Dating can feel harder than ever, but where you live makes a big difference. A new study from Pulsz ranked all 50 U.S. states to reveal where singles are most likely to find love, using 23 metrics across affordability, dating opportunities, lifestyle stability, and safety.
Idaho and North Dakota followed in second and third place, both standing out for social opportunities and affordability. In Idaho, a movie ticket averages $25, beer costs around $12.50, and one-bedroom rent sits at $1,602, keeping dating accessible without breaking the bank. The state also ranks in the top 15 for bars and restaurants per capita, plus it has around 12 fitness or recreational spots per capita, giving singles plenty of places to meet people.
North Dakota shines in social venues, ranking first and second in bars and restaurants per capita, respectively, while keeping rent low at $1,108 and offering strong lifestyle stability with a median credit score of 733.
Maryland ranked fourth, with a median household income of $90,203, plus plenty of restaurants and fitness spots, helping singles go out and meet new people in a safe environment. South Carolina came in fifth, with rent averaging $1,603, lots of recreational facilities, and a solid share of singles ready to mingle. Nicky also highlighted the role of apps in modern dating.
“Dating in the U.S. feels different now,” said Nicky, spokesperson for Pulsz. “People have busy lives, and it can be hard to find time to really get to know someone. There’s also a lot more pressure around what dating should look like, which sometimes takes away from just enjoying the process of meeting new people.”
Nicky said that while dating apps make it easier to connect, they can also make things more complicated. “You can talk to people from anywhere, which is great, but it also means you’re constantly comparing and scrolling instead of forming real connections. A lot of people tell us they just want something genuine again.”
“Finding someone these days takes patience,” Nicky added. “It’s about being open, trying new things, and not giving up when it gets frustrating. The best connections often happen when people stop overthinking it and just focus on having a good time.”
The study ranked all U.S. states to reveal where it’s easiest to find love, using 23 metrics grouped into four main categories: Dating Affordability, Dating Opportunities, Economic & Lifestyle Stability, and Safety & Online Trust. Each factor was weighted according to how much it influences dating life, and every score was normalized on a 0–100 scale, with 100 representing the best conditions.
Dating Affordability (25%) covered everyday costs like drinks, movies, haircuts, housing, and general living expenses. Dating Opportunities (40%) focused on factors such as the share and gender balance of singles, plus access to restaurants, bars, events, and fitness venues. Economic & Lifestyle Stability (20%) looked at income, job growth, credit scores, and diversity, while Safety & Online Trust (15%) measured crime rates, online safety, and romance scam data.
All data was collected from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Expatistan, RentCafe, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Google Maps, Eventbrite, National Park Service, Statista, Cinema Treasures, VinePair, MERIC (Missouri Economic Research and Information Center), Visual Capitalist, and the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
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