Are you looking for travel destinations that aren’t going to break the bank? These cities aren’t the ones. From overpriced tourist traps to absurdly inflated prices for cocktails and dining, these U.S. cities are your worst traveling options on a tight budget.
1. New York City, New York
The Big Apple is undoubtedly one of the most expensive cities in the world. The average hotel room rate in New York City is at a record high of $301 a night. An average dining-out experience costs $20+ per person for basic meals.
Famous tourist attractions such as the iconic Empire State Building cost $44 for a ticket to the observation deck. However, for someone who can appreciate breathing it all in, this experience is worth paying for because of the astonishing view. Also, a popular Broadway Show can cost a couple of hundred dollars. New York requires showing up with dollars to fully enjoy the scene.
2. Seattle, Washington
The Pacific Northwest is one of the most spectacular travel destinations for scenic views, including oceanfront fun and majestic mountains that marvel. However, the unique culture of Seattle comes with a hefty price tag.
The average hotel price for one night is $184, with many luxury hotels downtown averaging $346 per night. The Pike Place Market is a massive tourist attraction that smells more than fishy in certain areas where transients frequent. Still, dining costs $18-25 per meal.
The Space Needle costs $29-$46.50 for general admission, and truthfully, it’s a long line for very little thrill. While pleasant, the revolving glass floor in The Loupe Lounge (at the top) does not make the average $56.50 per meal worth indulging in the expense of this dining experience.
3. San Francisco, California
Home to the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco’s charm and beauty comes at a steep price. The average cost for hotel overnight accommodation in San Francisco is $282. Dining expenses are also high, with meals averaging $20-$25 per person.
The city’s iconic attractions are costly, too. An adult ticket to Alcatraz costs $53.25 in the daytime, $64.30 at night, and $109.30 for a unique behind-the-scenes experience.
A ride on the famous cable cars is $8 one way. These high prices can make it challenging for budget travelers to experience the city fully.
4. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, the world’s entertainment capital, is another city where visiting while broke is the worst. The average price for one night of hotel overnight accommodations in L.A. is $169, while luxury hotels average $326 nightly. Eating out will quickly drain your wallet with meals costing $20-$25 per person.
L.A. has several tourist attractions that cost a small fortune, too. A standard theme park ticket at Disneyland starts at $96-$194 daily, and that’s without the overpriced water bottles, food, and souvenir expenses.
At Universal Studios Hollywood, a ticket starts at $109. It increases to $209 for express ride access or $379 for the VIP experience. In addition to all this, travel is expensive; from cab rides to Uber drives, Los Angeles is easily one of the worst cities to visit without money.
5. Miami, Florida
Known for its rich culture, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches, Miami is not a cheap place to visit. The average hotel room costs $152 per night, with luxury hotels averaging $276. Expect to pay more in places like South Beach.
Dining out is also spendy, with meals averaging around $20-$30 per person. A significant part of Miami’s allure is its nightlife, which can also be costly. Cover charges are high, and one drink in a downtown club costs $20. Visiting popular tourist attractions like the Miami Seaquarium costs around $34.99 per adult.
6. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, is one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited, and the architecture is stunning. However, being broke is a big joke in that city. D.C. has several free museums and historic sites, but other costs can quickly add up.
Hotel prices are among the highest in the country, especially near the National Mall. The average hotel room price is $185, and luxury rooms go for $365. Enjoying meals out averages $25-$35 per dinner, and getting around the city by Metro, Uber, or taxi can also strain a tight budget.
7. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is another travel destination with a rich history and cultural attractions that will cost you money to enjoy. Hotel rates are high, averaging $233 for a basic room and $441 for luxury upgrades.
Dining costs are above the national average, with meals averaging $20-$30 per person. Seafood dishes are particularly pricey. While lobster rolls have never been cheap, they continue to increase in price and average $35-$45 each.
Popular tourist activities can quickly add up, like taking a Historic Harbor cruise starting at $40 or visiting the New England Aquarium for $34 per person.
