Valentine’s Day Spending: The Most Generous and Stingiest States

Valentine’s Day is an opportunity for lovebirds around the world to shower their partners with affection, whether that be through flowers, chocolates, or luxury gifts. And while many will splurge to make the most of the national holiday, others are filled with dread at the thought of spending more money less than two months after Christmas.

To reveal which states are the most generous and the stingiest when it comes to spending, Casino Guru USA conducted a survey of 4,000 Americans in January 2026. Respondents were asked about their Valentine’s Day spending habits and opinions, including gift and experience spending. The results were then analyzed by state, gender, and age group.

Key findings

• The most generous state: New Yorkers spend an average of $304 on their partner, with 25-34 year olds being the biggest spenders of all age groups at $334.40
• The stingiest state: Wyoming has the lowest spend at a mere $55.80 – an 82% decrease compared to New York
• The biggest spenders by age: Those aged 25-34 in the US spend the most at an average of $200.81, while 18-24 year olds spend the least at $146.04
• The gender imbalance: Men spend more than women in every state – overall, men spend $197.16 on average, with women spending $177.08

The top 5 most generous U.S. states on Valentine’s Day

1. New York
   New York takes the crown as the most generous state, with residents spending $304 on their partners, on everything from gifts, to experiences and flowers. Men spend $328.32 on their partners, which is $33.44 higher than the average spend for women at $294.88.
   
   
2. Ohio
   Ohio claims second place, with a total spend of $297.76. Those aged 25-34 spoil their partners the most with an average spend of $327.54, compared to 18-24 year olds who spend the lowest at $238.21.
   
   
3. Alaska
   Taking the third spot, Alaskans spend an average of $283.30 on their partners – and, like Ohio, the most generous age group is 25-34 year olds, who spend $311.63 on average, compared to 18-24 year olds who spend the lowest at $226.64.
   
   
4. Texas
   Claiming fourth place is Texas, where the average resident spends $280.85 on their beaux. Texan men spend $303.32 on their partners, whereas women spend an average of $272.42.
   
   
5. Georgia
   Georgians spend an average of $260.56 to show their affection, placing the state fifth. In Georgia, 25-34 year olds are the biggest spenders at an average of $286.62, while 18-24 year olds spend the least at $208.85.

The top 5 stingiest U.S. states on Valentine’s Day

On the other end of the scale, here are several states that keep the Valentine’s Day spending to a minimum.

1. Wyoming
   Wyoming takes the title of the stingiest state, with residents spending just $55.80 in total. For 18-24 year olds, the average spend is even less at $44.64 – the lowest of all age groups.
   
   
2. North Dakota
   Next on the list is North Dakota, where residents spend slightly more than Wyoming at $56. Men in North Dakota are slightly more generous with an average spend of $60.48, but the total spend for women averages $54.32.
   
   
3. Idaho
   Idaho is the third-stingiest state with an average spend of $56.21. Similarly to Wyoming, 18-24 year olds spend the least amount of money on their partners at an average of $44.97, but 25-34 year olds average $61.83.
   
   
4. Montana
   Yet another Mountain state makes the list, with Montana taking the fourth spot, at an average spend of $56.43. Those with partners between the ages of 18 to 24 in Montana shouldn’t expect too much as the average spend of this age group is just $45.14.
   
   
5. New Mexico
   In fifth place is New Mexico, where residents spend an average of $78.50. Men spend an average of $84.78 on their partners, while women spend $76.15

Conclusion

It’s clear from the findings that Valentine’s Day spending varies state by state, but more drastically when comparing the top five and bottom five states – and with four out of five of the stingiest being situated in the Mountain West, it suggests a regional lack of interest in showing affection through gifts and experiences. Not only that, but residents of the most generous states may favour the love language of receiving gifts, which in turn, leads to an above-average spend on Valentine’s Day.

Methodology

The analysis is based on a January 2026 survey of 4,000 Americans, which was conducted to gain insight into sentiment and total spend.

Respondents were sourced from across all 50 states, with sample sizes weighted to ensure geographic and demographic representation. Participants were asked about their opinions, such as whether they believe Valentine’s Day is a waste of time and money, and their spend on both gifts and experiences.

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