- Depending on which state you live in, what you can do on a date will vary greatly.
- Not only can date activities differ by region and state, but so can the average cost of a date, the number of nearby singles, and how each state ranks according to dating opportunities, romance, and fun.
- The cost of an average date ranges from $96.52 (in Mississippi) to $114.16 (in Hawaii), while New York earned the highest “fun” ranking among all the states – and Delaware earned the lowest.
- Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.
Depending on which state you live in, your idea of a perfect date can vary greatly.
While some states have bustling cities specializing in gourmet meals and out-of-this-world cocktails, other US states are best known for nature trails and hiking that couples of all ages can enjoy.
Insider analyzed different sources to determine what dating looks like in every state. The findings encompass date ideas; the average cost of a date in each state, according to 24/7 Wall St; the percentage of single-person households in each state, according to Statista; and how each state ranked for dating opportunities, romance, and fun, according to WalletHub.
24/7 Wall St based its average date cost on the average prices of dinner, drinks, and a movie in each state, while WalletHub analyzed metrics such as the share of single adults, the gender balance of singles, online dating opportunities, restaurants per capita, and the number of attractions.
Here's what dating is like in every state.
ALABAMA: Popular dates in Alabama revolve around being outside — Little River Canyon National Preserve, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and Dauphin Island are perfect for an adventurous Southern date.
Cost per date: $98.98
Percentage of single-person households: 29.9%
Dating opportunities ranking (when compared with all other states): 37/50
Romance and fun ranking (when compared with all other states): 39/50
ALASKA: Cozy up by a fire enjoying a glass of wine, or step outside and take in the natural beauty of Alaska, from the Northern Lights to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
Cost per date: $104.01
Percentage of single-person households: 26%
Dating opportunities ranking: 27
Romance and fun ranking: 49
ARIZONA: Arizona is home to wonderful art museums, botanical gardens, and awe-inspiring hiking trails perfect for a first date.
Cost per date: $99.29
Percentage of single-person households: 27%
Dating opportunities ranking: 10
Romance and fun ranking: 21
ARKANSAS: For outdoorsy couples, consider going kayaking, spending time in nature, wandering forest trails, or going apple-picking during the fall.
Cost per date: $97.34
Percentage of single-person households: 28.2%
Dating opportunities ranking: 48
Romance and fun ranking: 42
CALIFORNIA: For a classic California date, bring dinner and a bottle of Napa Valley wine to the beach and enjoy your drinks and bites by the sea. California was ranked the top spot for dating opportunities, and No. 2 for romance and fun.
Cost per date: $106.16
Percentage of single-person households: 24%
Dating opportunities ranking: 1
Romance and fun ranking: 2
COLORADO: Enjoy a romantic hike along one of Colorado's many mountain trails, then finish the date with a mug of coffee in a cozy café.
Cost per date: $102.16
Percentage of single-person households: 28.1%
Dating opportunities ranking: 22
Romance and fun ranking: 17
CONNECTICUT: Enjoy a nice dinner out at Max Downtown in Hartford, stroll around the boutiques in West Hartford, or enjoy a relaxing picnic by one of the state's many ponds or lakes.
Cost per date: $106.67
Percentage of single-person households: 29.1%
Dating opportunities ranking: 15
Romance and fun ranking: 20
DELAWARE: Delaware was ranked last for romance and fun, but singles shouldn't be discouraged: There's plenty to do.
Popular date spots include picnicking at White Clay Creek State Park, a food tour at New Castle Farmers Market, happy hour at Trolley Square Oyster House, or dinner by the fireplace at the historic Dilworthtown Inn.
Cost per date: $101.44
Percentage of single-person households: 28.9%
Dating opportunities ranking: 26
Romance and fun ranking: 46
FLORIDA: Sip cocktails and enjoy the thriving nightlife scene in Miami, visit one of the state's many beaches, or visit Walt Disney World in Orlando to truly impress your date.
