Many factors like rising hotel rates, gasoline prices, volatile airfares, tourism taxes, and restaurant inflation influenced prices. Hotel prices increased by an average of 4.5%, and the average price of a gallon of gasoline reached $4.5 USD as AAA Gas Prices shows. Carefully consider your travel destinations by comparing the most expensive and cheapest states to travel in the country.
More Expensive – California
With the highest average fuel costs in the nation in May 2026, California has become one of the most expensive states to visit. According to LendingTree, the average fuel cost is $6.15 USD per gallon. In addition, prices at coastal markets, theme parks, and restaurants have skyrocketed. One way to avoid these costs is to travel to California during the off-season, and to destinations like Cambria, Pismo Beach, or further inland such as Malibu, San Diego, or Napa.
More Expensive – Hawaii
The factors that have made Hawaii so expensive are related to airfare, car rentals, hotel rates, meals, and restaurants. It’s a lot to manage, especially considering that the average price of gasoline is $5.64 USD per gallon in 2026. To ensure you don’t miss out on this destination, we recommend renting a house with a kitchenette. This will save you from eating out, or you could head to the less famous islands that aren’t filled with luxury hotels.
More Expensive – Washington
Gasoline in Washington was the second most expensive in the country in May 2026, at about $5.77 USD per gallon. So every time you want to start your car, you’ll feel the pinch. And because demand for hotels, ferries, and mountain scenery increases for the weekend, all prices go up. It would be best to visit towns outside of Seattle or go to the Olympic Peninsula during the off-season.
More Expensive – Oregon
Lodging in cities like Portland, Bend, and the Oregon Coast can skyrocket during the summer months. And if you add to that the fact that gas prices are among the highest in the United States at $5.33 per gallon, visitors to Oregon are in for a tough time. Keep in mind that you’ll spend more money there compared to other states, so balance the budget by visiting state parks or trying to travel during the workweek.
More Expensive – Colorado
Staying in Colorado’s mountain towns can be very expensive due to high demand during ski season, summer hiking, and festivals. With so much activity and demand, towns like Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge often see price increases for hotels, parking, food, and recreational activities. You may find more reasonable prices in other towns in the state, such as Salida, Leadville, and Grand Junction, where you can also enjoy mountain scenery.
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More Expensive – South Carolina
A tourism cost analysis cited by the Travel Market Report ranked South Carolina as the most expensive state for tourists, with an average daily expenditure of $450 USD per person. This is largely due to the fact that cities like Charleston, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach significantly increase their prices during peak season because of their beach access, ample parking, restaurants, and accommodations. Therefore, steer clear of these cities and visit Greenville and Beaufort, which are less expensive alternatives. Or you could even head inland to enjoy the scenery of mountains and lakes.
Cheaper – West Virginia
If you’re looking for outdoor hikes while enjoying beautiful scenery and exploring state parks, then West Virginia is the perfect state for you. A 2026 analysis ranked it as the most affordable state for travelers. In cities like New River Gorge, cabin accommodations and inexpensive car travel make it a very attractive destination. Crossing the Bridge Walk on that steel walkway 260 meters above the river sounds like a fun activity.
Cheaper – Arkansas
Arkansas boasts a diverse landscape: lakes, warm springs, mountain towns, and state parks. Best of all, it won’t cost you nearly as much as a coastal or western state. Road trippers will find cabins and motels much cheaper there than in Colorado, California, or Florida. The Ozark town made famous by the TV series is located in Arkansas, so if you love forests and trees, this is the place for you.
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Cheaper – Ohio
The fact that hotel prices in Ohio aren’t exorbitant means families can enjoy lakeside towns, small cities, and nature trips without breaking the bank. Keep an eye on Hocking Hills and Lake Erie, where you’ll find reasonable prices for families on a regular income. You can always drive a boat across Lake Erie or visit the Hocking Hills State Park where you’ll see towering cliffs and waterfalls.
Cheaper – Missouri
Compared to coastal cities, Branson and Lake of the Ozarks are much more affordable. The appeal of these cities, as well as the rest of Missouri, lies in road trips, visiting lakes, and enjoying family time. Nature is readily available to Missouri visitors, and cabins and motels are less expensive. The state’s policy is to keep housing costs down and basic necessities below the national average.
Cheaper – New Mexico
New Mexico has much to offer. Its desert landscapes, artistic towns, warm springs, and national parks are generally less expensive than other Western states. To give you an idea, cities like Albuquerque are less expensive than Sedona, Santa Fe, and Colorado. You could also stay in Las Cruces and visit the farmers markets and the Museum of Nature and Science, or go to Santa Fe to see the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Cathedral Basilica of San Francisco.
Cheaper – Michigan
The beach town atmosphere found in many Michigan cities means they attract a huge influx of visitors. And you can visit the Great Lakes without having to pay exorbitant hotel prices. You might want to avoid northern Michigan because it tends to be expensive in the summer, but if you visit off-season, you’ll enjoy both the scenery and the price. Public beaches like South Beach, Heron, and Martindale should definitely be on your itinerary.
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