Massachusetts Ranks No. 8 for Singles in 2026, According to WalletHub Study

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, singles in Massachusetts have an extra reason to celebrate. A new WalletHub study ranks the Bay State as the eighth best state in the nation for singles, citing strong economic conditions, a balanced dating pool, and plenty of places to wine and dine.

The personal-finance platform compared all 50 states across 29 factors related to dating-friendliness, including the percentage of single adults, the gender balance among singles, and the number of restaurants per capita. It’s good news for Massachusetts residents: the state landed near the top in several categories, scoring 6th for its share of single adults, 7th for online dating opportunities, and 9th for both mobile-dating opportunities and restaurant density.

While the state’s relatively high cost of living affects its ranking for median income (16th) and entertainment affordability, the abundance of activities across cities like Boston, Cambridge, and Worcester still makes meeting new people easier than in many other places. The state’s vibrant nightlife, culture, and year-round events—from rooftop bars in the Seaport to jazz nights in Somerville—help explain why Massachusetts stood out in WalletHub’s 2026 “Best & Worst States for Singles” report.

“Nearly half of American adults are single, and dating can be especially hard given that the cost of activities and dining out has skyrocketed in recent years,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo in the report. States that rank well, he added, tend to offer solid economies, a range of date spots, and balanced demographics that help singles connect.

Experts featured in the study also shared advice for navigating modern dating. Cassandra Bolar, a researcher at the University of West Georgia, emphasized the importance of community and location when choosing where to live. “You want to be in an area that helps you grow personally and professionally,” she said. Others encourage creativity and connection over cost: low-key meetups like walks along the Charles River, local trivia nights, or cooking at home can build chemistry without straining budgets.

From Boston’s cafes to Cape Cod’s beaches, Massachusetts offers no shortage of affordable date ideas—even as inflation continues to weigh on dining and entertainment costs nationwide.

As residents look ahead to Valentine’s Day, WalletHub’s findings might just reaffirm what many locals already know: Massachusetts may not be the cheapest state to live in, but when it comes to finding love, it’s among the best places to look.

For the full list and methodology, visit WalletHub’s Best and Worst States for Singles 2026.