Cost per date: $101.03
Percentage of single-person households: 29%
Dating opportunities ranking: 3
Romance and fun ranking: 4
GEORGIA: Georgia offers a host of opportunities for fun and adventurous dates. Enjoy the beautiful weather by going on a nature walk, or simply have a barbecue cookout in your own backyard.
Cost per date: $99.39
Percentage of single-person households: 27.5%
Dating opportunities ranking: 13
Romance and fun ranking: 14
HAWAII: One of the most naturally beautiful states in the country, Hawaii offers amazing vistas, waterfalls, surfing, and delicious cuisine you and your date will love.
Cost per date: $114.16
Percentage of single-person households: 24.5%
Dating opportunities ranking: 25
Romance and fun ranking: 40
IDAHO: Get a little fresh air by walking the Snake River Canyon Trail, visit a local farmers market, or sip coffee while wandering through nature.
Cost per date: $101.03
Percentage of single-person households: 25.4%
Dating opportunities ranking: 42
Romance and fun ranking: 37
ILLINOIS: For couples located in Chicago, popular date spots include a performance in the Theater District, live comedy shows at Second City, or a fancy dinner at one of the city's premier restaurants.
Cost per date: $100.83
Percentage of single-person households: 29.6%
Dating opportunities ranking: 5
Romance and fun ranking: 6
INDIANA: Meet some animals at the Exotic Feline Rescue Center, take your date out to a ballgame at Victory Field, or go out for a classic dinner and a movie.
Cost per date: $98.67
Percentage of single-person households: 28.9%
Dating opportunities ranking: 32
Romance and fun ranking: 31
IOWA: Daters living in Iowa should consider visiting the Maquoketa Caves State Park, the Noce Jazz Club in Des Moines, or taking a wine tour.
Cost per date: $97.44
Percentage of single-person households: 29.6%
Dating opportunities ranking: 40
Romance and fun ranking: 18
KANSAS: While Kansas ranked low for dating opportunities, fun, and romance, the state is nevertheless naturally beautiful and dating costs are low compared to other states.
Cost per date: $98.16
Percentage of single-person households: 29.2%
Dating opportunities ranking: 44
Romance and fun ranking: 44
KENTUCKY: Dating opportunities in Kentucky are considered very low. However, people looking to meet someone new might find success in Louisville's up-and-coming music and food scene.
Cost per date: $97.03
Percentage of single-person households: 28.1%
Dating opportunities ranking: 45
Romance and fun ranking: 26
LOUISIANA: New Orleans is a wonderful date spot, from the delicious food to the exciting nightlife. However, Louisiana as a whole also has plenty of fun date ideas like visiting a crawfish farm or catching a show at the Strand Theater in Shreveport.
Cost per date: $99.29
Percentage of single-person households: 30.6%
Dating opportunities ranking: 24
Romance and fun ranking: 36
MAINE: Stroll through a quaint seaside town snacking on saltwater taffy or, if you really want to impress, treat your date to a traditional lobster dinner.
Cost per date: $101.14
Percentage of single-person households: 30.8%
Dating opportunities ranking: 34
Romance and fun ranking: 24
MARYLAND: For a romantic evening, stroll along the waterfront in Baltimore. For a more lighthearted day-date, head to Six Flags America in Upper Marlboro or take a ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.
Cost per date: $106.26
Percentage of single-person households: 27.3%
Dating opportunities ranking: 14
Romance and fun ranking: 34
MASSACHUSETTS: Boston has a wonderful nightlife scene with tons of bars serving up cocktails and regional seafood. If you live outside the city, consider hiking through foliage or visiting the national seashore.
Cost per date: $104.42
Percentage of single-person households: 29%
Dating opportunities ranking: 4
Romance and fun ranking: 12
MICHIGAN: Step outside your comfort zone by going snowshoeing in rural Michigan during the winter — or just relax by Lake Michigan in the summer.
Cost per date: $99.91
Percentage of single-person households: 29.6%
Dating opportunities ranking: 11
Romance and fun ranking: 11
MINNESOTA: Minnesota was ranked in the middle for romance and fun.
