Conversation hearts, 3D printed roses and twee cards — if you’re head over heels for all things Valentine’s Day, here’s to hoping that you live in one of the top cities that’s not afraid to whip out their wallets for V-Day. The data team at Mint.com looked at the 10 largest cities in the country and did some number crunching, studying how much, on average, residents spent on romantic gifts, spa days, lavish dinners and luxury hotels for Valentine’s Day. Here’s the countdown of the most romantic cities, at least when it comes to spending big in the hopes of making cupid proud.
10. Atlanta, GA: (Spa + Massage: $49, Gifts: $69, Hotel: $201, Restaurant: $28)
The lowest spenders on average for Valentine’s Day, Atlanta makes up for it with gorgeous weather, renowned restaurants and its stunning botanical gardens. Being in the south, there are plenty of quaint B&Bs graced with elegant architecture that would make for a perfect romantic night away. (photo via Fotos by Fola)
9. Los Angeles, CA: (Spa + Massage: $53, Gifts: $69, Hotel: $172, Restaurant: $32)
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and hit the coast for one of the many luxurious resorts that overlook the ocean. Sign up for a couple’s massage or spend quality time in a jacuzzi, and you’ll forget all about your city being number nine on this list. (photo via One Love)
8. Philadelphia, PA: (Spa + Massage: $48, Gifts: $71, Hotel: $188, Restaurant: $31)
When you live in the city of brotherly love, romance and history can be found around every corner. Maybe that’s why this city doesn’t spend too much money on V-Day, but it really doesn’t matter since there are delicious restaurants and stunning hotels year-round. (photo via 34st)
7. Washington, DC: (Spa + Massage: $58, Gifts: $72, Hotel: $175, Restaurant: $28)
You don’t have to spend a lot of money for a fun Valentine’s Day in DC, especially if your date is into history or art. The monuments and collection of Smithsonian museums are free to enjoy, and they can be surprisingly romantic. Especially if it’s followed by a dinner in Georgetown. (photo via Soltren Photography)
6. Chicago, IL: (Spa + Massage: $53, Gifts: $74, Hotel: $158, Restaurant: $30)
With such a vivid nightlife scene, it’s not difficult to find something a little out of the box to do on Valentine’s Day. From the comedy at Second City to maybe even a sexy burlesque show at the Gorilla Tango Theatre, you’re not tied to an expensive date night in the Windy City. (photo via Saavedra Photograph)
5. Boston, MA: (Spa + Massage: $49, Gifts: $74, Hotel: $186, Restaurant: $29)
How could you pass on a decadent night at one of Boston’s historic hotels or a delicious Italian dinner in the North End followed by authentic Italian pastries at any time of the night from the 24-hour Bova’s Bakery? If your significant other throws in a gift from one of Newbury Street’s famous boutiques, it definitely won’t be a cheap night. (photo via Elario Photography)
4. Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX: (Spa + Massage: $55, Gifts: $72, Hotel: $184, Restaurant: $28)
Dallas doesn’t mess around when it comes to unique, extravagant date ideas. First there’s the Dinner & Flight, which not only includes a three-course dinner, but also a sightseeing flight over the city. Then, there’s the sunset flight package complete with champagne on a hot air balloon from Rohr Balloons. Either one will have you flying high both literally and figuratively. (Photo via Rachel Meagan Photography)
3. Houston, TX: (Spa + Massage: $54, Gifts: $78, Hotel: $196, Restaurant: $29)
You know what they say: Everything is bigger in Texas, including Valentine’s Day, which is why two Texan cities appear near the top of this list. Plus, with Houston’s warm weather, it’s not too difficult to find plenty of fun, romantic outdoor activities to do this year, from a low-key picnic in Hermann Park to an adrenaline-pumping tandem skydive at Skydive Spaceland. (photo via Thrillist)
2. New York, NY: (Spa + Massage: $57, Gifts: $95, Hotel: $223, Restaurant: $36)
There are few cities more famous for their romance than New York City. So many classic romantic movies have been set in the City That Never Sleeps, from An Affair to Remember and Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Annie Hall and, of course, Sleepless in Seattle, which made going to the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day a cliche. How could you not do it up big when you live in a city that’s just innately romantic? (photo via Kelly Prizel)
1. San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA: (Spa + Massage: $71, Gifts: $82, Hotel: $230, Restaurant: $34)
Money can’t buy you love, but it can buy you a great Valentine’s Day, at least in San Francisco. There’s no end to the opportunities for a romantic dinner here; in fact, San Francisco has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the US. Plus, when you live in one of the most expensive cities in the country, and you want to spend money on Valentine’s Day, it’s pretty easy to spend way more than anyone else on this list. (photo via Emily Scannell)
Do you plan on spending big on Valentine’s Day, or do you prefer a more creative date? Let us know in the comments!
You can wear many hats running a business and sometimes some look better than others. Thanks to Office Depot, we're talking with Koyun Fan, co-founder of Sticky Rice Sisters, about finding inspiration along the way and staying organized on the road to success.