Ever wondered if you’re a good tipper? Well, it might actually depend on where you live.
New York and New Jersey residents rank among the worst tippers in the U.S., despite enjoying the highest incomes and dining at some of the priciest restaurants. A recent survey shows this surprising trend.
For instance, New Jersey placed 35th out of 40 states, averaging a 19.5% tip, while New York came in just slightly better at 34th when considering full-service restaurant transactions.
This index, developed by payment processors, not only tracks the percentage of tips but also measures how generous states are in relation to their residents’ earnings.
It turns out that high-income, high-cost areas like New York and New Jersey dragged the numbers down. In contrast, West Virginia, where the average tip reached 21%, topped the list. It seems that diners in places with lower income levels, like West Virginia, tipped more generously than their wealthier counterparts.
Following close behind was Kentucky, averaging 20.7%.
California, on the other hand, landed at the bottom with just a 17.8% average, reflecting the least generosity in the country. New York and New Jersey weren’t far behind, alongside other affluent states like Massachusetts and Connecticut.
It’s probably unrealistic to expect New Yorkers to increase their tipping rates anytime soon, as many face “tip fatigue.”
Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert and founder of a protocol school in Texas, shared her thoughts, saying, “Tip fatigue is a real phenomenon. People get frustrated when they’re asked to tip for everything, from coffee to drive-through orders.”
She added, “Etiquette suggests showing appreciation for good service, but it feels excessive to suggest tipping 20% or even 25% for a quick service at a counter.”
According to a 2024 survey, over 80% of Americans believe that tipping has spiraled out of control.
This trend may also be influenced by the median hourly wages for waitstaff, which are notably high—$22.30 in New York and $18.60 in New Jersey—potentially easing some pressure on patrons to tip generously.
The research incorporated data from 2025 to provide a clearer picture of tipping trends based on wage rates, disposable income, and general attitudes towards tipping.
Economist Jay Zagorsky from Boston University emphasized the exorbitant cost of dining in New York. He highlighted that a 19% tip on a $100 meal in the city gives a larger dollar amount compared to a 21% tip on a $50 meal in more rural areas.
