AUSTIN, Texas , May 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Upgraded Points recently announced a weekend tour of concerts in 50 U.S. cities along major tour destinations for the 2024 summer concert season. Travel costs were analyzed. With major artists such as Taylor Swift, Drake and Olivia Rodrigo headlining, fans are turning the concert experience into a mini-trip, or “gig trip.” Examining the financial details of concert tickets, flights, accommodation and snacks in each city, the findings give music lovers a clear idea of how much they can expect to spend at each tour venue.
“From Taylor Swift’s record-breaking tour to emerging independent artists, the live music craze has turned into a travel phenomenon,” said Upgrade Point Editor-in-Chief Kelly Stokesberry. “We will investigate the exact cost of concert tourism and focus on cities where fans won’t pay big bucks.”
research method
The study first calculated eight different cost drivers across America’s 50 largest cities, from airfare to meals to Airbnb costs to souvenirs and snacks. Each cost represents the average spending of a weekend traveler arriving on a Friday night and departing on a Sunday morning. Concert ticket and parking prices were derived from average resale costs for 2023/2024 events held at each city’s highest-grossing concert venues using data from Vivid Seat. This cost also reflects the dynamic nature of the resale market, where prices fluctuate based on artist popularity, ticket availability, and proximity to the event.
The study included an analysis of tour dates for the 30 most popular music tours in the 2023/2024 season, assessing which cities will host the most concerts and which cities will host the least. . This list includes a wide variety of artists from a variety of genres, from Pearl Jam to Bad Bunny to Blake Shelton to the Eagles, and provides insight into the geographic distribution of major live music events.
America’s Most Expensive Concert Weekend Getaway
Spender’s Big Apple: New York
The average price for concert tickets at Madison Square Garden is $231. The average price for round-trip flights to John F. Kennedy is ¥44,102. 2 nights on Airbnb? $431. The average rideshare and meal total is $312.Total cost: $1,793
Golden Gate Groove: San Francisco
Concert-goers will pay approximately $244 per ticket. The average price for a flight to San Francisco is ¥466. A two-night stay on Airbnb costs $388. Additional costs like meals and rideshares drive up the final cost.Total cost: $1,692
Other star shows: Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle
Similar expenses from each of these top five most expensive cities all amount to more than $1,400.
Budget Beats: America’s Most Affordable Concert City
Bluegrass Bargains: Lexington, Kentucky
Round-trip airfare is just $247. Get two nights in an Airbnb for just $260. Enhance your concert experience with lower food and drink prices.Total cost: $1,037
Rock and Roll Rating: Cleveland
Reasonable airfare and Airbnb costs. Two beers at the venue cost $11.74.Total cost: $1,073
Queen City Tunes: Cincinnati
Concert tickets are available for an average of $132.90. Reduce venue fees and overall cost of accommodation.Total cost: $1,097
Enjoying the Blues on a Budget: Memphis, Tennessee
Tickets to the iconic FedEx Forum pay just $132.90. Dive into the city’s rich music scene without spending too much.Total cost: $1,123
Steel City Songs: Pittsburgh
$214.53 for 2 nights via Airbnb. Enjoy great music at great prices in a city known for its cultural attractions.Total cost: $1,128
View the entire study online for a detailed study of each city and an infographic detailing parking ticket prices, line graphs, and gig trip factors analyzed.
About Upgraded Points LLC
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Upgraded Points is a travel company that demystifies the complex world of travel and credit cards. Launched in 2016 by Alex Miller, Upgraded Points uses targeted discovery efforts and in-depth research to help travelers get the most out of their trips, points, and experiences. For more information, please visit www.UpgradedPoints.com.
Media contact:
Alex Miller, Founder
1-214-646-8866
377400@email4pr.com
View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/newest-upgraded-points-study-reveals-real-cost-of-concert-tourism- across-50-major-us-cities -302144402.html
SOURCE Upgrade Point LLC
