10 Most Expensive Vacation Destinations in America

A new study has revealed the most and least expensive vacation destinations in America.

Travel experts at OptimosTravels analyzed over 100 well-known attractions across America, assessing them based on daily meal expenses, public transportation costs, accommodation rates, and attraction fees to identify the ten most expensive vacation destinations in America. 

On average, it costs a solo traveler $1950 per week to travel to most destinations in the US, with couples averaging $3900 per week.

Some locations, like top skiing and coastal destinations, can be upwards of $12,000 per week for a family. These are the most expensive cities to vacation in– along with the least expensive.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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At the tenth most expensive vacation destination, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, offers rugged wilderness and upscale retreats at $490 per day. With meals averaging $123 and accommodations at $302.67 per night, it balances lower-cost transportation and attraction fees at $10 and $54, respectively.

A week here costs $3,427.67 for solo travelers or $8,612.3 for a family of four, inviting you to experience the grandeur of the Wild West in style.

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

At ninth place, Martha’s Vineyard offers a taste of New England life at $496.65 daily. A week here costs $3,495 for one or $8,130 for a family of four, with moderate expenses across the board.

Quieter attractions average $20.00, combined with meal expenses of $106.875 and accommodations at $364.38, make it a perfect, yet pricey, escape from the hustle and bustle.

New York City, New York

New York City surprises at eighth, with a daily cost of $511.34. Here, high meal prices of an average of $142.50 are balanced by more modest lodging rates of $323.11. So, a week exploring the Big Apple’s urban adventures could cost a solo traveler around $3,582 or a family of four roughly $8,808.

That’s not too shabby for a world-class city, considering the experiences you’ll have, though more expensive than most!

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, claims the seventh most expensive vacation place with its historic elegance at $535.68 per day. Meals average $120, and lodging at $387.44 per night.

Charleston blends history with modern comfort, while affordable attraction costs an average of $24.74, making it a budget-friendly option for urban explorers. A week here costs $3,750 for solo travelers or $8,735 for families, proving charm comes with a price tag.

Key West, Florida 

Here, laid-back vibes meet manageable costs at the sixth most expensive destination, Key West. It’s a cocktail of affordable meals at $103.5 and stays at $421.67, lightly spiked with low attraction and transit fees. 

A solo traveler can drift through a week for $3,757, while a family of four can dive into the bliss for $8,399. Key West is the treasure at the end of the rainbow for budget-conscious beach lovers.

Free attractions include walking down Duval Street, lined with historic buildings, quirky shops and street performers, or snapping a photo down at the Southernmost Point Buoy, a concrete buoy that claims to be the southernmost point in the continental United States. While it’s not technically true (the true southernmost point is further south), it’s a fun and iconic photo opportunity.

Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica takes fifth place, blending beachside luxury with urban vibes at $592.05 per day. A dream California holiday awaits, with a week-long solo trip totaling $4,148 or a family escapade at $9,539.

Moderately priced attractions cost an average of $27.33, balanced out by higher meal expenses at $114.37 and accommodation prices at $446.67. These attractions offer a taste of California’s iconic coastlines and LA convenience.

Montauk, New York

Montauk, known for its coastal charm, ranks fourth with a daily cost of $613.77.

It balances higher meals ($135) and lodging ($464.22) with affordable attractions ($7.67). A week costs $4,324 solo and $9,850 for a family of four, showcasing relaxation over pricey activities.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui, a luxurious island paradise, ranks as the third most expensive vacation destination, with a daily cost of $682. It boasts the highest meals ($112.50) and lodging ($534.11) among top destinations, but affordable attractions ($26.63) help to balance the cost.

A week costs $4,762 solo or $10,782 for families. If you end up visiting, make sure to take a scenic coastal drive winds along the eastern shore of Maui, passing through waterfalls, rainforests, and quaint towns, known as the Road to Hana. Allow plenty of time to take in the views and stop at the many roadside attractions, like hidden beaches and roadside stands selling local treats.

Park City, Utah

Park City, securing the second spot, is known for both adventure and relaxation and offers premium experiences with high costs.

Expect $93.75 for daily meals and $471 per night for lodging. A week’s stay costs $4,971 for one and $12,632 for a family of four. This top-tier destination comes with a price tag to match.

Aspen, Colorado

Topping our list, Aspen is celebrated as the ultimate luxury destination. Whether a winter wonderland for skiers or a summer sanctuary for hikers, it boasts a daily cost of $761.39 per person.

Here, indulgence is in every detail, from gourmet meals at $100.5 per day to opulent accommodations at $494.56 per night and attractions that are simply unparalleled.

Aspen’s breathtaking scenery comes with a premium price tag – a week-long journey for one can soar beyond $5,329, and for a family of four, the skies are the limit at $13,691. Even with modest transportation costs at $7, the city’s unmatched offerings ensure its status as the epitome of luxury travel.

Monument Valley, Utah

Not all vacations have to break the bank!

Monument Valley is the 10th least expensive vacation destination in the United States, allowing families to experience stunning landscapes for only $3,818.9 for a week.

Daily costs are $218 per person, including meals and accommodations, totaling $1,529.111 per person for a week-long stay.

Bend, Oregon

Continuing with the least-expensive vacation destinations, ninth-ranked Bend is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with a weekly cost of $1,499.167 per person.

A family of four can enjoy natural beauty for $3,762.5, proving adventure is accessible. As a popular haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Bend also offers a thriving craft brewery scene, a charming historic downtown, and plenty of opportunities to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

This vibrant city ranks as the eighth least expensive option, with daily expenses at $209 per person. A week-long exploration costs $1,463.486 per person, offering urban energy for a family of four at $3,688.5.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

At seventh place, Cape Cod’s daily expenses average only $207 per person, with a week-long visit costing $1,447.444 per person. A family of four can enjoy this coastal retreat for $3,746.

Compared to more expensive destinations like Martha’s Vineyard and Maui, Cape Cod is an affordable beach option.

Sedona, Arizona

Known for its red rock vistas, Sedona ranks as the sixth least expensive vacation destination, with an average daily cost of $198 per person.

A week’s stay amounts to $1,383.667 per person, allowing a family of four to explore for only $3,276. While Sedona has some luxury resorts, it also offers a variety of budget-friendly lodging options. Consider staying in vacation rentals, cabins, or campgrounds, which can provide more space for families at a lower cost compared to hotels.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg offers access to the Great Smoky Mountains at $193 daily per person, with meals at $46.5 and accommodation at $115. The total for a 7-day family adventure is $3,463.7.

Gatlinburg is a popular tourist destination nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and sightseers, offering a variety of paid and free activities and attractions like scenic drives along wth Great Smoky Mountains Parkway, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Dollywood.

Tybee Island, Georgia

Fourth on the list of most expensive options, Tybee Island’s serene beaches come at a daily cost of $186 per person, with meals at $45 and lodging at $118.44. A week’s vacation for a family of four is reasonably priced at $3,246.8.

Tybee Island boasts beautiful beaches that are free to access. Spend quality family time swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, or exploring the tide pools. Many beaches offer stunning views and shelling opportunities, keeping kids entertained for hours for free.

Helen, Georgia

Emulating a Bavarian village, Helen stands third with an average daily expense of $185 per person. The cost includes $63 for meals and $110 for lodging, totaling $1,297 per person for a week. Families can enjoy this unique experience for $3,208.3.

Charleston, West Virginia

Ranked the second most affordable family vacation destination, Charleston offers a mix of history and nature at an average daily cost of $177 per person. With meals priced at $49.125 and accommodations at $121.33, a 7-day stay is $1,242 per person. It offers affordability and charm at $2,926.3 for a family of four.

Nestled at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers, Charleston offers a unique blend of history, outdoor recreation, and urban charm, making it a great destination for a budget-friendly family vacation.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

We ranked Outer Banks as the least expensive destination, where the allure of the Atlantic meets affordability. With the lowest accommodation costs at $91.44, combined with meals at $60 and attractions adding up to $11.27, the daily cost per person stands at a mere $177. 

The Outer Banks offer a variety of outdoor activities for families to enjoy. Go kayaking or paddleboarding through the calm waters of the sounds, take a thrilling hang gliding or paragliding lesson at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, known for the tallest sand dune on the East Coast, or explore the maritime forests and sand dunes on a guided tour.