Millions of Australian couples won’t be celebrating Valentine’s Day this year, according to new research.
A Finder survey of 1012 respondents reveals less than one in four (24%) Australians plan to celebrate this coming Friday (14 February).
Almost four in five surveyed Australians (76%) won’t be marking the holiday as they don’t have a partner (34%) or just don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day (42%).
The research, however, finds that Australians who do celebrate the day, will splurge $1.53 billion this year. That’s $303 each on average – up by a huge 50% from $201 in 2024.
Almost $679 million of the national total will be spent on dining out, while $374 million will be spent on presents.
Finder Personal Finance Expert Sarah Megginson says as Valentine’s Day approaches, so does the mounting pressure to spend.
“It’s surprising that Aussies are set to spend 50% more on Valentine’s Day this year, even as many households feel the squeeze of rising living costs,” she says.
“For some, it highlights just how much pressure there is to go all out for love, even when budgets are tight.”
Ms Megginson says the cost of living has Australians looking beyond traditional gifts.
“If you don’t get a dozen long stem roses on Friday – you won’t be alone,” she says.
“A homemade dinner is one of the most heartfelt ways to say ‘I love you’, and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
“Valentine’s Day often comes with pressure to buy expensive gifts, but remember that romance doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
“Avoid the temptation to overspend; there’s nothing romantic about going into debt.”
