Self-care is about finding precious moments to recharge, whether it’s a day at the spa, brunch with friends, or just a quiet coffee in the park. It’s about taking the time to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
But carving out “me time” in our busy lives can feel like a luxury—and even when you do find time, there can be another hurdle: making it fit your budget. The cost of a self-care day varies dramatically depending on where you live.
So, where are the most and least wallet-friendly places in the U.S. for a bit of self-pampering? Let’s find out.
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The Most and Least Expensive Cities for Self-Care
To rank the most and least expensive cities for self-care, we found the average prices for six activities—brunch, massage, facial, iced latte, manicure, and pedicure—across the 50 most populated U.S. cities. We analyzed 1,750 price points from top businesses’ websites and online menus. We then added up the prices for each city to determine the overall costs of a self-care day and built our list from there.
So, where do your favorite cities rank? Let’s take a look.
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Most Expensive Cities for Self-Care
From high-end spas to organic fare-filled brunches, the price tag on self-care in these cities could give you sticker shock. These might be some of the most expensive cities for self-care, but don’t worry. We’ll also share some tips on budget-friendly ways to treat yourself in these pricey locales.
Here are the top five cities where self-care will have your wallet sweating like it’s in a hot yoga class.
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1. New York City, NY
Average cost of a self-care day: $436.55
New York City is known for its energy, diversity, and iconic skyline. It’s also known for its expensive housing and luxurious living. According to the Cost of Living Index, it’s the most expensive U.S. city.
Self-care in NYC means fancy spas, boutique yoga studios, and farm-to-table restaurants. If you’re wondering how much to spend on self-care, the answer in NYC is: The sky’s the limit—but it’ll average you a little more than $436.
The good news is that NYC also offers plenty of affordable self-care activities. Grab a coffee and stroll through Central Park, take advantage of free museum admission, or enjoy discounted spa offers for a relaxing, budget-friendly day out.
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2. Seattle, WA
The average cost of a self-care day: $401.43
Known for its tech-driven economy, vibrant arts scene, and coffee culture, Seattle also has a high cost of living. The city’s self-care scene reflects its unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, with upscale spas, wellness retreats, and organic eateries that cater to its growing population. Here, a self-care day will run you $401.
Seattle’s natural attractions also mean it has fantastic free self-care opportunities. Explore hiking trails around the city, take a relaxing walk along Lake Washington Loop, or head to a free community yoga session in Lake Union Park during the warmer months.
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3. Boston, MA
Average cost of a self-care day: $383.28
Boston is a city where tradition meets modernity, with a rich history, well-known universities, and cute, walkable neighborhoods. But expensive real estate and a thriving job market drive up the cost of living—and the cost of a self-care day. Be prepared to spend on premium health clubs and luxurious spas because the average is about $383.
Luckily, Boston’s beautiful parks and historic landmarks provide affordable alternatives. Take a leisurely walk along the Freedom Trail or enjoy a serene afternoon in the Public Garden. Free fitness classes are also available at locations like the Esplanade.
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4. San Francisco, CA
Average cost of a self-care day: $369.57
San Francisco is ranked number four on the Cost of Living Index. The city’s health-conscious population creates demand, while high real estate costs also help to drive the average price of a self-care day to nearly $370.
Still, many people think it’s worth it: You’ll find plenty of unique activities, from guided meditation and aromatherapy to eco-friendly mani-pedis. If you’re on a budget, look for spa offers catered to first-time visitors or packaged services for your favorite self-care activities.
You’ll also find plenty of free self-care perks. Enjoy a hike through Golden Gate Park or a scenic bike ride along the waterfront. San Francisco’s beaches are another perfect, cost-free escape for relaxation and rejuvenation.
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5. Chicago, IL
Average cost of a self-care day: $369.39
Chicago is considered affordable compared with the top four cities on our list. It might surprise you that the average cost of a self-care day in Chicago is almost tied with San Francisco at $369. With high-end shopping, five-star dining, and world-class spas, it’s the perfect place to treat yourself.
