A recent cost analysis places Aspen, Colorado, ahead of New York City as America’s most expensive destination for travelers. The study, conducted by GOBankingRates and highlighted by Travel + Leisure, estimates a three-night trip for two adults in Aspen at about $2,708, including hotels, flights, and meals. This positions Aspen at the pinnacle of pricey U.S. travel in 2025.
For Thai travelers, Aspen’s rise challenges the assumption that New York or Los Angeles are the nation’s priciest cities. The report shows that Aspen’s appeal extends beyond ski season to summer outdoor activities, cultural events, and an aura of exclusivity that sustains premium pricing year-round. As outbound Thai tourism to the United States recovers post-pandemic, more families and young explorers are weighing experiences against budgets.
The study examined 91 top U.S. destinations identified by Travel + Leisure, narrowing to the 55 most popular cities. Using U.S. Census data and a cost-of-living tool, researchers calculated the three-day total for two adults, including mid-range dining, domestic beer, and average hotel and airfare costs. Airfare averages exceed $1,300, hotel costs hover around $791, and meals total roughly $510, with small extras for drinks and entertainment.
Beyond Aspen, Santa Barbara, Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Bar Harbor round out the list of the priciest domestic locales. Each offers unique scenery, from coastal vistas to northern lights and small-town charm. By contrast, Florida emerges as the most affordable major travel state, with three-night trips averaging about $1,630, driven by lower lodging and dining costs and competitive airfares. For the least expensive indulgence, Branson, Missouri, features some of the lowest domestic beer prices in the country.
Industry experts note that Aspen’s premium reflects its status as a celebrity enclave and magnet for international visitors and affluent Americans. A senior travel analyst explains that Aspen’s appeal extends beyond winter sports; spring and summer transform the landscape for hikers and culture enthusiasts. Whether visiting for skiing, music festivals, or autumn foliage, the exclusivity comes with a high price tag.
Thai travelers may still picture New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco as the ultimate U.S. vacation. Yet the new findings suggest a reassessment of travel planning, with more Thai clients seeking value without sacrificing bucket-list experiences. A Bangkok-area travel consultant notes how quickly costs rise in destinations once deemed off the beaten path, with Aspen as a prime example.
U.S. tourism costs have long fluctuated with seasons, exchange rates, and global trends. While New York once led in travel expenses due to four- and five-star accommodations and the theater scene, the rise of experiential and nature-based travel has redirected luxury toward destinations like Aspen. This shift mirrors movements in Asia, where exclusive eco-resorts in Thailand attract international demand and push up room rates during peak periods.
Aspen’s ability to sustain premium pricing amid broad inflation suggests luxury travel may continue to rise. Thai agencies advise clients to plan early, monitor airfare trends, and consider alternative destinations to manage costs. When comparing Aspen with Thai luxury properties, many specialists feel that even premier Thai resorts can offer better overall value for travelers in terms of flight time, dining, and total spend.
Looking forward, demand for exclusive, year-round destinations is likely to push costs higher for places like Aspen and Santa Barbara. Meanwhile, more affordable American regions—especially Florida—could gain traction among Thai and other Asian travelers who value savings alongside quality experiences. Currency movements will also influence decisions for long-haul trips to the United States.
Practical guidance for Thai vacation planners includes exploring secondary U.S. destinations that fit budgets, timing trips to shoulder seasons for lower rates, and leveraging package deals that combine airfare and lodging. Flexible dates can yield substantial savings, even in high-end markets.
As global travel costs evolve with consumer preferences and economic shifts, Thai travelers are urged to look beyond reputations and focus on real costs and reachable experiences when planning U.S. getaways.