As travel continues to pick up across the U.S., understanding where to find accommodations that fit your budget has become more important than ever. If you’re planning a trip, it’s essential to know that hotel rates can vary significantly from one city to another.
In this article, we’ll explore the most expensive U.S. cities for hotel stays in 2025, highlighting the destinations that command the highest prices.
Methodology
To keep our insights relevant and well-informed, we concentrated on the latest reports and information available as of March 2025. Our primary source for hotel rates is the comprehensive survey conducted by Cheaphotels.org, which analyzed accommodation prices in 100 U.S. cities. By prioritizing data from industry experts and credible publications, we aim to provide a thorough perspective on this topic.
The Cheaphotels.org survey utilized clear criteria to evaluate hotel rates across 100 U.S. cities. It included all cities with populations exceeding 300,000 and select destinations with populations over 200,000. The survey focused on centrally located hotels with a minimum three-star rating, collecting data for stays from October 1–31, 2024.
Top 5 Expensive Cities for Hotel Stays in the US
As travel trends change, some cities remain favorites among visitors, which often drives up hotel prices. Let’s take a closer look at the top five most expensive cities for hotel stays in the U.S. for 2025.
Boston: The most expensive city
Ranking at the top, Boston recorded an average price of $320 per night for the least expensive double room at centrally located hotels rated three stars or higher in 2024. This figure marks a 5% increase compared to the previous year, indicating a steady demand for accommodations in this historic city.
Boston attracts visitors with its rich history, diverse cultural experiences and strong economy. Tourists can walk the Freedom Trail to explore important sites from the American Revolution or relax in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States. The city is home to renowned museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
For business travelers, Boston offers a thriving hub for industries such as finance, healthcare and technology. The presence of prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT supports a robust startup scene and attracts professionals from around the world. Networking opportunities abound, thanks to a variety of conferences and events held throughout the year.
Runner-ups
In second place, Jersey City commands an average of $310 per night. Its proximity to New York City makes it a popular choice for tourists seeking to experience the Big Apple while enjoying a slightly less hectic environment. Jersey City’s waterfront views and burgeoning dining scene add to its allure.
New York City, the iconic metropolis, ranks third with hotel rates averaging $284 per night. The city’s endless attractions — from Broadway shows to world-class museums — remain a magnet for visitors, keeping hotel prices elevated.
Raleigh, North Carolina, surprises many by landing in the fourth spot with an average price of $258 per night. The city has experienced a staggering increase of over 25% from 2023, likely driven by its emerging tech hub status and the influx of business travelers.
Austin, Texas comes in fifth with an average hotel rate of $252 per night. Known for its lively music scene, delicious food options and outdoor activities, Austin attracts both visitors looking for a good time and tech professionals attending conferences.
Significant Changes in Hotel Rates
Among the most noteworthy trends is the remarkable jump in hotel rates in San Diego, where visitors can expect to pay an average of $177 per night. The city has recorded a staggering 31% increase from last year, fueled by its sunny climate, stunning beaches and numerous attractions that appeal to families and couples alike.
Contrasting this trend, San Francisco offers a silver lining for budget-conscious travelers. With an average rate of just $105 per night, this city has experienced a 20% decline in hotel prices. Changes in business travel patterns and the evolving economic landscape may have contributed to this decline.
Overview of Hotel Rates in 100 US Cities
The table below lists 100 city destinations across the United States, sorted from the most expensive to the cheapest for hotel accommodations. It displays the average rates for the cheapest available double rooms in centrally located hotels with a minimum 3-star rating.
