Americans love a good cocktail, but where you order one can make a big difference to your wallet. A new study from online review experts at PlayCasino.com analyzed the price of a house lime margarita across all 50 states, collecting data from five bars and restaurants in each location to find the average cost.
As the most popular cocktail in the U.S. — accounting for nearly half of all cocktail sales — the margarita offers a perfect benchmark for comparing prices nationwide. While the national average sits at $10.36, some states rank among the most expensive states for margaritas, with prices nearly doubling those in the cheapest parts of the country.
Here are the states where ordering a margarita will cost you the most:
1. Hawaii
Price: $14.05
Hawaii tops the list by a wide margin, with margaritas averaging over $14. The high cost of importing goods to the islands drives up prices across the board, meaning even a casual round of drinks can quickly become a splurge.
2. Massachusetts (Tie)
Price: $13.43
Massachusetts ranks as the priciest state on the East Coast, thanks in large part to Boston’s vibrant bar scene and overall high cost of living.
2. California (Tie)
Price: $13.43
Tied with Massachusetts, California’s expensive coastal cities help push cocktail prices well above average, making a night out in places like Los Angeles or San Francisco notably costly.
4. New York
Price: $13.22
New York’s iconic nightlife doesn’t come cheap. With margaritas averaging over $13, drinkers here are paying nearly double what they would in some of the country’s most affordable states.
5. Nevada
Price: $12.71
Home to Las Vegas, Nevada’s tourism-driven economy inflates drink prices, with visitors and locals alike paying a premium for cocktails.
Trending on Cheapism
6. New Mexico
Price: $12.70
New Mexico may surprise some with its ranking, but strong hospitality scenes in cities like Santa Fe and Albuquerque help keep prices elevated.
7. Washington
Price: $12.50
Washington State’s renowned craft cocktail culture — especially in Seattle — comes with higher prices that rival major coastal cities.
8. Montana
Price: $12.29
Montana stands out as a more unexpected entry, where higher distribution costs in remote areas push up the price of a simple margarita.
Sign up for our newsletter
9. Arizona
Price: $12.19
Arizona’s growing cocktail culture, particularly in Phoenix and Scottsdale, helps drive prices well above the national average.
10. New Jersey
Price: $11.88
Rounding out the top ten, New Jersey benefits from its proximity to New York City, with higher prices reflecting its dense population and urban influence.
More From Cheapism
- 10 Tequilas Experts Say You Should Never Waste Your Money On — From overpriced celebrity bottles to harsh, low-quality mixtos, experts call out the tequilas that aren’t worth your cash despite their popularity.
- How Much a Six-Pack of Beer Cost the Year You Turned 21 — Beer prices have shifted dramatically over the decades, and this breakdown shows how inflation and history have shaped what Americans pay for a six-pack.
- Where to Watch the Game Without Regret: The Best Sports Bar in Every State — Whether you’re after big screens, cold drinks, or a lively crowd, this guide highlights standout sports bars across the country for the ultimate game-day experience.
