The Most Expensive Vacation Spot in Every State
Traveling across the United States offers a diverse range of experiences, from sun-kissed beaches to rugged mountain ranges. However, some destinations can significantly impact your wallet. GOBankingRates compiled a list of the most expensive vacation spots in every state, considering factors like accommodation costs, dining expenses, and airfare with help from sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, Data USA, BankRate, and ChatGPT. While these places may come with a hefty price tag, they may also promise unforgettable experiences that could be worth the money. Here’s our list:
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Alabama: Orange Beach
Cost of Living: 3.1% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: White sandy beaches, water sports, and vibrant nightlife.
Average Cost: $250 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $80 per day, and airfare around $400.
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Alaska: Anchorage
Cost of Living: 4.3% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Glaciers, wildlife tours, and the Northern Lights.
Average Cost: $300 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $100 per day, and airfare around $600.
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Arizona: Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale
Cost of Living: 2.6% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Desert botanical gardens, golf resorts, and spa retreats.
Average Cost: $280 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $90 per day, and airfare around $350.
Arkansas: Hot Springs
Cost of Living: 6.7% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Natural hot springs, historic bathhouses, and beautiful lakes.
Average Cost: $200 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $70 per day, and airfare around $300.
California: San Francisco
Cost of Living: 17.4% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and world-class dining.
Average Cost: $400 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $120 per day, and airfare around $500.
Colorado: Aspen
Cost of Living: 7.3% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Ski resorts, luxury spas, and high-end shopping.
Average Cost: $600 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $150 per day, and airfare around $600.
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Connecticut: Greenwich
Cost of Living: 5.6% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Elegant estates, high-end boutiques, and fine dining.
Average Cost: $350 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $110 per day, and airfare around $400.
Delaware: Rehoboth Beach
Cost of Living: 5.1% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Family-friendly beaches, boardwalks, and seafood restaurants.
Average Cost: $250 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $80 per day, and airfare around $350.
Florida: Miami
Cost of Living: 10% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Nightlife, luxury hotels, and pristine beaches.
Average Cost: $400 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $100 per day, and airfare around $500.
Georgia: Savannah
Cost of Living: 1.8% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Historic homes, cobblestone streets, and southern cuisine.
Average Cost: $250 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $70 per day, and airfare around $400.
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Hawaii: Honolulu
Cost of Living: 13.8% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and tropical landscapes.
Average Cost: $450 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $120 per day, and airfare around $800.
Idaho: Sun Valley
Cost of Living: 6.5% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Skiing, hiking, and luxury lodges.
Average Cost: $300 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $90 per day, and airfare around $400.
Illinois: Chicago
Cost of Living: 4.8% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and deep-dish pizza.
Average Cost: $350 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $100 per day, and airfare around $450.
Indiana: Indianapolis
Cost of Living: 5.3% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, museums, and parks.
Average Cost: $200 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $70 per day, and airfare around $350.
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Iowa: Des Moines
Cost of Living: 4.7% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: State Fairgrounds, botanical gardens, and art festivals.
Average Cost: $150 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $60 per day, and airfare around $300.
Kansas: Kansas City
Cost of Living: 6.2% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Barbecue, jazz clubs, and historic districts.
Average Cost: $200 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $70 per day, and airfare around $350.
Kentucky: Louisville
Cost of Living: 6.8% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Kentucky Derby, bourbon tours, and historic homes.
Average Cost: $250 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $80 per day, and airfare around $350.
Louisiana: New Orleans
Cost of Living: 3.1% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Mardi Gras, jazz music, and Creole cuisine.
Average Cost: $300 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $90 per day, and airfare around $400.
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Maine: Bar Harbor
Cost of Living: 0.3% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Acadia National Park, seafood, and scenic views.
Average Cost: $350 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $100 per day, and airfare around $500.
Maryland: Annapolis
Cost of Living: 5.4% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Chesapeake Bay, sailing, and historic sites.
Average Cost: $300 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $90 per day, and airfare around $400.
Massachusetts: Nantucket
Cost of Living: 10.2% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Beaches, whaling museum, and quaint streets.
Average Cost: $450 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $120 per day, and airfare around $600.
Michigan: Traverse City
Cost of Living: 1% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Wineries, beaches, and cherry orchards.
Average Cost: $250 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $80 per day, and airfare around $350.
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Minnesota: Minneapolis
Cost of Living: 3.2% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Mall of America, lakes, and arts scene.
Average Cost: $300 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $90 per day, and airfare around $400.
Mississippi: Biloxi
Cost of Living: 9.2% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Casinos, beaches, and seafood.
