Romantic gestures this St Valentine’s Day will cost you significantly more than in previous years, but going to the cinema or theatre has got slightly cheaper – that’s according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
For those planning to indulge their loved ones with chocolates this year, a box of chocs has soared by ten percent over the last year as cocoa prices have rocketed.
Flowers, another staple Valentine’s gift, have increased by 2.5 percent, just above inflation. The price of a bottle of wine has seen a more modest rise of 0.2 percent, the CSO says.
Dining expenses have also gone up, with restaurant meals costing 2.8 percent more than they did a year ago.
But good news if you’re taking your boo out for a treat: Theatre and cinema tickets are on average four percent cheaper than last year.
Taking a broader view, the five-year trend shows even more staggering increases. The price of chocolates has skyrocketed by 44 percent since December 2020, making it the item with the largest price surge.
Flowers are up 14 percent, and wine prices have risen by 10 percent over the same period.
Takeaway meals are now 30 percent more expensive than they were in 2020, and the cost of enjoying a meal in a restaurant has increased by nearly a quarter.
Those seeking entertainment, such as theatre performances, will also face escalating costs, with tickets seeing a 19 percent jump, while cinema visits have risen by 10 percent..
As these prices continue to rise, the CSO’s analysis suggests that couples may need to adjust their budgets for Valentine’s Day celebrations.
The overall increase in costs reflects the ongoing trend of inflation affecting various sectors in the economy, making the act of romantic gift-giving and dining out a more significant financial commitment than in previous years.
With the costs of love on the rise, couples may find themselves reconsidering how they choose to celebrate this Valentine’s Day.