Miami ranks as the most expensive city for singles to enjoy summer, according to a new study by Dating.com. The global online dating platform analyzed costs associated with solo travel, dating and seasonal activities in 50 popular destinations worldwide.
The study’s Single Tax Index ranked cities based on factors including solo date night costs, summer hotel rates, flight prices, rooftop cocktails, festival tickets, beach club access and other seasonal expenses. Miami topped the list with a score of 75, driven by high nightlife and entertainment costs. Singles can expect to spend $110 on a date night for one, while beach clubs and nightlife venues average $200 per night. Hotel rates average $280 per night.
New York ranked second with a score of 74. Solo date nights average $115, and summer hotel rates reach $380 per night. Mykonos took third place with a score of 72, making it Europe’s most expensive destination for singles. Summer flights from New York average $1,900, while beach club access and nightlife costs reach $280 per night. Hotel rates average $300 per night.
Las Vegas ranked fourth with a score of 70, largely driven by entertainment spending. Festival and concert tickets average $250, while nightlife costs sit at $180 per night. Hotel prices remain relatively affordable at $145 per night. Boston ranked fifth with a score of 67, supported by high accommodation costs. Summer hotel stays average $390 per night, the highest among the top ten.
The Maldives ranked sixth with a score of 64. Singles face average hotel costs of $480 per night, the highest in the top ten. Summer flights from New York average $1,300. A solo date night costs $124. San Francisco achieved a score of 62, driven by expensive travel and social experiences. Flights from London average $820, while a typical solo date costs $100. Hotel prices average $245 per night.
Los Angeles followed with a score of 61. Singles can expect to spend around $100 on a date night for one, while flights from London average $820. Rooftop cocktails cost approximately $22 each. London also received a score of 61, largely due to international travel and accommodation costs. Summer flights from New York average $1,900, while hotel rates sit at $295 per night. A solo date costs approximately $108. Santorini rounded out the top ten with a score of 61.
Jaime Bronstein, LCSW, resident therapist at Dating.com, noted that being single can sometimes be more expensive than being in a relationship because individuals bear all costs alone. Summer expenses for social events and trips are often higher than at other times of the year.
“It’s important to remember that being single is normal and that happiness does not necessarily come from being in a relationship,” Bronstein said. “Traveling alone, meeting friends, and exploring places alone is equally as valuable as romantic dates, especially if it provides happiness from these experiences.”
The study highlights how destination choice can significantly impact the cost of being single during summer. Popular hotspots such as Miami, New York and Mykonos top the ranking, while more affordable options like Bangkok, Medellín and Mexico City offer lower costs for singles seeking summer experiences.
For Southern Maryland singles in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, local or regional travel may provide more affordable options compared to international destinations. Nearby areas like Annapolis, Ocean City or local Chesapeake Bay spots can offer summer experiences without the high costs of far-flung travel.
The full ranking includes 50 cities, with Ibiza, Dubai, Copenhagen and Tel Aviv rounding out the top 15. Lower-cost destinations include Bangkok at the bottom of the list.
The methodology involved converting each factor into a numerical value ranging from zero to one, with one representing the highest cost. These normalized values were combined to create a final score for ranking.
Whether planning a solo getaway or making the most of summer locally, costs can vary dramatically depending on location. The study provides singles with information to make more informed decisions before booking trips.