Cost per date: $103.91
Percentage of single-person households: 28.7%
Dating opportunities ranking: 23
Romance and fun ranking: 23
MISSISSIPPI: Mississippi ranks near the bottom of the list for romance and fun. However, what the state lacks in nightlife or date spots, it makes up for in natural beauty.
Cost per date: $96.52
Percentage of single-person households: 29.6%
Dating opportunities ranking: 35
Romance and fun ranking: 48
MISSOURI: In this Midwestern state, daters can go thrift shopping then do classic dinner, drinks, and a film at the Moxie Cinema.
Cost per date: $97.96
Percentage of single-person households: 29.7%
Dating opportunities ranking: 29
Romance and fun ranking: 13
MONTANA: Enjoy the best of Montana's beautiful scenery by taking a horseback ride with your date.
Cost per date: $101.96
Percentage of single-person households: 30%
Dating opportunities ranking: 41
Romance and fun ranking: 22
NEBRASKA: Dating opportunities in this Midwestern state are low but good date ideas for singles could include coffee, dinner and a movie, or taking a pottery class.
Cost per date: $97.65
Percentage of single-person households: 29.6%
Dating opportunities ranking: 43
Romance and fun ranking: 33
NEVADA: Dating opportunities are relatively high in Nevada — who knows, maybe your date in Las Vegas will turn into a Little White Chapel wedding.
Cost per date: $98.37
Percentage of single-person households: 29.4%
Dating opportunities ranking: 16
Romance and fun ranking: 30
NEW HAMPSHIRE: New Hampshire is perfect for hiking through nature or fall foliage before curling up with a cup of something warm in one of the state's cozy coffee shops.
Cost per date: $103.50
Percentage of single-person households: 27.6%
Dating opportunities ranking: 30
Romance and fun ranking: 27
NEW JERSEY: The Jersey Shore in the middle of summer is perfect for couples. Test yourself on one of the thrill-seeking fair rides, eat delicious fried food, or walk along the boardwalk.
Cost per date: $104.62
Percentage of single-person households: 26%
Dating opportunities ranking: 9
Romance and fun ranking: 9
NEW MEXICO: Eat the best Mexican cuisine north of the border at one of Mexico City's best restaurants, go dancing, or enjoy the beautiful warm weather by soaking in one of the state's hot springs.
Cost per date: $99.49
Percentage of single-person households: 31.1%
Dating opportunities ranking: 31
Romance and fun ranking: 50
NEW YORK: New York City is jam-packed with incredible restaurants, shows, and sights, making it no surprise that New York ranked second for dating opportunities and first for romance and fun.
Cost per date: $111.60
Percentage of single-person households: 29.9%
Dating opportunities ranking: 2
Romance and fun ranking: 1
NORTH CAROLINA: Enjoy the beautiful temperate weather by taking a hike, wandering through boutiques in Asheville, or visiting the beach.
Cost per date: $99.08
Percentage of single-person households: 28.5%
Dating opportunities ranking: 21
Romance and fun ranking: 10
NORTH DAKOTA: This Midwestern state ranked last for dating opportunities — but you can never go wrong with a dinner cruise on the Lewis and Clark Riverboat or a romantic dinner at Mezzaluna in Fargo.
Cost per date: $97.24
Percentage of single-person households: 32%
Dating opportunities ranking: 50
Romance and fun ranking: 43
OHIO: Cleveland has an abundance of gourmet restaurants, lounges, and cocktail bars. However, even if you live in rural Ohio, there's still plenty to do.
How about visiting Old Man's Cave at Hocking Hills State Park, the Columbus Zoo Wildlights around the holidays, or Vinoklet Winery in Cincinnati?
Cost per date: $98.26
Percentage of single-person households: 31.1%
Dating opportunities ranking: 8
Romance and fun ranking: 7
OKLAHOMA: Take a ride along the Oklahoma River Cruise, visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, or visit the animals at the Oklahoma City Zoo in a state where 28% of households are single.