The Windy City is packed with budget-friendly self-care options. Enjoy a free day at the Lincoln Park Zoo, take a peaceful walk along Lake Michigan, or check out public art installations and free cultural events. Keep an eye out for special offers on massages or facials to get some “me time” without breaking the bank.
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Least Expensive Cities for Self-Care
While splurging on a self-care day can be worth it, you might be glad to know that some cities in the U.S. make it easy to pamper yourself without spending a fortune. These places offer affordable options for relaxation and wellness, proving that the cost of a self-care day doesn’t always have to break the bank.
Let’s explore the best cities for self-care on a budget, from low-cost cafes to affordable manicures.
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1. Tampa, FL
The average cost of a self-care day: $266.05
Tampa, known for its sunny weather and beautiful beaches, is one of the least expensive cities for self-care. Thanks to reasonable housing costs and plenty of budget-friendly amenities, your self-care day can be affordable at just $266. Get brunch in SoHo (South Howard Avenue), then spend the afternoon at beach yoga or a luxurious day spa.
Want free options? Go for a run along scenic Bayshore Boulevard or visit one of the many public parks. The city’s warm climate makes outdoor activities enjoyable year-round. That means plenty of opportunities to unwind and rejuvenate.
Image Credit: istockphoto/Kasra Keighobady.
2. Tulsa, OK
Average cost of a self-care day: $268.90
Tulsa’s charming mix of Southern hospitality and urban amenities makes it ideal for cost-effective self-care. The city’s low cost of living and budget-friendly entertainment options leave you plenty left over for wellness activities—and a self-care day will only cost you $268.
Check out massage parlors, wellness studios, and gyms. Or you might find a community center offering inexpensive classes in yoga, dance, and more. The city also has a thriving arts scene, with free admission to many galleries and museums on certain days.
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3. Virginia Beach, VA
Average cost of a self-care day: $271.82
Virginia Beach combines coastal appeal with urban convenience and has plenty of affordable self-care opportunities. The city’s cost of living is manageable, with reasonable housing costs, accessible public amenities, and a self-care day cost of just $271.
Wellness enthusiasts will find a range of affordable gyms and spas, yoga and personal training in the city’s many parks, and plenty of healthy eating establishments. Free self-care in Virginia Beach means embracing the outdoors with activities like beachcombing, surfing, biking, or simply relaxing by the ocean.
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4. Kansas City, MO
Average cost of a self-care day: $272.69
Kansas City, known for its sports teams, barbecue, and friendly residents, is also an excellent locale for affordable self-care. The city has numerous community centers and affordable fitness options, including wallet-friendly yoga and Pilates studios. If you’re budgeting how much to spend on self-care in Kansas City, you’ll need around $272.
You can save on self-care with promotional offers from float spas, massage parlors, and nail salons. There are also free things to do here, like exploring the boulevards and parks designed by pioneering landscape architect and city planner George Kessler. They’re perfect spots for jogging, cycling, or leisurely strolls.
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5. El Paso, TX
The average cost of a self-care day: $276.67
El Paso’s warm climate, scenic landscapes, and low cost of living make it a great place for inexpensive self-care. There are affordable fitness centers offering yoga, dance, and events, and city initiatives like Live Active El Paso and Be Well El Paso are putting self-care center stage. Yet the cost of a self-care day remains affordable, at $276.
El Paso’s beautiful desert surroundings provide ample opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and enjoying nature—for free—at Franklin Mountains State Park.
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What It Costs to Treat Yourself
Sometimes, a full day of self-care isn’t in the cards. Instead, you may want a refreshing break without a hefty price tag or huge time investment. Whether you’re brunching, getting a massage, enjoying a facial, sipping a latte, or having a mani-pedi, you can overindulge without overspending.
Let’s break down the latest self-care statistics around what you can expect to pay for these a la carte activities. Pick your favorite and treat yourself—you deserve it!
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Cost of Brunch
A classic brunch featuring eggs Benedict and mimosa is always a favorite way to start your day. We used that meal to calculate the average price for brunch, which, according to our data, is $21.82.
