04-07-2025
NYC isn't the most expensive city to visit in the US, shock report reveals — it's not even in the top 5
Sometimes, it's good to not be number one.
A surprising new study of the most expensive tourist destinations in America flew right over New York City — in fact, we didn't even make the top five.
The report, published by GOBankingRates, took 91 popular spots from coast to coast — then ranked the 55 priciest in order.
The burg with the biggest bill? Aspen, Colo. — famed haven for ski bunny boldfacers ranging from newlyweds Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez to Justin and Hailey Bieber.
5 It might not come as a surprise to skiers that Aspen, Colorado, turned out to be the most expensive tourist destination in America.
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Famous for its Rocky Mountain high prices during the winter months, Aspen is expensive year-round, the data showed.
According to the study, a three-day trip to Aspen for two adults would cost $2,708. Airfare would make up the bulk of that cost, at more than $1,300 on average, while hotels would cost about $791 for three nights, and meals in mid-range to inexpensive restaurants, including domestic beers, would be around $510.
The second spendiest spot was another celeb hotspot — Santa Barbara, California, where a three-day trip for two would cost about $2,446.
5 Santa Barbara, California, is the second most expensive place to vacation in the US right now.
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Anchorage, AK — a popular urban jumping off point for exploring the wilds of the 49th state — came in third, while well-heeled summer town Bar Harbor, Me., came in fourth. Fairbanks, AK, an Arctic-adjacent magnet for adventurers, came in fifth.
5 Anchorage, Alaska, took third place on a list of the most expensive American destinations.
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But it's not all out of reach — some of the country's most popular destinations ranked right at the bottom of the list, starting with Clearwater, Fla., famous for its beaches, at number 55. There, a traveler could expect to spend $1,630 or less for two adults.
Orlando-adjacent Kissimmee came in at number 54, while Orlando itself was at number 52.
5 Bar Harbor, Maine, at the gateway to Acadia National Park, came in fourth place.
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5 Fairbanks, Alaska, has been ranked the fifth most expensive tourist destination in the U.S.
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The Big Apple, meanwhile, took seventh place.
According to the report, the total cost for two adults spending three nights in Manhattan came out to $2,134 — with airfare costing $878, hotels coming out to $401, food costing $788 and drinks $68.
Most expensive tourist destinations in America:
