Lovesick shoppers shell out more than $27.5 billion in Cupid’s name each year. That makes Valentine’s Day the third-priciest holiday on the calendar for U.S. consumers. But love might not be the only motivator. Over 30% of people expect their Valentine to spend at least $50 on a gift, according to WalletHub’s 2025 Valentine’s Day Survey. 59% of people also think irresponsible spending is a bigger turnoff than bad breath.
Whether you love or loathe this holiday, there’s no denying St. Valentine’s impact on our wallets. With that in mind, WalletHub examined V-Day from all angles to help people embrace their loving feelings without hurting their finances. At the very least, seeing what people do (or don’t do) in the name of love should make the day a bit more enjoyable.
The infographic below is filled with interesting facts about Valentine’s Day, with stats covering everything from holiday gift giving to the ways in which money problems can affect romantic relationships. You can also check out the Valentine’s Day Q&A that follows to see what our panel of experts have to say about the holiday’s financial foundation.
Top 6 Valentine’s Day Facts for 2025:
$27.5 Billion: Total Valentine’s Day spending projected for 2025 ($188.81 per person
celebrating).
2X: Men will spend almost twice as much as women, on average, for Valentine’s Day
2025.
$11.9 Billion: Amount Americans will spend on jewelry ($6.5B) and a special evening
out ($5.4B).
33%: Share of marriages that begin online.
33%: Overall online dating activity increase across the US between February 1 and
February 14.
$23.8 Billion: Projected global dating services market size by 2032.
Ask the Experts
We posed the following questions to a panel of leading consumer studies scholars.
You can find their bios and responses below.
What tips do you have for celebrating Valentine’s Day on a budget?
Valentine’s Day is the second busiest day for restaurants, only Mother’s Day is busier. This year, restaurants are expected to be very busy, as Valentine’s Day is on a Friday. Popular upscale restaurants try to optimize their income while simultaneously providing a great experience for their guests by delivering a Fixed Price (Prix Fixe) menu. The menu typically offers a three-course meal for one price. This cuts down on the choices, making it easier for the kitchen to handle the increased demand, and the restaurant will get a set amount of food sales per person, above what they would typically receive. If you want to avoid crowded restaurants or being forced to buy a three-course meal, a nice way to save money is to prepare a romantic dinner at home.
Another way to save money is to buy cut flowers and put them in your own vase, either one you have at home or one you buy. Florists usually charge a premium for arranging flowers in vases, making it easier for customers to grab and go. If you buy a lovely arrangement at the grocery store floral shop and put it in your vase, you can save while at the same time giving a nice floral arrangement.
What are the biggest Valentine’s Day money-wasters?
It is not for me to judge what a money waster is, as every couple will put a different value on what they give and receive for Valentine’s Day. My one caution is to give a gift or plan a weekend getaway that you can afford. Today’s average credit card rates are over 22%. You want to avoid running up a credit card bill, which you have to carry for months before it is paid.
What money-saving tips do you have for people planning to travel on Valentine’s Day?
A Valentine’s Day getaway is a great winter break opportunity. Southern beach locations can be less crowded this time of year and offer lower hotel room prices. These less-crowded destinations create a romantic getaway—places like Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Galveston, and La Jolla.
A getaway stay in a nearby town can also be fun and inexpensive. This provides a chance to enjoy the entertainment and dining that a major city offers without paying for airfare. Also, Hotel rooms in major cities are cheaper on weekends, as there are few business travelers.
Do you believe Valentine’s Day has become too commercialized?
Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate with your significant other. It should be a
fun and enjoyable holiday. To me, having different commercial organizations promote
ways to celebrate the holiday is fine. Make sure the product offers a good value and
you can afford it. If you have a strong relationship with your significant other,
that is what you want to celebrate; the money you spend on Valentine’s Day should
not change that. It is the thought behind what you give and how you treat each other
the other 364 days of the year.