dating app engagement.
