The generosity of American tippers seems to hinge significantly on regional differences, with a striking study from BLogic Systems revealing some surprising insights about tipping behaviors in 2025. High-income states like New York and New Jersey, known for their expensive dining options, ranked among the least generous tipper states in the nation. Specifically, New Jersey earned the 35th spot with an average tip of 19.5%, and New York placed 34th at 19.1%. These figures, derived from full-service restaurant transactions, suggest a substantial discrepancy between income levels and tipping behaviors, underscoring the complexity of regional attitudes toward gratuity.
The BLogic study’s “Generosity Index” introduces a nuanced perspective by comparing the average tip percentage against residents’ after-tax income. This methodology indicates that monetary generosity is not merely about how much is tipped but also how that amount relates to income levels. Consequently, states with lower average incomes, such as West Virginia—where tips peaked at an average of 21%—topped the index, while the high costs associated with living in places like New York and New Jersey severely impacted their rankings. This insight reveals how economic factors might shape social customs in tipping.
Kentucky closely trailed West Virginia, featuring an impressive average tip of 20.7%. California, however, brought up the rear with the lowest generosity score of just 17.8%, illustrating a significant gap in tipping practices across wealthier states. New York and New Jersey found themselves in company with other affluent, service-oriented states like Massachusetts and Connecticut, reinforcing a trend that high-income locales often result in lower percentage gratuities relative to their costs of living. In essence, while residents in wealthier areas might have a greater ability to tip, their tipping patterns do not exhibit the same generosity seen in states with lower cost structures.
The pressing issue of “tip fatigue” emerges as a contributing factor in this phenomenon. Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman remarked on the frustration many experience when confronted with tipping requests on various transactions, from casual coffee purchases to takeout meals. The general sentiment bears out in a PlayUSA survey from 2024, indicating that over 80% of Americans feel that tipping has become excessive. Higher median hourly wages for waitstaff in both New York and New Jersey—$22.30 and $18.60 respectively—may also create a sense of leniency among diners, further easing the perceived obligation to tip more generously.
In examining the cost of dining in high-priced areas, economist Jay Zagorsky shed light on how tipping percentages translate into actual dollar amounts. He illustrated that a 19% tip on a $100 meal in New York City yields a more considerable gratuity compared to a 21% tip on a $50 meal elsewhere in the country. Such financial dynamics suggest that while percentage-wise tipping might be lower in high-income cities, the actual sums involved can still be substantial, benefiting waitstaff and bartenders significantly, especially in economically robust settings.
Ultimately, the BLogic study paints a multifaceted portrait of tipping behaviors that encompasses economic, cultural, and social dimensions. As these regional patterns continue to unfold, understanding how income levels and dining costs intersect with social customs may hold profound implications for both consumers and service industry professionals. In light of this, whether or not residents will adjust their tipping habits remains to be seen, but the current landscape reflects a complex interplay of generosity, economic reality, and societal expectations that is continuously evolving.