Cost per date: $98.26
Percentage of single-person households: 28%
Dating opportunities ranking: 38
Romance and fun ranking: 35
OREGON: Couples in the vicinity of Portland, Oregon, should check out the many thrift stores, coffee shops, and craft breweries in the city.
Cost per date: $101.65
Percentage of single-person households: 27.3%
Dating opportunities ranking: 18
Romance and fun ranking: 16
PENNSYLVANIA: Go sightseeing in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, or explore one of the beautiful state parks.
Cost per date: $101.96
Percentage of single-person households: 29.9%
Dating opportunities ranking: 7
Romance and fun ranking: 3
RHODE ISLAND: In the nation's smallest state, go out for a night on the town in Providence, Rhode Island, or walk along one of the beaches.
Cost per date: $100.93
Percentage of single-person households: 31.5%
Dating opportunities ranking: 19
Romance and fun ranking: 38
SOUTH CAROLINA: Stroll through the historic streets of Charleston or hike in upstate South Carolina to see beautiful willow trees or waterfalls.
Cost per date: $99.39
Percentage of single-person households: 29%
Dating opportunities ranking: 39
Romance and fun ranking: 29
SOUTH DAKOTA: South Dakota ranked second to last for dating opportunities, despite having one of the lowest dating costs. Perhaps in this state, dinner, drinks, and a movie is the way to go.
Cost per date: $97.14
Percentage of single-person households: 29.2%
Dating opportunities ranking: 49
Romance and fun ranking: 32
TENNESSEE: Get your honky-tonk on in Nashville or cook up some Southern barbecue in your own backyard — whatever you choose, your Tennessee date is sure to be a blast.
Cost per date: $98.88
Percentage of single-person households: 28%
Dating opportunities ranking: 33
Romance and fun ranking: 19
TEXAS: Have a backyard barbecue, go thrift shopping in Houston or have a fancy night out in Austin, which has also been voted the best place in America to live.
Cost per date: $99.60
Percentage of single-person households: 25.5%
Dating opportunities ranking: 6
Romance and fun ranking: 5
UTAH: Utah has beautiful hiking and camping spots for adventurous couples who enjoy spending time in the outdoors.
Cost per date: $99.08
Percentage of single-person households: 19.4%
Dating opportunities ranking: 36
Romance and fun ranking: 41
VERMONT: One of the more expensive states for dating, Vermont has beautiful fall foliage, hiking trails, cozy restaurants, and breweries.
Cost per date: $101.03
Percentage of single-person households: 31.3%
Dating opportunities ranking: 28
Romance and fun ranking: 28
VIRGINIA: They say that Virginia is for lovers. From sipping wine and eating charcuterie at one of the state's many vineyards to visiting historic landmarks, Virginia has plenty of date spots to offer.
Cost per date: $102.37
Percentage of single-person households: 27.5%
Dating opportunities ranking: 20
Romance and fun ranking: 25
WASHINGTON: The rainy weather in Washington is perfect for grabbing a beer at a local bar, going to dinner and a movie, or snuggling up on the couch to watch a film at home.
Cost per date: $107.09
Percentage of single-person households: 26.2%
Dating opportunities ranking: 12
Romance and fun ranking: 15
WEST VIRGINIA: Get outside and visit one of West Virginia's gorgeous state parks for an adventurous date.
Cost per date: $97.03
Percentage of single-person households: 31.1%
Dating opportunities ranking: 46
Romance and fun ranking: 47
WISCONSIN: This Midwestern state is known for its dairy products, so consider attending a cheese tour with your date.
Cost per date: $98.26
Percentage of single-person households: 29.5%
Dating opportunities ranking: 17
Romance and fun ranking: 8
WYOMING: To battle the cold Wyoming winters, consider a spa day, ice skating, or bowling.
Cost per date: $101.75
Percentage of single-person households: 29.1%
Dating opportunities ranking: 47
Romance and fun ranking: 45
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