The best states for singles (2026)

Top 10 states for singles

Some parts of the country are ideal — or not so great — for single living, whether you’re looking for love or embracing the solo life. And, contrary to what you might assume, the best states aren’t just those with big cities, heavy crowds and bright lights.

While large metro areas offer an attractive array of nightlife and cultural diversity, the struggle to afford basics (like sky-high rents) on a single salary can offset these perks. We ranked the best states for singles by looking for the sweet spot between fun and affordability.

It’s probably no surprise that New York nabbed the top spot, given the huge influence the Big Apple has on the state. However, the rest of the top 20 are sprinkled throughout the U.S., and plenty lack a major metro area (e.g., Alaska, the least densely populated state in America, snags second place for its proximity to world-class recreation).

In the states that seem to be lacking vibrant scenery or bustling crowds, affordable housing and lower costs of living may make it a little more feasible to live on your own if you plan to stay single.

What singles say

“In my opinion, being single and dating can be a fun adventure. At other times, it can feel like you are in the 15th round of a fight with Mike Tyson. There is rejection, heartbreak and the disappointment and fear that comes with not immediately finding what you are looking for.” — Matchmaking service reviewer on ConsumerAffairs

1. New York

Of course, the City That Never Sleeps is a mecca for singles, but New York state has more to offer than the Big Apple’s bustling crowds. No matter where you live in the state, you can visit cultural and culinary attractions or find ample chances for recreation upstate.

New York has the highest percentage of unmarried people 15 and over in the country and the highest number of theater and dinner theater companies per capita, making it exceptional for celebrating solitary life while still offering plenty of opportunities for connection.

Percentage of singles: 38.7% never married, 9% divorced
Number of same-sex couples per 1,000 households: 12
Median income: $79,557
Diversity index: 65.8
Cost of living index: 126.5
Cost of housing index: 177

2. Alaska

You won’t find much in the way of walkable cities in this wilderness state, but all that wide open space is probably part of the charm for singles. From hikes to hunting, Alaska is home to adventure, with more nature parks and recreational establishments per capita than any other state.

Although the cost of living and housing in Alaska can weigh heavily on a single budget, the higher median income in the state could offset some affordability concerns. And while walkable cities and public transit aren’t the norm, Alaska remains surprisingly bike-friendly.

Percentage of singles: 34.9% never married, 10.9% divorced
Number of same-sex couples per 1,000 households: 8.1
Median income: $88,121
Diversity index: 62.8
Cost of living index: 126.4
Cost of housing index: 123.1

3. New Jersey

Quite a few singles call New Jersey, the most densely populated state in the country, home. The Garden State (hello, 2004 indie rom-com) has a lively restaurant scene and a diverse population, as well as highly walkable cities and an excellent transit system.

Rubbing elbows with lots of people could be a recipe for success in both life and love — according to 2021 Census data, New Jersey enjoys one of the lowest divorce rates in the country, as well as the highest median income.

Percentage of singles: 34.8% never married, 8.4% divorced
Number of same-sex couples per 1,000 households: 8.4
Median income: $96,346
Diversity index: 65.8
Cost of living index: 110.3
Cost of housing index: 126.4

4. Massachusetts

Massachusetts has the second-highest cost of living among states, but it also has the second-highest number of same-sex couples per capita, a solid diversity score and the third-highest median income.

Massachusetts ticks off a lot of boxes for unwedded bliss, and many singles can get significant value out of living in the state. The state is the cream of the crop when it comes to walkability and access to public transit.

Percentage of singles: 37.8% never married, 9.2% divorced
Number of same-sex couples per 1,000 households: 15
Median income: $94,488
Diversity index: 51.6
Cost of living index: 148
Cost of housing index: 227.1

5. Illinois

When you imagine living your best single life, Illinois may not come to mind — but maybe it should. This state pulls off quite the balancing act, combining an above-average percentage of singles and higher-than-average median income with solid scores in affordable housing and costs of living.

Chicago, the third most populated city in America, is a draw for singles looking to make a connection. It offers reliable access to public transit and plenty of recreational opportunities. Illinois as a whole has one of the best walk scores and bike scores in the U.S.

Percentage of singles: 36.4% never married, 9.4% divorced
Number of same-sex couples per 1,000 households: 8.6
Median income: $76,708
Diversity index: 60.3
Cost of living index: 91.8
Cost of housing index: 78.8

6. Oregon

The West Coast is well represented among the best states for singles, and Oregon is no exception. It has around an average percentage of singles, but it has the fourth-highest rate of divorced individuals who might be looking for a new flame.

Thanks to Portland’s funky food and culture scene, there are plenty of restaurants and nightlife options, but the state is also no stranger to recreation. In addition to a solid walkability score, Oregon’s scenic byways lock down the best bikeability score in the country. (The state also was No. 3 on our greenest states list.)