8. Chicago, Illinois
Known for its stunning architecture and vibrant arts scene, Chicago is one of the most expensive cities to visit in the U.S. Hotels, particularly those in prime locations like the Magnificent Mile, which charge $160 for basic rooms and $245 for luxury ones.
Eating out is also costly, with many restaurants charging $20-$30 per person. Famous tourist attractions such as the Willis Tower Skydeck, which has an admission fee of $32, and various museums with entry prices ranging from $25-$40, can quickly deplete a travel budget, making it difficult to explore the city on a limited budget.
9. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii, is a tropical paradise many people dream of seeing. It’s also one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. to visit. Hotel rates are incredibly high, averaging $419 per night and over $821 for luxury upgrades.
Indulging in Honolulu’s cuisine is pricey, with meals costing $25-$45 per person, depending on the mealtime. Recreational activities, such as surfing lessons, cost $75-$119; snorkeling trips cost around $75, and visits to cultural sites like the Polynesian Cultural Center, which cost upward of $190 for an adult, which can quickly add up, making it a challenging destination for people with no money.
10. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, known for its casinos and entertainment, can be unsurprisingly expensive. While budget accommodation options exist, they are often far from the main attractions on the Strip, where hotel prices can easily exceed $250 per night.
Dining can also be costly, especially in the numerous high-end restaurants and buffets, with meals averaging $25-$40 per person. Entertainment, activities, and shows have tickets ranging from $50-$150, and nightlife often comes with high price tags, making it easy to overspend even with careful planning.
If you’re a gambler, money can go very quickly. Additionally, they supply you with alcohol everywhere you go so that you are guaranteed to make poor financial decisions.
11. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, famous for its vibrant culture and music scene, can be surprisingly expensive for visitors. Hotel accommodations in popular areas like the French Quarter can easily exceed $200 per night. However, they have an average cost of $132 in other areas, which isn’t too bad. Still, feasting on the city’s renowned Creole and Cajun cuisine can cost upward of $20-$30 per meal.
Tourist attractions such as steamboat cruises on the Mississippi River cost between $1,300 and $5,000 per person; a Mississippi River cruise average is about $2,400 per person for a 9-day itinerary.
Top 14 Global Tourist Traps Travelers Warn You to Avoid (7 in the US)
Have you ever found yourself fighting crowds in a heavily trafficked tourist trap that wasn’t worth the hype? It can be both an overwhelming and underwhelming experience that costs far too much for something you’re not even enjoying. PhotoAiD recently compiled a list of the world’s biggest tourist traps. After asking survey participants which spots felt most “trappy?” Here are their top picks for overrated global tourist attractions.
Top 14 Global Tourist Traps Travelers Warn You to Avoid (7 in the US)
11 Annoying Things Boomers Heard Growing Up That Turned Out to Be Great Advice
Do you remember all of the things your parents said to you growing up that seemed stupid at the time, but as you grew up, you realized the importance of what they were saying? You’re not alone. Like many things in life, understanding comes with experience. Here are several things boomers heard growing up, then repeated to their own children after understanding the truth of the statements. Did you hear these phrases growing up in your home?
11 Annoying Things Boomers Heard Growing Up That Turned Out to Be Great Advice
Behind the Times: 10 Big Things Boomers Are Completely Out of Touch With Today
There’s no doubt about it: there are some things that baby boomers just don’t seem to be able to grasp today. From changing expectations of when (and who) you should be getting married to how you’re supposed to build a long and successful career, there appear to be certain issues that they struggle to understand.
Behind the Times: 10 Big Things Boomers Are Completely Out of Touch With Today
Wondering Where to Move? Here are America’s Top 11 Dream States
Ah, the great American dream; living in the perfect state. Whether it’s the breathtaking landscapes that captivate your heart, a booming job market that promises a prosperous career, or friendly neighborhoods that instantly make you feel at home, there’s a unique, heart-warming attraction that each state offers. But the sentiment remains the same for people online: living in a home you find perfect. Here’s what people in an online forum chose as their dream states.
Wondering Where to Move? Here are America’s Top 11 Dream States