Portsmouth is ninth among the UK’s best areas for singles this Valentine’s Day

Dating around Valentine’s can feel exciting, nerve-wracking, or a bit of both, depending on where you live. Some cities make it easy to meet people, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightlife, and dates that don’t feel like a big drain on your wallet. In other places, going out on Valentine’s can be expensive, or the chances to meet someone new might be limited. While everyone’s experience is different, things like the cost of a date, how many singles are nearby, and the number of social spots in a city can make a real difference when you’re looking to connect.

A new study by Trusted Psychics looked at how single-friendly cities across the UK really are, comparing dating costs, the number of single residents, gender balance among young adults, online dating interest, and the availability of restaurants, nightlife venues and social clubs. Dating costs were estimated using Numbeo, population and relationship data came from the ONS, and venue data was collected using Google Maps. Each city received an overall score based on these factors.

Portsmouth ranks ninth overall with a total score of 56.42. The city stands out for its balanced male-to-female ratio of 1.05, making it easier for singles to meet potential partners. Dating costs are £103.85 for a meal, drinks, theater tickets, and taxi, which is moderate compared with other top cities. There are 26.15 restaurants, 11.41 nightlife venues, and 3.42 social clubs per 10,000 residents, giving plenty of options for socialising. The single population is 59.59 percent, and online dating interest is 573 per 100,000 residents, meaning singles have both in-person and digital ways to connect.

Beyond Portsmouth in ninth place, Manchester remains the top city at number one, offering a strong single population, lively nightlife, plenty of restaurants, and high online dating interest. Cambridge ranks second, excelling for restaurants, nightlife, and social clubs. Oxford comes in third, standing out for social clubs and a strong restaurant scene. Newcastle upon Tyne is fourth, with affordable dating options and a buzzing nightlife scene.

Nottingham is fifth, standing out for low dating costs and a high proportion of single residents. Blackpool ranks sixth, with the highest share of single residents in the top 10. Lincoln is seventh, leading for online dating interest. Brighton and Hove comes eighth, showing strength in nightlife and a strong single population. Gloucester completes the top 10 at number ten, notable for being one of the most affordable cities for going out.

Joanne Jones, spokesperson for Trusted Psychics, says, 'Dating can be exciting but also a bit stressful, especially around Valentine’s Day. Some cities make it easier to meet people because there are lots of restaurants, bars, and social spots where singles go. Just being in the right place at the right time can make a difference.'"

"'A good city for singles isn’t just about how much a date costs,' she continues. 'Cities like Manchester, Cambridge, and Oxford have a lot of single people and plenty of places to go out. That means you have more chances to meet someone naturally, without it feeling forced or stressful.'"

"'For anyone who’s single this Valentine’s, it helps to focus on being out and about,' she adds. 'Try going to new restaurants, checking out nightlife, or joining local social clubs. Even just exploring your city and being open to meeting new people can make dating feel easier and more fun.'"

"'Dating is really about the experience and the chances you take,' Joanne concludes. 'The best cities for singles have the right mix of people and places, where you can meet someone but also just enjoy going out. It’s about making the most of your city and the opportunities around you.'

List of the best UK cities for singles: