If you're single and searching, your chances of finding love might depend on where you live. WalletHub just dropped its 2026 ranking of the best and worst cities for singles, and it paints quite a picture of dating options across the country.
Nearly 46% of all U.S. adults are unmarried and the cost of dating is getting more expensive. The hunt for a decent match now comes with real financial stakes. WalletHub compared 182 cities using 35 metrics, including the share of the single population, online dating access, nightlife and the cost of a night out (dinner for two, a movie, a bottle of wine). While some cities are affordable playgrounds for singles, some make the task more difficult than it already is.
Let’s start with the bad news. At the very bottom of the list is Port St. Lucie, Florida, the worst city in the U.S. for dating. Port St. Lucie is closely followed by Hialeah, Florida; Yonkers, New York; Pearl City, Hawaii and Brownsville, Texas. These cities share a common problem: they lag across the board, from limited date-night options to weak online dating opportunities and pricey or inconvenient places to go on a date.
Diving deeper into the data, Garland, Texas, claims the fewest nightlife spots. Miami may be packed with clubs, but it ranks lowest in online dating opportunities. Jackson, Mississippi has the lowest gender balance among single people. Fremont, California has the smallest share of singles altogether. And if you want to keep costs under control, here are the places to avoid: Charleston and New York City top the charts for most expensive restaurant meals, while Salem, Oregon and Philadelphia tie for the highest beer and wine prices.
So what are the cities where singles can thrive and find a partner? Atlanta ranks as the number one best city for singles in the U.S. The city is packed with attractions, restaurants and nightlife options, giving daters a long list of places to meet up. It also has a large single population and, with solid public transit access and one of the highest median household incomes in the country, this city is built for enjoying the scene.
Las Vegas lands in second place, most of all due to its reputation for non-stop entertainment. But going out in Las Vegas is actually more affordable than you might think. From haircuts to gym memberships, the city keeps many date-related costs manageable. With a healthy gender balance and one of the most diverse nightlife scenes in the country, Vegas ranks as a strong place to meet someone and have fun in the process.
Rounding out the top three is Tampa. This Florida city boasts plenty of coffee shops, social clubs and waterfront date spots. It attracts a steady flow of young professionals, incomes that trend above the national average and a strong share of singles. The gender balance is one of the best in the country, and the vibe is relaxed but ambitious.
If you're looking for love and want some real insight, check out WalletHub's full report here.
Best Cities for Singles
1. Atlanta, GA
2. Las Vegas, NV
3. Tampa, FL
4. Seattle, WA
5. Denver, CO
6. Austin, TX
7. Pittsburgh, PA
8. Orlando, FL
9. St. Louis, MO
10. Portland, OR
Worst Cities for Singles
173. Jackson, MS
174. Little Rock, AR
175. Glendale, CA
176. Pembroke Pines, FL
177. Grand Prairie, TX
178. Port St. Lucie, FL
179. Hialeah, FL
180. Yonkers, NY
181. Pearl City, HI
182. Brownsville, TX