Imagine the perfect student night out – the sound of laughter and chatter filling the air, the clinking of glasses, and the unique vibrancy that only comes when the sun goes down. Now, imagine having all this within your reach, in a location that not only ensures a variety of venues to choose from but also guarantees affordability, safety, and a satisfying meal to cap off the night. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? But here’s the burning question – where in the U.S. can you find such a blend of ingredients that concoct the perfect student night out?
Each state offers its unique flair – be it the allure of the sun-kissed coastlines, the magic of the snow-clad mountains, or the charisma of the bustling cities. But when it comes to the perfect student night out, it’s not just the aesthetic charm that counts. Our research goes beyond the surface to evaluate factors including the density of pubs and bars, the average price of a refreshing beer or meal, the usual taxi fare for that safe ride home, and crucially, the crime rate that signifies the security of your fun nights.
Join us as we explore the top states for an unforgettable student night out. As we delve into the findings, you might be in for some surprises that could challenge your expectations, but above all, they’ll provide valuable insights on where to experience the ultimate student nightlife. So, kick back, relax, and let’s set off on this thrilling journey together.
How We Discovered the Top US State for Student Night Out
Cracking the code to the perfect student night out required a comprehensive and strategic approach. Our methodology was rooted in empirical data, robust analysis, and a dash of common sense. We centered our research around five key factors that shape the quality of a student’s night out experience:
- Total Pubs and Bars: The quantity of these venues reflects the variety and options available to students. A higher number indicates a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of places to choose from. Data source: https://www.tripadvisor.in/
- Beer/Drink Price: Affordability is critical for students. We examined the average cost of a drink to gauge the potential expense of a night out. Data source: https://livingcost.org/
- Meal Price: A good night out isn’t complete without a meal. Again, affordability plays a crucial role here. Data source: https://livingcost.org/
- Taxi Fare: To ensure the safety of students, we included the average taxi fare, which is a proxy for the ease and affordability of getting home safely. Data source: https://livingcost.org/
- Crime Rate: Safety is paramount, and thus we included the crime rate per 100,000 people as an indicator of overall safety. Data source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/
We then collated data for these five factors across all U.S. states, ensuring a broad and comprehensive scope of our analysis. Each state was normalized on a scale from 0 to 1 for each factor based on its relative performance to other states, with 1 being the best possible score.
However, not all factors hold the same importance, and therefore, we assigned weights to each factor:
- Total Pubs and Bars: 0.4
- Crime Rate: 0.3
- Beer/Drink Price: 0.1
- Meal Price: 0.1
- Taxi Fare: 0.1
The weighted sum of these factors provided us with a final score for each state, serving as the cornerstone of our rankings.
Our methodology allowed us to paint a comprehensive and accurate picture of what a student’s night out looks like in each state. So, let’s turn the page and dive into our findings, shall we?
Nightlife Nirvana: Revealing America’s Top Student Night Out Destinations

Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey. Your patience and anticipation are about to be rewarded as we unveil the top destinations in America for the most fulfilling student night out experiences. So, hold on to your seats because we are about to dive into our grand reveal!
- New Jersey : Brimming with suspense? Let’s break the suspense then! Rising to the very top of our list is the state known for its stunning shoreline, diverse culture, and bustling cities – yes, you guessed it right! New Jersey: The diverse culture and stunning shoreline of the Garden State, coupled with its bustling nightlife scene, makes it the ultimate paradise for students.
- California: Next up, we have the golden state of California, nestled right next to the Pacific Ocean. Known for its sunny beaches and Hollywood glam, it’s no surprise that California secures the second spot. The state’s lively and diverse pub scene mixed with a sense of safety and affordability makes it an irresistible hub for students.
- Wyoming: Surprisingly, at number three, we have the least populous state in America, Wyoming’s low crime rates, reasonable prices, and an unexpectedly vibrant nightlife scene set amidst breathtaking mountain ranges make it a hidden gem for student night outs.
- West Virginia: Nestled in the Appalachian region, West Virginia snatches the fourth spot. Despite being relatively rural, it brings a unique charm to our list with its rich history and scenic beauty. Rich in history and scenic beauty, this state brings its unique charm to our list. It may be relatively rural, but it proves that a great night out isn’t confined to bustling cities.
- Idaho: Idaho, with its friendly locals, affordable living, and an enchanting mix of urban and rural charm, makes an entry at number five Known for its wilderness and outdoor recreational spaces, Idaho surprises us by rounding out the top five. It seems students here know how to balance their love for nature with a good night out!
- Michigan: Massachusetts is right behind Michigan, ranking at number seven. This state is renowned for its captivating historical charm, top-tier universities, and a delightful blend of Irish pubs and modern bars. It provides a distinctive and exciting twist to the typical student night-out experience.
- Massachusetts: Coming in at number seven, right after Michigan, is the beautiful state of Massachusetts. This state is renowned for its rich history, captivating charm, and top-notch universities that attract students from all over the world. What sets Massachusetts apart is the delightful blend of classic Irish pubs and trendy modern bars, creating a truly one-of-a-kind student night-out experience
- Vermont: Vermont is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and delectable maple syrup. Not only does it captivate visitors with its natural beauty, but it also surprises them with an equally charming nightlife.
- Illinois: Illinois holds the impressive rank of being the ninth state with a plethora of offerings, and at its core lies the attractive city of Chicago. This state is renowned for its rich and diverse music scenes that have made a lasting impact on the world. When it comes to culinary delights, Illinois offers a delightful variety of mouthwatering cuisines that cater to every palate. The nightlife here is vibrant and bustling, making it an ideal destination for students seeking excitement and entertainment. With so much to explore and experience, Illinois truly stands out as a place of boundless opportunities and unforgettable experiences.
- Ohio: Ohio, ranked tenth among states, boasts a rich tapestry of attractions, most notably its vibrant sports culture and thriving music scene. This dynamic state offers students a plethora of nighttime entertainment options, making it a truly exceptional and captivating destination.
For a complete list of all 50 states , see the table below:
State | No. Wise Rank |
New Jersey | 1 |
California | 2 |
Wyoming | 3 |
West Virginia | 4 |
Idaho | 5 |
Michigan | 6 |
Massachusetts | 7 |
Vermont | 8 |
Illinois | 9 |
Ohio | 10 |
Virginia | 11 |
New Hampshire | 12 |
Rhode Island | 13 |
Wisconsin | 14 |
Nebraska | 15 |
Connecticut | 16 |
Kentucky | 17 |
Florida | 18 |
Iowa | 19 |
Indiana | 20 |
Maine | 21 |
North Dakota | 22 |
Minnesota | 23 |
Pennsylvania | 24 |
Georgia | 25 |
TEXAS | 26 |
Kansas | 27 |
New York | 28 |
Montana | 29 |
Maryland | 30 |
Mississippi | 31 |
Alabama | 32 |
South Dakota | 33 |
Arizona | 34 |
North Carolina | 35 |
Nevada | 36 |
Missouri | 37 |
Tennessee | 38 |
Utah | 39 |
Delaware | 40 |
Arkansas | 41 |
Oklahoma | 42 |
South Carolina | 43 |
Louisiana | 44 |
oregon | 45 |
Washington | 46 |
Colorado | 47 |
Alaska | 48 |
Hawaii | 49 |
New Mexico | 50 |
Keep in mind that every state has its own special offerings. This list is just here to help you out, but the “best” state for a student night out is ultimately a matter of personal preference. So, here’s to embracing the excitement of exploring and finding your ideal student night-out spot! Enjoy!