New York City tops the list as the most expensive city for brunch at over $31, so expect to pay a premium in its trendy cafés. El Paso, TX, offers a whole brunch experience for nearly half that price at $17—now that’s a budget-friendly meal.
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Cost of a Massage
Booking a massage near you is an excellent way to rejuvenate your body and mind. We priced a standard Swedish or “relaxation” massage lasting about an hour, and the average price was $101.73.
New York City tops the list again at $141, reflecting the city’s high demand and premium service offerings. To relieve the stress on your back and your wallet, the place to be is Tampa, FL, where a massage will cost you just $76.
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Cost of a Facial
Facials don’t just pamper your skin—they can boost your confidence and change your whole vibe. When we looked at the cost of a classic or “signature” hour-long facial at a day spa, the average price was nearly $127.
Seattle unseats NYC here, with high-end treatments in top-tier spas running about $176. Kansas City, MO, is the most affordable city for this service at $87. Can’t make it to KC?
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Cost of a “Little Treat”
You don’t always need to go big to get the benefits of self-care. Sometimes, a small indulgence like an iced vanilla latte gives you a perfectly satisfying break in your day. Forget the high cost of a self-care day: The average price for a latte is $6.
New York City again tops the list for this “little treat,” although paying $7.13 for a latte is still a great way to treat yourself in this high-cost city. Albuquerque, NM, offers $4.82 iced vanilla lattes—a perfect treat for the heat.
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Cost of a Mani-Pedi
Booking a mani-pedi at a nail salon near you is a classic way to feel polished and pampered. We priced the standard options for both services. The average price was $25.06 for a manicure and $36.73 for a pedicure—a total of $61.79.
Unsurprisingly, New York City is the most expensive for these services, at $99.20 total. San Diego, CA, provides the most affordable mani-pedis at $48.80. If you prefer a deluxe treatment like a volcano pedicure or hot stones, be prepared to pay a little more.
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Full Ranking: The Cost of a Self-Care Day in 50 U.S. Cities
Ready to start planning your self-care day but don’t see your city on our list? Our analysis included the 50 most populated cities in the U.S., so there’s bound to be one near you. Look around our interactive table below to discover the cost of a self-care day in more major cities.
You can find the full rankings of all 50 cities here.
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New York City, New York
Ranking 1
Cost of a Self-Care Day $436.55
Cost of a Latte $7.13
Cost of Brunch $31.42
Cost of a Massage $141.00
Cost of a Facial $157.80
Cost of a Manicure $41.20
Cost of a Pedicure $58.00
Image Credit: Vojta Herout/Istockphoto.
Seattle, Washington
Ranking 2
Cost of a Self-Care Day $401.43
Cost of a Latte $6.68
Cost of Brunch $25.75
Cost of a Massage $124.80
Cost of a Facial $172.60
Cost of a Manicure $29.20
Cost of a Pedicure $42.40
Image Credit: aiisha5/istockphoto.
Boston, Massachusetts
Ranking 3
Cost of a Self-Care Day $383.28
Cost of a Latte $5.77
Cost of Brunch $25.91
Cost of a Massage $127.80
Cost of a Facial $153.80
Cost of a Manicure $26.40
Cost of a Pedicure $43.60
Image Credit: Sean Pavone/istockphoto.
San Francisco, California
Ranking 4
Cost of a Self-Care Day $369.57
Cost of a Latte $6.54
Cost of Brunch $28.83
Cost of a Massage $126.60
Cost of a Facial $146.60
Cost of a Manicure $25.80
Cost of a Pedicure $35.20
Image Credit: batuhanozdel/istockphoto.
Chicago, Illinois
Ranking 5
Cost of a Self-Care Day $369.39
Cost of a Latte $5.65
Cost of Brunch $23.95
Cost of a Massage $108.60
Cost of a Facial $164.80
Cost of a Manicure $24.40
Cost of a Pedicure $42.00
Image Credit: Steve King/istockphoto.