Percentage of singles: 33% never married, 12.9% divorced
Number of same-sex couples per 1,000 households: 13.8
Median income: $75,657
Diversity index: 46.1
Cost of living index: 114.7
Cost of housing index: 134.4

7. Washington

Another Pacific Northwest win: Washington gets accolades for solid scores in many categories, including for median income, number of same-sex couples, walkability and access to public transit.

If the weather in Washington doesn’t suit you, don’t worry. Singles can duck into coffee shops to warm up on almost every corner (especially in cities like Everett, Bellingham and Seattle). Several reviewers on our site say they’ve had success with matchmaking companies in the Emerald City, citing fun dates in green spaces, arcade bars and dim sum restaurants.

Percentage of singles: 32.7% never married, 10.8% divorced
Number of same-sex couples per 1,000 households: 13.6
Median income: $91,306
Diversity index: 55.9
Cost of living index: 115.7
Cost of housing index: 128

8. Pennsylvania

If all that farmland sandwiched between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia doesn’t seem like it would attract people flying solo, think again. Pennsylvania has a higher-than-average percentage of singles and exceptional affordability in terms of cost of living and housing.

The Keystone State is home to two major U.S. cities, including the City of Brotherly Love. The state also benefits from higher-than-average walkability and bikeability scores, plus good access to public transit.

Percentage of singles: 34.4% never married, 9.6% divorced
Number of same-sex couples per 1,000 households: 9.1
Median income: $71,798
Diversity index: 44
Cost of living index: 94.8
Cost of housing index: 82.1

9. Minnesota

In the North Star State, single Minnesotans find plenty to keep them warm. Bolstered by an above-average median income and a relatively low cost of living, Minnesota provides plenty of cultural opportunities, while the Land of 10,000 Lakes is a haven for fishing and boating.

While Minnesota doesn’t foster a very lively restaurant scene, you can find a deep and abiding love for sports (specifically hockey). With a plethora of amateur leagues, the state keeps singles active and connected to their communities all year long.

Percentage of singles: 33% never married, 9.7% divorced
Number of same-sex couples per 1,000 households: 8.5
Median income: $82,338
Diversity index: 40.5
Cost of living index: 94.4
Cost of housing index: 82.4

10. Wisconsin

Wisconsin, another Great Lakes state, rounds out our list of single-friendly locales. It has about an average-sized population of singles — but it does boast the third-highest number of bars per capita. The housing and cost of living costs are lower than average in the Badger State.

Wisconsin also ranked No. 12 in our list of safest states — the safest in the Midwest — which could be appealing if you’re looking to start a family. But diversity isn’t a strong suit, so if cultural variety is important to you, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.

Percentage of singles: 33.4% never married, 10.7% divorced
Number of same-sex couples per 1,000 households: 7.1
Median income: $70,996
Diversity index: 37
Cost of living index: 95.4
Cost of housing index: 84.4

The best states for singles, ranked

The table below presents a state-by-state view of the data we collected on percentages of singles, median income, diversity, cost of living and housing indexes.

Bottom line

When you’re single, constant encounters with happy couples can be hard. Living in an affordable state where being single is more the norm can take the pressure off and make flying solo a little easier, both emotionally and financially.

If you’re looking to make a connection, romantic or otherwise, coastal states in the Northeast and the West are prime locales for finding love — but be prepared that the social scene may be a little tougher on your wallet.

» RELOCATING FOR ROMANCE? WE SUPPORT YOU: Moving tips

Methodology

To determine the best states for singles, ConsumerAffairs gathered data from multiple sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).

Our methodology is based on a metric that heavily weighs factors like single/divorced percentages, cultural and ethnic diversity, cost of living and housing, recreational opportunities, the number of restaurants or bars per capita, and the walk, transit and bike scores of each state.

We also took into consideration median income; the number of fitness centers, parks, theaters and museums; and the number of registered sex offenders per 100,000 people in each state.

We made each metric positive or negative and gave each state a score out of 10 for each. We then combined scores to create a total score.

Weights were assigned as follows:

• Percentage of population 15 and older never married: 3X
• Percentage of population 15 and older divorced: 1X
• Diversity index: 4X
• Number of same-sex couples per 1,000 households married/cohabitating: 4X
• Number of amusement and recreational establishments per 100K: 4X
• Number of restaurants per 100K: 4X
• Number of snack restaurants per 100K: 4X
• Number of bars per 100K: 4X
• Average of walk score: 4X
• Average of transit score: 4X
• Average of bike score: 4X
• Cost of living index: 3X
• Cost of housing index: 3X
• Number of fitness centers per 100K: 2X
• Number of amusement parks per 100K: 2X
• Number of museums per 100K: 2X
• Number of nature parks per 100K: 2X
• Number of spectator sports establishments per 100K: 2X
• Number of movie theaters per 100K: 2X
• Number of theater companies/dinner theaters per 100K: 2X
• Number of zoos/botanical gardens per 100K: 2X
• Median household income: 2X
• Number of registered sex offenders per 100K: 2X