A new analysis named Aspen, Colorado, the most expensive tourist destination in the U.S. Keep reading to learn what other spots made the list.
When you’re on a budget, it is always good to know where the cheapest beaches, hotels, and flights can be found. For those looking to save money—or inversely, those wanting to spend it—it can also be helpful to know where the most expensive destinations are. A new study from GOBankingRates revealed five most expensive U.S. tourist destinations, proving that you don’t need to leave the country in order to put a lot of pressure on your wallet.
To determine which cities were the priciest, GOBankingRates analyzed 91 of the top U.S. destinations, as determined by Travel + Leisure reporting, and narrowed it down to 55 cities. Then, using census data, Numbeo’s cost of living tool, they determined how much it would cost for two adults to visit the location for three nights, eating meals at a mixture of mid-range and inexpensive restaurants, and how much it costs for domestic beer. Average hotel and flight prices were also factored in.
For avid skiers, it might not be surprising that Aspen, Colorado, is the nation’s most expensive destination.
Known for its ski resorts, Aspen is expensive year-round. (The city has world-class skiing in winter and scenic hiking and biking trails in summer. There are fewer crowds in the spring and falls, plus vibrant foliage and a robust roster of cultural events.) According to the study, Aspen will cost two people $2,708 for three days. Given how much there is to do there and how beautiful it is, it isn’t a waste of money—but you’ll certainly be spending a lot of it. Airfare will be the costliest part of the trip, at more than $1,300 on average while hotels cost around $791 for a three-night stay and meals would end up around $510.
The study also helped determine which state had the most affordable destination; Florida cities average $1,630, making it slightly more affordable than the second most affordable state, California. The cheapest place to buy a beer? Branson, Missouri, where it costs $3.50 on average.
Here’s the the five most expensive U.S. cities to visit:
- Aspen, Colorado
- Santa Barbara, California
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Fairbanks, Alaska
To learn more, visit GOBankingRates.com.
