Let’s talk money. When it comes to your vacation budget the last thing you want to do is spend it all in one location. Take a peek at this list of the most expensive cities to visit to see if your next destination has made the cut.
10. New York City
It’s no surprise that New York is on the list. Not only is it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. NYC is the heart of the United States, a melting pot of culture, food, the arts, and business. Because of this the NYC tourism industry thrives and generates many tourist dollars, in other words, they get away with being “overpriced”. With rates starting at $500 a night for a luxury hotel and the average price for a mid-range hotel being $300. NYC is not a travel destination to go to if you are looking for an affordable trip. There are ways tons of budget-friendly things to do there (check out this NYC on a Budget blog post), however, overall, you are going to be spending mucho dinero by the end of the trip.
9. Paris
Much like New York, Paris, France, has become a popular destination for many travelers. Paris has a rich history and an influential role in the shaping of both Europe and Western World. This city has a reputation of being romantic but also expensive. There’s plenty of things to do; visit the city’s quaint café culture, enjoy French food and their love of pastries, wine, and chocolate, and bask in the scenes of the iconic Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Arc de Triomphe. You will love the city but, falling in love will cost you! The flight from the U.S. to Paris will run you about $800 off season and the conversion rate to USD to Euro is not so friendly. Paris hotels tend to go all out, which means they also come with a hefty price tag. Hotels can cost from 150 – 200 euros a night on the low end, and all the way up to 500-600 for a luxury hotel. Unless you stay in a sketchy hostel in a foreign country, your choice.
8. Fiji
This might be the most beautiful location on the list. Fiji isn’t just one island, but actually a series of 332 islands! Fiji has become renowned as one of the best travel destinations in the South Pacific and as one of the most exclusive. Fiji has many things going for itself which is why traveling here can run you a pretty penny. It has pristine waters, renowned natural beaches, an amazing preservation of nature, and known for its remoteness. You are not booking a Spirit flight to Fiji. All of this adds up to a recipe for an overpriced vacation stay. The flight alone is going to run you a silver spoon – $ 1500 as of September 2022. Average hotel cost is $170/night and daily travel expenses come to about $120 a day. You might want to save this trip for when you inherit a lump of cash from your great aunt or win the lottery.
7. British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands have earned themselves a reputation as a rich Brit playground. There are many things to do on the Islands like snorkeling, birdwatching, sunbathing, yoga retreats and hiking. However, things activities cost twice as much as if you did them in the neighboring island of USVI. Although British Islands are on the Western Hemisphere flights are expensive ($500-800 as of September 2022). A sea-view hotel of villa will cost you almost $700 a night in low season—and prices only increase from there. You can expect to pay much more for a villa in peak season of the year. It’s best to just go to the U.S. Virgin Islands for half the price: same ocean, same beautiful beaches, huge budget difference.
6. Tuscany
Tuscany is one of the most expensive regions in Italy, even though more people visit cities like Rome, Naples, Florence and Venice. Tuscany’s appeal is its history, which stretches back to pre-Roman times. Many of the hotels are unique as they are ancient villas that have been converted into lavish suites for rich tourists. The exclusiveness of Tuscany is why it so expensive. How many of your friends can say they spent a week in Tuscany? Tuscany is also still very rural, the scenery is breathtaking, you will be surround by stunning vineyards, hills and valleys. However, you will need a car to get around and adding in a car rental to your vacation will add extra costs. Flights from U.S. are $1200, car rental average cost is $65/day, modest hotels range from $119/night – $250/night. All in all you are looking at a pricey European vacation!
5. Bora Bora
This location should be self-explanatory. This tiny island in French Polynesia offers a luxurious experience, Bora Bora attracts its fair share of celebrities, business elite and political magnates. You are going to be paying a pretty penny for every second you are there. An average night on the island will run you a minimum of $800 and the airfare to the middle of the South Pacific isn’t exactly cheap. Recommendation: Be sure to look for all-inclusive vacation deals and hotels that offer discounted rates if you book multiple nights. You can also visit during the off-season, between December and March, to score better rates.
4. Seychelles
Seychelles, like Fiji, is a country composed of not one, but several islands. Located in the Indian Ocean, just south of the main island of Mahe, is the island of Fregate. You are not going to get a more exotic travel destination than here but you are also going to have to take out a second mortgage in order to finance this trip. For a week -long trip, be prepared to spend $2800 for a solo traveler and about $5100 for a couple.
3. Dubai
One of City Vibes favorite locations, Dubai is a Middle Eastern hotspot, it has become a mecca of modern excess, Dubai has everything, and they do it bigger and better than the rest of the world. Financed by oil wealth, Dubai was developed by the rich for the rich as a playground for those who can afford it. The city boasts a scenic coastline and desert oasis, from man-made islands to the luxurious Burj Al Arab and soaring towers, Dubai is all about spending money. If you’re on a tight budget, this is definitely not the place for you. Sure, you can find cheap flights and hotels there but that’s the only cheap in Dubai. There’s little to do outside of spending money in large shopping centers or on expensive outings, such as day-trips on yachts or renting a helicopter. If you are determined to visit Dubai, then check out our Do it Dubai blog post before you go!
2. Tokyo
Tokyo has the largest metropolitan economy in the world and mixes a futuristic cityscape, scores of nightlife and business districts with an impeccably preserved past in the five districts of Old Tokyo. Tokyo is a glimmering example that discipline is art and art comes in many different forms. From their dedication to a traditional culture yet daring and experimental when it comes to fashion and pop culture, Tokyo is unique and has a lot to offer. Flight to Japan cost about $1300, depending on the neighborhood, a four-star hotel will cost around $400 per night, and taxis are very expensive.
1. Oslo, Norway
Oslo is small and exorbitantly expensive – very expensive, in fact. Norway’s capital is scenic and delightful, filled with Scandinavian charm and still reminiscent of the Norwegians’ Viking history. Here’s the issue: the country is rich in oil and its citizens are relatively well-off, this means that the higher wages and relative wealth of the country has contributed to an expensive tourist industry. In Norway, they charge about 20 percent more than anywhere else in Western Europe and an estimated 70 percent higher than world averages. Sounds like they don’t want any tourists to visit, best leave this travel destination off your bucket list.
