(The Center Square) – Love may be priceless, but for Virginia couples planning Valentine’s Day celebrations, the cost of a night out can depend on more than just the restaurant.
Dinner reservations, quick getaways, and traditional gifts may look similar across the commonwealth. The final totals, however, often vary depending on where couples spend.
Meals taxes are one reason.
Restaurant purchases are subject to Virginia’s sales tax, and many cities and counties also impose meals taxes on top of that base rate. Norfolk applies a 6.5% meals tax, while Chesapeake and Virginia Beach each use a 6% rate.
The difference may appear minor. It becomes easier to notice on the receipt.
Even when menu prices match, the final totals can differ once local taxes are added. The gaps are usually small, but they can become more noticeable across multiple outings.
Overnight trips add another cost factor.
Virginia localities levy transient occupancy taxes, widely known as bed taxes, on hotel stays. Virginia Beach uses a 9% occupancy tax along with a per-night bed tax. Norfolk follows a similar structure but results in higher lodging taxes per night, while Chesapeake’s combined rate is lower.
These taxes are common local revenue sources. For travelers, they also affect the cost of a weekend away.
Valentine’s Day spending patterns show how widely these celebrations continue.
Retail and delivery data suggest demand for traditional gifts remains strong. Instacart reports sharp seasonal spikes for items such as roses and stuffed animals. Orders for fresh-cut roses, for example, increased more than 1,900% around the holiday period, according to company data.
Virginia markets appear in those trends as well. Arlington ranked among cities with elevated Valentine’s-related ordering activity.
National projections point to another busy year.
The National Retail Federation estimates Valentine’s Day spending will reach $29.1 billion, the highest level recorded by the organization’s annual survey. Candy, greeting cards, flowers, evenings out, and jewelry remain among the most common purchases.
For Virginia couples, though, the final cost of those traditions still depends heavily on local factors.
Romantic habits may be shared across regions.
The price tag rarely is.
