Philadelphia Emerges as Affordable Valentine's Day Destination

City ranks among top budget-friendly metros for couples celebrating the holiday

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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With Valentine's Day spending hitting record highs this year, Philadelphia once again stood out as a hidden gem and a budget-friendly destination for couples. The city ranked among the more affordable major metros where couples can enjoy Valentine's Day without having to overspend, with a budget of $150 per person covering a romantic evening with dinner and drinks at several prominent restaurants.

Why it matters

Philadelphia's affordability for Valentine's Day celebrations highlights the city's appeal as a romantic, budget-conscious getaway, especially as overall holiday spending continues to rise nationwide.

The details

Adding flowers typically costs between $80 and $115, while a hotel stay is the biggest expense at around $200 or more for the weekend. Budget-minded couples can opt for a $40 movie date package. Valentine's Day spending in Philadelphia closely mirrors the national average, with Americans planned to spend a record $199.78 on gifts on average this year, up from $188.81 last year and above the previous high of $196.31 that was set in 2020. Overall spending is projected at $29.1 billion, exceeding last year's $27.5 billion record.

  • Valentine's Day spending hit record highs in 2026.

The players

NRF

The National Retail Federation, a trade association that tracks consumer spending trends.

Katherine Cullen

NRF's Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights.

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What they’re saying

“Much of that growth is driven by middle- and high-income shoppers who are expanding their gift lists to include friends, co-workers and even pets in addition to loved ones.”

— Katherine Cullen, NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights (FOX 29 Philadelphia)

The takeaway

Philadelphia's affordability and romantic appeal make it an attractive Valentine's Day destination, offering couples a budget-friendly way to celebrate the holiday without sacrificing quality time and experiences.