- Aspen, Colorado is the most expensive U.S. destination, with a three-day trip for two averaging over $2,700.
- New York City ranks seventh, costing around $2,134 for a similar trip—less than expected for the iconic urban hub.
- Affordable vacation spots include Clearwater, Florida, which ranked 55th, offering beach getaways for under $1,630.
New York City has long been considered one of the world’s most extravagant destinations. With its gleaming skyline, Broadway lights, and five-star dining on every corner, tourists have learned to brace their wallets. But it turns out, the Big Apple isn’t the heavyweight champion of travel expenses anymore. In a twist that left many stunned, NYC didn’t even crack the top five in a new ranking of the most expensive places to visit in the United States.
The results come from a detailed report by GOBankingRates, which examined 91 popular vacation spots across the country and crunched the numbers to determine where travelers are shelling out the most money. The list was narrowed down to the top 55 costliest places, and the findings may surprise you.
Aspen Tops the Charts with Sky-High Costs
Taking the number one spot is the ultra-exclusive town of Aspen, Colorado — a luxury ski resort that’s also a magnet for A-listers and tech billionaires. Nestled deep in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen isn’t just a winter playground for the elite. Its high prices stay sky-high throughout the year.
The average cost of a three-day getaway for two adults in Aspen rings in at a jaw-dropping $2,708. And that’s not including luxury upgrades. A large chunk of that comes from airfare, which averages over $1,300 for two. Add a mid-range hotel at around $791 for three nights, and toss in meals and drinks totaling roughly $510, and you’ve got yourself one very pricey weekend escape.
And if you’re thinking those prices keep the crowds away — think again. Between celebrity sightings and lavish après-ski lounges, Aspen continues to draw the rich and famous like moths to a designer flame. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez have made headlines for cozying up on the slopes, and Justin and Hailey Bieber have also been spotted enjoying the alpine scenery.
Santa Barbara Shines — and Spends
Coming in at number two is sunny Santa Barbara, California, another destination favored by celebrities and the upper crust. With palm-lined streets, luxury boutiques, and dramatic ocean views, it’s not hard to see why travelers fall in love — or fall deep into their savings.
A weekend for two in Santa Barbara adds up to around $2,446. While less than Aspen, it still represents a major investment for a brief vacation. This coastal town offers upscale dining, high-end resorts, and a laid-back lifestyle that comes at a steep cost. The backdrop may be paradise, but the price tag is far from relaxing.
Alaska Claims Two Spots in the Top Five
Nature lovers may be shocked to learn that two cities in Alaska — Anchorage and Fairbanks — made the top five most expensive U.S. destinations.
Anchorage took third place, offering a gateway to Alaska’s wilderness — glaciers, fjords, and untamed mountain ranges. But this rugged charm comes with a rugged price. Travel costs, especially flights, drive up the total to over $2,300 for a three-day trip. The same applies to Fairbanks, which came in fifth. Known for its access to the Arctic Circle and dramatic northern lights, it’s a must-see for adventurous travelers — if they can afford it.
Sandwiched in between was Bar Harbor, Maine, in fourth place. The beloved seaside village is a classic New England summer retreat, famous for lobster rolls and Acadia National Park. But a romantic coastal trip here adds up fast, with accommodation and meals pushing the budget into the high two-thousands.
NYC Lands at Number Seven — Still Pricey, Just Not the Priciest
For years, travelers have assumed that New York City was the most expensive place to visit in the U.S. And while it still isn’t cheap, the numbers tell a different story. NYC ranked seventh, falling behind more remote or exclusive destinations.
According to the study, a three-night stay for two in Manhattan costs approximately $2,134. Flights average $878, hotel stays come in around $401, while dining — which is often an experience of its own in the city — runs up to $788. Toss in another $68 for drinks, and you’ve got a Big Apple bill that still bites, but not as hard as many believed.
Some New Yorkers are taking the news as a strange point of pride. “I can’t believe we’re not in the top five,” said Chelsea resident Laura Mason. “Have you seen hotel prices in midtown lately?” Others welcome the news, hoping it may shake the city’s reputation for being out of reach. “Maybe now more people will realize you don’t have to be rich to visit NYC,” said Harlem-based tour guide Malik Green. “There’s plenty of affordable stuff to do if you know where to look.”
Budget-Friendly Surprises
At the opposite end of the list sit some of America’s most visited and family-friendly locations. Clearwater, Florida, best known for its warm waters and white sand beaches, ranked 55th — the most affordable among the destinations surveyed.
Here, a three-day trip for two costs about $1,630 — significantly less than Aspen’s luxury retreat. That includes flights, hotel stays, meals, and a little room for fun in the sun. Not far behind were Kissimmee (number 54) and Orlando (52), both favorites for theme park lovers and families with kids.
These budget destinations prove that travelers can still make magical memories without maxing out their credit cards. And in today’s economy, that’s no small feat.
A Wake-Up Call for Travelers
So what does this report mean for travelers trying to plan their next getaway? Simply put: expensive doesn’t always mean obvious. While glitzy cities like New York and Los Angeles used to dominate the list of pricey vacations, a new generation of high-end getaways — from rustic Alaskan towns to elite ski resorts — is changing the game.
It also highlights a growing trend: travelers are willing to pay a premium for unique experiences, remote adventures, or luxury escapes. That demand drives up prices in unexpected places, while urban destinations may benefit from competition and greater availability.
As peak travel season heats up, these rankings could help Americans rethink how and where they spend their hard-earned dollars. Whether you’re chasing powder in Aspen, soaking in the sun in Santa Barbara, or hunting deals in Clearwater, one thing is clear — your zip code may matter more than you think when it comes to vacation costs.
Top 5 Most Expensive U.S. Destinations for Tourists:
- Aspen, Colorado
- Santa Barbara, California
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Fairbanks, Alaska
And yes, New York City? Still dazzling — but not the most expensive on the map.
