These Are the 10 Least and Most Expensive States to Visit in the U.S., According to a New Study

"After crunching all the numbers, it found that South Carolina was the most expensive state to visit, with an average daily cost of $450.07-nearly four times the cost of the most affordable state on the list, West Virginia. According to the study, elevated prices in popular destinations such as Charleston, particularly for things like lodging and meals, are a major contributor, pushing the average weekly cost per person to $3,150.46."

"To determine the most costly vacation destinations in the U.S., the study analyzed average travel-related expenses across states, including accommodation prices, taxi and public transportation fares, food and drink costs, attraction entry fees, and overall daily and weekly per-person spending. From there, the figures were combined to calculate average daily and weekly travel costs per person."

"Unsurprisingly, accommodations emerged as the biggest cost driver nationwide. South Carolina and Massachusetts, the second-most expensive state, both report average hotel rates above $300 per night-approximately $350 and $330, respectively. In other states, attraction fees play a larger role in driving up costs, with California and Florida ranking high largely because theme parks and paid experiences push daily budgets close to $400."

A Timeshare Exit Team analysis examined travel costs across U.S. states by evaluating accommodation prices, transportation fares, food and drink costs, and attraction fees. South Carolina emerged as the most expensive destination with average daily costs of $450.07 per person, while West Virginia proved most affordable. Charleston's elevated lodging and meal prices significantly contribute to South Carolina's high ranking. Accommodations represent the largest cost driver nationwide, with South Carolina and Massachusetts averaging hotel rates above $300 nightly. California and Florida rank high due to theme park and paid experience fees. The study excluded Alaska and Hawaii, focusing exclusively on the Lower 48 states.

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