How much did Americans spend on Valentine's Day?
Valentine's Day spending per person was $119.67 in 2007 and $188.81 in 2025: 58% more.
Over the same years, prices in general (US inflation, measured by the consumer price index, CPI) rose by 55%. That makes $119.67 in 2007 worth about $186 in 2025 money. So it roughly kept pace with inflation (within 10%).
In the years listed, the highest figure was $196.31 in 2020 and the lowest $102.50 in 2009. The biggest change between two listed years came between 2009 and 2016, when it went up 43%, from $102.50 to $146.84.
Valentine's Day spending: price by year
| Year | Amount | In 2025 dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | $119.67 | $186 |
| 2009 | $102.50 | $154 |
| 2016 | $146.84 | $197 |
| 2017 | $136.57 | $179 |
| 2018 | $143.56 | $184 |
| 2019 | $161.96 | $204 |
| 2020 | $196.31 | $244 |
| 2025 | $188.81 | $189 |
"In 2025 dollars" adjusts each amount for inflation with the CPI, so the years can be compared fairly. How this works.
Where the numbers come from
From the National Retail Federation's yearly survey of shoppers: the amount the average person celebrating planned to spend.
Source: National Retail Federation: NRF annual Valentine's Day consumer survey press releases (conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics). View the source.
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