The Most Expensive US Cities for Hotel Stays in 2025

Hotel Pricing in the US: Key Takeaways

• Boston, MA tops the list as the most expensive city in the United States for hotel stays, with average rates hitting $320 per night — a 5% increase from last year.
• Jersey City, NJ ranks second at $310 per night, likely driven by its proximity to New York City and a growing local travel scene.
• San Diego, CA hotel prices jumped 31% — the biggest increase nationwide — with rooms now costing an average of $177 per night.
• Raleigh, NC  is quite a surprise entry in the Top 5, with hotel prices rising 25% from last year to $258 per night, likely due to its booming tech industry.

As travel continues to pick up across the United States, understanding hotel rates across the country isn’t just important for travelers — it also matters for hospitality workers, business owners and job seekers.

After all, hotel rates can vary significantly from one city to another, and rising prices can signal increased demand, higher wages and more job opportunities in key cities.

In this article, we’ll explore the most expensive U.S. cities for hotel stays in 2025, highlighting where travelers will pay the most — and what that means for those working in the industry.

MethodologyRead More

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

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 both leisure and business travelers with its rich history, diverse cultural experiences and thriving economy. On average, the city welcomes over 20 million visitors each year, with 15% of those being international tourists. 

The city is also a major hub for international and domestic travel, with Logan International Airport serving over 43.5 million passengers in 2024, the highest in its history. This marks a 6.5% increase from the previous year.

Below is a chart showing Logan International Airport's performance over the past few years, highlighting the steady increase in the number of passengers served.

What can visitors do in Boston?

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 is a major 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. 

The city is also home to numerous conferences and events throughout the year, offering ample networking opportunities for those in the corporate and tech sectors.

Cities That Follow Close Behind (Runners-Up)

After Boston, a few cities are making waves with rising hotel prices in 2025. Here's a look at the cities that follow closely behind, explaining why they're seeing higher rates.

Jersey City, NJ

In second place, Jersey City commands an average of $310 per night. It is right next to New York City, but it offers a quieter atmosphere. 

With a quick PATH train ride into Manhattan, it’s a popular choice for tourists who want easy access to NYC’s top attractions without staying in the middle of NYC’s constant rush.

Jersey City’s waterfront views and growing restaurant scene also make it attractive, potentially pushing the prices higher for certain hotels.

New York, NY

NYC remains one of the top destinations in the U.S., and its hotel prices reflect that. 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 rooms in high demand all year round.

This consistent demand has helped NYC maintain its top spot in hotel performance, with a remarkable 84% occupancy rate — the highest in the country. 

Raleigh, NC

Raleigh may surprise many by landing in the fourth spot, given that the average price here is $258 per night. 

The city has experienced a staggering increase of over 25% from 2023. This is likely driven by its rapidly growing tech and business sectors have brought in more business travelers, and with them, the need for more hotel rooms. 

Austin, TX

Coming in fifth is Austin, where the average hotel rate is $252 per night. This city is known for its lively music scene, delicious food options and steady calendar of major events like SXSW, Formula 1 and tech conferences. 

Austin also benefits from warm, sunny weather for most of the year, making it a popular destination no matter the season. That said, Austin attracts both tourists and business travelers throughout the year, often resulting in fairly high hotel prices. 

Other Cities With Notable Changes in Hotel Rates

Some cities are seeing significant changes in their hotel prices, with rates either going up or down sharply. 

Among the most noticeable shifts is the jump in hotel rates in San Diego, California. Rates have climbed by 31% from last year, with the average now $177 per night. 

Major events like Comic-Con, combined with a steady flow of family and couple’s vacations, have contributed to the city’s growing popularity. Additionally, visitors are willing to pay more for access to the city’s sunny climate, beaches and numerous attractions, which has led to increased hotel rates.

Contrasting this trend, San Francisco has experienced a 20% decline in hotel prices. The city has seen weaker demand for hotel rooms due to changes in business travel patterns, as more people work remotely. 

Additionally, the rise of short-term rentals like Airbnb has contributed to the drop in SF hotel rates, with the average now at just $105 per night, making the city a more affordable option for budget-conscious travelers.

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.

How Rising Hotel Rates Affect Hospitality Jobs

As hotel rates climb in major cities, so does the demand for skilled hospitality workers. Luxury and boutique hotels in high-cost areas often seek more staff to maintain premium guest experiences, leading to increased job opportunities.

• In cities where hotel rates are surging, businesses may offer higher wages or additional incentives to attract and retain employees.
• The demand is especially high for Housekeepers, Front Desk Agents, Concierge staff and food & beverage workers who directly contribute to guest satisfaction.

For hospitality professionals, this presents both opportunities and challenges. While wages may be higher, the living costs (e.g., rent, transportation and daily expenses) in these cities can also be significantly higher.

That said, both current employees and job seekers should consider whether higher salaries in certain hotels offset the living costs in these markets and explore employer-provided benefits such as housing stipends or meal plans.

What High Hotel Rates Mean for Business Owners

For Hotel General Managers and owners, rising rates can impact occupancy, staffing needs and guest expectations. After all, travelers paying premium prices typically expect exceptional service, top-tier amenities and an overall seamless experience.

• Occupancy trends: Higher hotel prices can lead to fluctuations in booking patterns, with some guests opting for short-term rentals or alternative accommodations.
• Staffing strategies: With increased revenue from higher rates, businesses can invest in staff training, employee retention programs and service enhancements to differentiate themselves from competitors.
• Competitive edge: Independent hotels can compete by focusing on guest experience, personalized service and dynamic pricing strategies that offer value without compromising revenue.

For hotel businesses, the challenge lies in maintaining high service standards while ensuring profitability in competitive markets.

See also: Luxury and High-End Hospitality Services Explained

For Travelers: Smart Strategies To Save on Hotel Stays

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: Take advantage of sites like Booking.com, Kayak and Expedia to compare rates across multiple booking platforms. These sites often have hidden deals and discounts that can help you find the best price.
• Consider alternative accommodations: If hotels are too expensive, explore other options like vacation rentals (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo) or hostels, which may provide cheaper stays without sacrificing location or comfort.
• 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  (just before or after peak tourist season) 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. Many hotel chains offer member-only deals or upgrades for frequent travelers.
• Check for deals and discounts: Look for discounts available through memberships like AAA (American Automobile Association) or Costco, which offer exclusive deals on hotels, travel and other services. Additionally, many employers provide travel perks or discounts for their employees, so ask about any corporate benefits that may apply to your trip.

Conclusion

Hotel prices in major cities are on the rise, with cities like Boston and Jersey City leading the pack. While some markets are seeing sharp increases, others — like San Francisco — are becoming more affordable. 

That said, those in the hospitality industry should consider how rising hotel rates impact staffing, wages and guest expectations, preparing for both opportunities and challenges ahead. 

Meanwhile, for travelers, smart strategies such as booking early, using price comparison sites and staying in neighborhoods outside the city center can help mitigate costs.

With the right strategies, both industry professionals and travelers can navigate the U.S. hotel pricing landscape in 2025.

Written by Sasha Vidakovic

Content Specialist

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

Editor

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.