Money Matters - Dry January Math: How Long It Really Takes To Save $1,000 Going Sober on Nights Out in Major U.S. Cities

 

Millions of Americans are trying Dry January this year, hoping to start 2026 healthier – and with more money in their pockets.  But for social drinkers still going to bars, non-alcoholic drinks cost nearly as much, undermining Dry January’s financial appeal. InvestorsObserver’s research team analyzed prices at more than 100 bars across 15 biggest U.S. metros – from Los Angeles to Atlanta – comparing 3 beers and 1 cocktail vs. the non-alcoholic equivalent. They have found that going sober on a night out saves an average of only $6 per night across 15 major U.S. metros, based on the price difference between alcoholic and non-alcoholic (NA) drinks.  However, the data also proves that location dictates if sobriety pays off. The nightly savings range from $1.40 to $10.30.  Top metros like Los Angeles deliver $10.30 per night out, hitting the target in just 97 outings (24 months at 4 nights monthly).  Atlanta drinkers face $1.40 nightly gaps, stretching to 714 nights or nearly 15 years – barely moving the needle on emergency funds or debt paydown. Mid-tier cities have a 3-4 year range, balancing feasibility with patience. New York at $6.20/night requires 161 outings (40 months at 4 nights monthly), while Phoenix's $5.80 takes 172 (43 months at 4 nights monthly).  “$1,000 from switching from alcohol to non-alcoholic beverages on a night out sounds great, until Atlanta needs 15 years of bar nights. In this case, location trumps discipline, meaning your metro’s bar pricing decides if Dry January delivers real budget relief or just health benefits. Top cities turn $10/night gaps into quick wins, while bottom ones shrink savings to irrelevant change over decades. Smart money always checks local math first,” explains Sam Bourgi, senior analyst at InvestorsObserver. This research challenges the assumption that going sober saves significant money – at least for those still going to bars. Methodology InvestorsObserver analyzed more than 100 bars across America’s 15 largest metros using TripAdvisor listings and online menus. Researchers compared mid-tier pricing for alcoholic baskets (3 beers + 1 cocktail) versus non-alcoholic equivalents, calculating savings based on four monthly bar visits. State alcohol spending data from SmartAsset provided comparative context. ABOUT SAM BOURGI Sam Bourgi is a finance analyst and researcher at InvestorsObserver, bringing over 13 years of expertise in financial markets, economics, and monetary policy. His professional background spans the private, nonprofit, and public sectors, where he has held positions such as senior policy adviser, labor market analyst, and marketing director. Sam’s in-depth research and market analysis have been referenced by leading institutions and organizations, including the U.S. Congress, Department of Justice, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Bank for International Settlements, Boston University Law Review, Barron’s, and Forbes. Sam regularly appears on TV, including FOX 5 DC, CBN, KFYR TV, 11Alive, and ABC30, and is often quoted by such media outlets as Bloomberg, SF Chronicle and ZeroHedge.  ABOUT INVESTORS OBSERVER InvestorsObserver is a trusted source of independent financial analysis, market insights, and investment research for individuals and institutions. Founded to empower retail investors with actionable intelligence, InvestorsObserver delivers timely commentary, data-driven studies, and accessible financial tools designed to simplify complex market trends. Its research and insights have been featured by various media outlets, including Yahoo, The Guardian, Morning Star, Nasdaq, and more.