Denver, Colorado
Ranking 20
Cost of a Self-Care Day $323.14
Cost of a Latte $6.17
Cost of Brunch $20.78
Cost of a Massage $111.60
Cost of a Facial $118.60
Cost of a Manicure $28.00
Cost of a Pedicure $38.00
Image Credit: miroslav_1/istockphoto.
San Jose, California
Ranking 21
Cost of a Self-Care Day $317.38
Cost of a Latte $6.34
Cost of Brunch $23.24
Cost of a Massage $99.40
Cost of a Facial $121.00
Cost of a Manicure $28.40
Cost of a Pedicure $39.00
Image Credit: SpVVK/istockphoto.
Atlanta, Georgia
Ranking 22
Cost of a Self-Care Day $316.50
Cost of a Latte $5.57
Cost of Brunch $23.33
Cost of a Massage $86.00
Cost of a Facial $139.00
Cost of a Manicure $24.60
Cost of a Pedicure $38.00
Image Credit: Sean Pavone/Istockphoto.
Houston, Texas
Ranking 23
Cost of a Self-Care Day $314.48
Cost of a Latte $5.80
Cost of Brunch $20.28
Cost of a Massage $95.00
Cost of a Facial $136.00
Cost of a Manicure $23.80
Cost of a Pedicure $33.60
Image Credit: SeanPavonePhoto/istockphoto.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Ranking 24
Cost of a Self-Care Day $313.76
Cost of a Latte $5.47
Cost of Brunch $18.50
Cost of a Massage $85.00
Cost of a Facial $143.00
Cost of a Manicure $25.40
Cost of a Pedicure $36.40
Image Credit: Ultima_Gaina/istockphoto.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Ranking 25
Cost of a Self-Care Day $310.87
Cost of a Latte $6.73
Cost of Brunch $21.74
Cost of a Massage $103.80
Cost of a Facial $102.80
Cost of a Manicure $32.80
Cost of a Pedicure $43.00
Image Credit: StevenGaertner/istockphoto.
Methodology
To find the most and least expensive cities for a self-care day in the U.S., we analyzed 1,750 price points across the 50 most populated cities based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 population estimates.
For each city, the cost of a self-care day is determined by adding the average pricing for six self-care activities. To determine the average price for each activity, we used Google Maps to find the five most reviewed businesses representing at least two ZIP codes. To be included in pricing data, businesses needed to provide pricing for the following self-care activities via a linked website or an online ordering platform:
- Brunch: We recorded the price of Eggs Benedict and one mimosa.
- Massage: We recorded the price of a Swedish or “relaxation” massage of 50-60 minutes.
- Facial: We recorded the price of a “classic,” “signature,” or equivalent facial of 50-60 minutes.
- Iced Latte: We used online ordering to record the price of one 16-ounce iced vanilla latte.
- Manicure: We recorded the price of a regular manicure.
- Pedicure: Using the same salons as for manicures, we recorded the price of a regular pedicure.
Image Credit: Dmytro Sheremeta/istockphoto.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most expensive cities for self-care in the U.S.?
New York City, Seattle, Boston, San Francisco, and Chicago are some of the most expensive cities for self-care. High living costs, premium services, and wealthy populations increase prices for activities like massages, facials, and fitness classes.
What are some of the least expensive cities for self-care in the U.S.?
Tampa, Tulsa, Virginia Beach, Kansas City, and El Paso are among the least expensive cities for self-care. These cities offer affordable living costs, budget-friendly wellness options, and plenty of free outdoor activities, making it easier to practice self-care without overspending.
What are the latest trends in self-care statistics for 2024?
In 2024, trends show a rise in affordable, at-home wellness solutions, increased spending on mental health apps, and a growing preference for holistic treatments. Consumers prioritize experiences like mindfulness retreats, personalized fitness plans, and tailored diets over traditional luxury spa services.
How can I budget effectively for self-care expenses?
To budget effectively for self-care, prioritize essential activities, set a monthly limit, and explore free or low-cost options like outdoor exercises and community classes. Take advantage of spa discounts, memberships, and DIY treatments to maintain a balanced approach to wellness without overspending.
This article originally appeared on Groupon.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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