Lincoln ranks as one of the most expensive cities for a Valentine’s date in 2025

Student or not, finding a budget-friendly date night out is always ideal – especially as prices rise – and what better time to treat yourself than Valentine’s Day?

As the sixth most expensive UK city for a Valentine’s date, Lincoln is well-loved by students and is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, parks and entertainment, which makes it a great hot spot for couples.

According to GIGA Calculator, four in five people are expecting to spend over £60 to celebrate the day of love this year, with their partner or Galentine, but the average date night cost in Lincoln sits at a whopping £87.25.  

This means the average Lincoln Valentine’s date costs 23 per cent of someone’s gross weekly earnings (after rent is removed), according to the study’s Date Costliness Ratio.

You might think this sounds like a lot but people in the City of Westminster scored 84 per cent in this category, so we’re counting our blessings.

With the cost of living crisis and inflation, it’s no shock that Valentine’s Day keeps getting pricier, and as numbers rise of people celebrating, the UK spend is predicted to be £2.1 billion this year – that is a lot of love!

Even if you fancy a “cosy night in”, the cost of condoms has increased by £3 since 2024! Regardless of where you may be.  

Although Lincoln has landed itself a spot on the UK’s most pricey cities, it is still much cheaper than a trip to London, Edinburgh, City of Westminster, Worcester or Cambridge for dinner, with a date night in London expected to cost at least £104. 

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Of course, Valentine’s does not need to cost such a pretty penny, so what can you do in Lincoln to have a budget-friendly but special day? 

Look for affordable activities

The cliché of being wined and dined may not work for everybody, and more affordable, adventurous dates such as nature walks, movie nights, at-home spa or craft nights could give you just as many memories for a smaller price.  

Brunch or lunch?

Since when was Valentine’s a “night-only” celebration? Go for an early brunch or lunch if you are fancying some food, but not the evening expenses.

Set budgets before the day

There is no shame from asking your partner or Galentine to set a reasonable budget that can make you all feel more comfortable and not lead to the dreaded feeling of overspending.  

Money-wise gifts

Valentine’s is famous for showers of love, especially for my fellow people with a love language of gift giving, but it doesn’t always need to cost so much. Keep your eye open for discounts or saver items or even DIY a gift yourself for less money. The old saying, “it’s the thought that counts”, is key here.