Finding love on a budget has never been easier in Texas, which was just ranked one of the top 10 states with the most affordable date costs in the country.

Texans spend about $81 on average for a typical date night, which is the 10th cheapest cost out of all 50 states, according to a new study from dating advice platform Muse.

The report compared statewide costs for a date based on the average price of a restaurant meal for two and the average price of a soft drink, domestic beer, and a bottle of wine. Muse additionally extrapolated total costs across "basic," "standard," and "premium" dinner date tiers. Pricing data was provided from consumer pricing database Numbeo on February 2, 2026.

Texas' typical dinner date cost is nearly $11 lower than the $91.75 national average.

This is how the analysis broke down the average price of a dinner date in Texas:

• Mid-range restaurant meal for two: $66.67
• Soft drink: $2.47
• Domestic beer: $6
• Bottle of wine: $13.41

Based on these figures, Muse determined that the cost of a "basic" date in Texas – defined as "a three-course meal for two and two soft drinks" – adds up to $71.61. Texans spend an average $78.17 for a "standard" date: make that the same three-course meal, but sub in two domestic beers instead of soft drinks. "Premium" dates for couples, who splurge on a bottle of wine with their meal, will rack up a $93.49 bill at the end of the night, the data says.

Austinites have an extra leg up, considering the city is conveniently home to one of the most romantic restaurants in America, and there are plenty of indulgent desserts that can be enjoyed at local restaurants with or without Valentine's Day as an excuse.

States with the most and least expensive date costs
West Virginia topped the list with the most affordable date nights in the U.S.; the typical date there costs $60.22, far lower than the national average. Hawaii, on the other hand, is the most expensive state for dinner date in the nation. The average cost for a date in the Aloha state will set couples back by $144.24.

"People often assume it’s the drinks that make date nights expensive, but it’s really the meal that changes everything," a Muse spokesperson said. "Depending on where you live, the same dinner for two could cost twice as much, and that adds up fast when you're planning something special for Valentine’s Day. No matter the price tag, what matters most is the time spent together, but knowing where your dollar stretches further never hurts."

Celebrating love doesn't have to revolve around going out for dinner. There are many creative ways to surprise your sweetheart that don't involve going out to eat, like visiting a local museum or going on a romantic retreat elsewhere around Texas.

The top 10 most affordable states for a dinner date with their average costs are:

• No. 1 – West Virginia ($60.22)
• No. 2 – North Dakota ($65.67)
• No. 3 – Minnesota ($68.33)
• No. 4 – Alabama ($69.74)
• No. 5 – Mississippi ($74.37)
• No. 6 – Illinois ($74.97)
• No. 7 – Kansas ($75.14)
• No. 8 – Georgia ($76)
• No. 9 – Wyoming ($78.50)
• No. 10 – Texas ($81.09)