Austin may not be the most romantic city in the country — but for the second year in a row, it’s officially the best place in Texas to celebrate Valentine’s Day, according to a new study.
Austin, TX
Austin is the best city in Texas for Valentine’s Day, study says
If love is in the air, but funds are tight, we’ve got you!
Jay Janner/American-Statesman
The city ranked No. 1 in Texas and No. 12 nationwide in a new WalletHub study comparing the best U.S. cities for Valentine’s Day, factoring in affordability, date-night activities, gift options and weather.
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The analysis comes as Americans are expected to spend a record $29.1 billion on Valentine’s Day this year, according to the National Retail Federation, with the average person dropping about $200 on gifts, dinners and dates — a number that has climbed even as inflation continues to squeeze household budgets.
Why Austin ranked best in Texas for Valentine’s Day
WalletHub evaluated cities across four main categories: budget, activities, gift accessibility and weather, using 25 separate metrics, including things like the cost of a three-course dinner for two and the number of florists, chocolatiers and spas per capita.
Austin performed especially well as a middle-ground city, ranking:
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- 17th for affordability, factoring in dining, drinks and transportation
- 17th for activities, including restaurants, nightlife and walkability
- 16th for gift accessibility, such as jewelry stores and florists
- 81st for weather, a weaker spot driven by forecast volatility rather than average temperatures
That blend was enough to put Austin ahead of cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and New York, and just behind Orlando and Washington, D.C.
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Texas cities dominate the affordability side
While Austin placed highest overall among Texas cities, other parts of the state stood out for sheer affordability.
Garland and Plano both ranked in the top five nationally for having some of the cheapest three-course meals for two — a metric that carried extra weight in the study. Houston placed 23rd overall, while Dallas and Fort Worth landed in the middle of the pack.
Several Texas cities, however, fell toward the bottom of the rankings due to fewer florists, chocolate shops and gift retailers per capita, which are categories that dragged down places like El Paso, Corpus Christi and Lubbock.
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Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be expensive
WalletHub analysts said the rankings are meant to push back against the idea that Valentine’s Day has to be extravagant.
“It’s common to spoil your partner on Valentine’s Day, but inflation can certainly put a damper on those plans,” analyst Chip Lupo said in a statement. “The best cities offer a wide variety of affordable date activities, food options and places to buy gifts, so you can show that you care without breaking the bank.”
Victoria Hernandez and her boyfriend, Jeremy Clark, celebrate Valentine’s Day with a picnic on the great lawn in Austin’s Zilker Park on Feb. 14. The Austin City Council is considering requiring all new commercial, industrial and office projects in Austin to pay a parkland fee.
Jay Janner/American-StatesmanAmong the study’s suggestions for keeping costs down:
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- Cooking a meal together instead of dining out
- Opting for personalized or DIY gifts
- Taking advantage of free or low-cost outdoor activities
- Setting a firm budget and sticking to it
The national picture
San Francisco topped the list overall, followed by San Diego and Las Vegas, buoyed by dense restaurant scenes, walkability and access to romantic experiences. Detroit, Toledo and Hialeah finished at the bottom.
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Austin’s showing reflects what locals already know: the city may not be the cheapest place to fall in love, but between food trucks, live music, sunset walks and a deep bench of date spots, it remains one of the easier places to make Valentine’s Day feel special without going overboard.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed concern Monday about two items on the Austin Transit Partnership Board agenda later this week, one to negotiate an office lease in a downtown office building for up to $32 million for roughly 8 years and another to furnish the space for $15 million. READ MORE: https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/inappropriate-mayor-pushes-back-on-47m-light-rail-office-relocation-plan/
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The dazzling stage lights and shattered disco ball textures evoke the electrifying energy of a George Strait concert, where the country legend continues to captivate audiences even as his legendary career nears its end.Austin Today
George Strait thrilled fans with an unforgettable concert at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, delivering a set packed with his signature No. 1 hits. The country music legend’s return to the stage after nearly four years left some wondering how much longer he plans to continue performing, as Strait has hinted at retirement in the past.
Why it matters
As one of the most influential and successful country artists of all time, George Strait’s concerts have become must-see events for his devoted fanbase. This performance in Austin showcased Strait’s enduring popularity and artistry, even as he nears the end of his legendary career.
The details
Strait’s concert at the Moody Center on Thursday night was his first at the venue since April 2022. The show featured a hit-filled setlist that had the capacity crowd singing along. Strait shared a video on Instagram teasing the performance, writing ‘What a night Austin, TX! Who’s ready to do it again on Saturday?’ While the video didn’t show any full performances, it did include a snippet of Strait singing his 2024 single ‘Three Drinks Down’.
- Strait last performed at the Moody Center in April 2022.
- He is scheduled to play another show at the Moody Center on Saturday, April 13, 2026.
What they’re saying
“I have maybe five good years to sing my songs for you, folks…it’s been around 50 now. And I still love it just as much as I ever did.”
— George Strait
What’s next
Strait is scheduled to perform another show at the Moody Center in Austin on Saturday, April 13, 2026, giving fans another chance to see the country legend in action.
The takeaway
George Strait’s epic return to the Moody Center stage in Austin underscores his enduring popularity and artistry, even as he nears the end of his legendary career. Fans cherished the opportunity to witness the ‘King of Country Music’ deliver a hit-filled set, leaving them to wonder how much longer they’ll be able to see Strait perform live.
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A powerful storm system sweeps across the Texas Hill Country, exposing the vulnerability of rural communities to the growing threat of extreme weather.Austin Today
Strong storms moved through Central Texas on Sunday, causing damage near Schulenburg in Fayette County and prompting tornado warnings in Burnet and San Saba counties. The National Weather Service said the damage in Fayette County was likely caused by straight-line winds, not a tornado. No injuries were reported, but a barn was blown over and trees and power lines were downed.
Why it matters
Severe weather events like this can cause significant property damage and disrupt power and transportation in affected areas. Understanding the nature of the storms, whether they produced tornadoes or straight-line winds, is important for assessing the risks and preparing communities for future severe weather.
The details
Storms moved through the region on Sunday, with tornado warnings issued in Burnet and San Saba counties. In Fayette County near Schulenburg, a metal building was blown over, a barn was destroyed, and trees and power lines were downed by what the National Weather Service said were straight-line winds, not a tornado. No injuries were reported.
- Tornado warnings were issued in Burnet and San Saba counties on Sunday.
- Storms and damage were reported in Fayette County, near Schulenburg, on Sunday.
The players
National Weather Service
The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing severe weather warnings.
Judson Ulrich
A resident who sent in a photo of a large tree branch that snapped and fell during the storms.
Kaylee Houston
A resident who sent in a photo of a trampoline blown into a tree by the storms.
Karey Ann Ann Kalich
A resident who sent in photos of a metal building blown over by the storms.
Danielle Buckley
A resident who sent in a photo of a tree struck by lightning during the storms.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What’s next
The National Weather Service will continue to assess the damage and determine the exact nature of the storms that moved through the region on Sunday.
The takeaway
This severe weather event highlights the importance of being prepared for sudden and powerful storms, which can cause significant damage even without producing tornadoes. Residents in affected areas should remain vigilant and heed any future weather warnings.
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