Average Cost: $200 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $70 per day, and airfare around $300.
Missouri: Branson
Cost of Living: 4.3% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Live shows, theme parks, and lakes.
Average Cost: $250 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $80 per day, and airfare around $350.
Montana: Big Sky
Cost of Living: 6.3% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Skiing, hiking, and luxury resorts.
Average Cost: $400 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $100 per day, and airfare around $500.
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Nebraska: Omaha
Cost of Living: 4.7% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Zoo, museums, and riverfront.
Average Cost: $200 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $70 per day, and airfare around $350.
Nevada: Las Vegas
Cost of Living: 1.1% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Casinos, shows, and nightlife.
Average Cost: $350 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $100 per day, and airfare around $450.
New Hampshire: Portsmouth
Cost of Living: 4% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Historic sites, coastal views, and seafood.
Average Cost: $300 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $90 per day, and airfare around $400.
New Jersey: Cape May
Cost of Living: 3.8% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Victorian architecture, beaches, and bird watching.
Average Cost: $350 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $100 per day, and airfare around $450.
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New Mexico: Santa Fe
Cost of Living: 5.6% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Art galleries, Pueblo-style architecture, and historic sites.
Average Cost: $250 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $80 per day, and airfare around $400.
New York: NYC
Cost of Living: 15.5% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Broadway shows, iconic landmarks, and world-class dining.
Average Cost: $450 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $150 per day, and airfare around $500.
North Carolina: Asheville
Cost of Living: 4.3% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, and craft breweries.
Average Cost: $300 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $90 per day, and airfare around $400.
North Dakota: Fargo
Cost of Living: 5.8% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Cultural festivals, art museums, and historic sites.
Average Cost: $200 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $70 per day, and airfare around $350.
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Ohio: Cleveland
Cost of Living: 5.8% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, museums, and parks.
Average Cost: $250 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $80 per day, and airfare around $400.
Oklahoma: Tulsa
Cost of Living: 6.2% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Art deco architecture, music scene, and outdoor activities.
Average Cost: $200 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $70 per day, and airfare around $350.
Oregon: Portland
Cost of Living: 5.7% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Rose gardens, craft beer, and eclectic neighborhoods.
Average Cost: $300 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $100 per day, and airfare around $450.
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia
Cost of Living: 2.3% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Historic landmarks, museums, and cheesesteaks.
Average Cost: $300 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $90 per day, and airfare around $450.
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Rhode Island: Newport
Cost of Living: 1.2% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Mansions, sailing, and seafood.
Average Cost: $350 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $100 per day, and airfare around $450.
South Carolina: Charleston
Cost of Living: 2% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Historic homes, beaches, and southern cuisine.
Average Cost: $300 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $90 per day, and airfare around $400.
South Dakota: Rapid City
Cost of Living: 5.9% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Mount Rushmore, Black Hills, and outdoor activities.
Average Cost: $250 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $80 per day, and airfare around $400.
Tennessee: Nashville
Cost of Living: 3% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Country music, honky-tonks, and historic sites.
Average Cost: $300 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $90 per day, and airfare around $400.
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Texas: Austin
Cost of Living: 5.1% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Live music, outdoor activities, and food trucks.
Average Cost: $350 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $100 per day, and airfare around $450.
Utah: Park City
Cost of Living: 2.3% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Ski resorts, Sundance Film Festival, and hiking.
Average Cost: $400 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $120 per day, and airfare around $500.
Vermont: Stowe
Cost of Living: 2.3% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Skiing, fall foliage, and luxury resorts.
Average Cost: $350 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $100 per day, and airfare around $450.
Virginia: Virginia Beach
Cost of Living: 3.4% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Boardwalk, beaches, and water sports.
Average Cost: $250 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $80 per day, and airfare around $400.
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Washington: Seattle
Cost of Living: 12% more expensive than the national average
Highlights: Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and coffee culture.
Average Cost: $400 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $120 per day, and airfare around $500.
West Virginia: Snowshoe
Cost of Living: 7.8% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Skiing, mountain biking, and scenic views.
Average Cost: $250 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $80 per day, and airfare around $400.
Wisconsin: Lake Geneva
Cost of Living: 3% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Lakeside resorts, golf courses, and water sports.
Average Cost: $300 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $90 per day, and airfare around $400.
Wyoming
Cost of Living: 6.8% less expensive than the national average
Highlights: Ski resorts, national parks, and wildlife.
Average Cost: $400 per night for accommodations, meals averaging $120 per day, and airfare around $500
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