| City | Average Rate |
| Boston | $320 |
| Jersey City | $310 |
| New York City | $284 |
| Raleigh | $258 |
| Austin | $252 |
| Detroit | $236 |
| Boise | $236 |
| Madison | $235 |
| Nashville | $227 |
| Durham | $226 |
| Albuquerque | $224 |
| Lexington | $224 |
| Worcester | $221 |
| Long Beach | $215 |
| Cincinnati | $212 |
| Buffalo | $205 |
| Rochester | $205 |
| Anchorage | $204 |
| Sacramento | $202 |
| Kansas City | $198 |
| Cleveland | $194 |
| Pittsburgh | $194 |
| Philadelphia | $190 |
| San Jose | $188 |
| Fresno | $186 |
| Tacoma | $186 |
| Chicago | $185 |
| Riverside | $185 |
| Phoenix | $184 |
| Washington, D.C. | $184 |
| Scottsdale | $184 |
| Augusta | $183 |
| Denver | $182 |
| Columbus (GA) | $182 |
| Tallahassee | $181 |
| Los Angeles | $179 |
| Greensboro | $178 |
| San Diego | $177 |
| Minneapolis | $175 |
| Newark | $174 |
| Lincoln | $174 |
| Charlotte | $172 |
| Colorado Springs | $172 |
| Seattle | $169 |
| Richmond | $167 |
| Jacksonville | $167 |
| St. Petersburg | $165 |
| Tampa | $164 |
| Laredo | $163 |
| Dallas | $162 |
| Indianapolis | $161 |
| New Orleans | $161 |
| Milwaukee | $158 |
| Oakland | $157 |
| Irvine | $156 |
| Fort Worth | $153 |
| Norfolk | $152 |
| Orlando | $151 |
| Baltimore | $150 |
| Stockton | $148 |
| Columbus (OH) | $146 |
| St. Louis | $144 |
| Memphis | $143 |
| Louisville | $142 |
| Saint Paul | $142 |
| Winston-Salem | $142 |
| Atlanta | $139 |
| Santa Ana | $138 |
| Tulsa | $137 |
| Henderson | $137 |
| Fort Wayne | $136 |
| Lubbock | $136 |
| Spokane | $136 |
| Mesa | $135 |
| Miami | $135 |
| Tucson | $135 |
| Wichita | $134 |
| Toledo | $134 |
| Huntsville | $134 |
| El Paso | $134 |
| Salt Lake City | $133 |
| Las Vegas | $132 |
| Anaheim | $132 |
| Des Moines | $130 |
| Corpus Christi | $129 |
| Omaha | $128 |
| Sioux Falls | $127 |
| Houston | $121 |
| Aurora | $118 |
| Baton Rouge | $114 |
| Bakersfield | $114 |
| Portland | $113 |
| Honolulu | $112 |
| San Antonio | $112 |
| Oklahoma City | $110 |
| Virginia Beach | $108 |
| San Francisco | $105 |
| Little Rock | $102 |
| Arlington | $95 |
| Reno | $87 |
Tips for Travelers
For those planning a trip to cities with the most expensive hotel accommodations, here are some helpful tips to keep costs manageable:
- Book early: Make reservations well in advance to secure better rates, especially in high-demand areas.
- Be flexible with your travel dates: If possible, avoid weekends and holidays when prices can spike. Traveling during the week often yields lower rates.
- Use price comparison websites: Sites like Booking.com and Expedia can help you find the best deals by comparing multiple options.
- Consider alternative accommodations: Look into vacation rentals or hostels as more budget-friendly options than traditional hotels.
- Explore neighborhoods outside the city center: Check neighborhoods adjacent to major tourist attractions. They often offer more affordable stays while still providing easy access to public transportation.
- Travel during off-peak seasons: Research the most affordable times to visit each city. Traveling during shoulder seasons can result in lower rates and fewer crowds.
- Sign up for alerts: Use features on booking sites to get alerts on price drops or special promotions for the cities you’re interested in.
- Join loyalty programs: Consider joining hotel loyalty programs that can lead to discounts, free nights or upgrades.
- Check for deals and discounts: Look for discounts through memberships, or check if your employer offers any travel benefits.
Written by Sasha Vidakovic
Sasha is an experienced writer and editor with over eight years in the industry. Holding a master’s degree in English and Russian, she brings both linguistic expertise and creativity to her role at OysterLink. When she’s not working, she enjoys exploring new destinations, with travel being a key part of both her personal and professional growth.
Reviewed by Marcy Miniano
Marcy is an editor and writer with a background in public relations and brand marketing. Throughout her nearly decade-long career, she has honed her skills in crafting content and helping build brands across various industries — including restaurant and hospitality, travel, tech, fashion and entertainment.
