AUSTIN,
Texas, May 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Upgraded
Points recently analyzed the costs of traveling for a weekend to
see a concert in 50 U.S. cities along major tour stops for the
summer 2024 concert season. Headlined by major acts like
Taylor Swift, Drake, and
Olivia Rodrigo, fans are now
converting concert experiences into mini-vacations, or "gig
tripping." Exploring the financial details of concert tickets,
flights, accommodations, and refreshments in each city, the study
results sing a clear tune about what music lovers can expect to
spend at each tour location.
"From Taylor Swift's
record-breaking tour to emerging indie acts, the enthusiasm for
live music has transformed into a travel phenomenon," said
Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at
Upgraded Points. "We look at the exact costs of concert tourism,
spotlighting the cities where fans won't break the bank."
Study Methodology
The study first calculated eight different cost factors across
America's 50 largest cities – from airfare to meals, Airbnb
expenses, swag, and refreshments. Each cost represents the average
tourist's expenses for the weekend: arriving on Friday night and
departing on Sunday morning. Concert ticket and parking prices were
derived from the average resale costs for 2023/2024 events held at
each city's highest-grossing concert venue, using data from Vivid
Seats. The costs also reflect the dynamic nature of the resale
market, where prices fluctuate based on the popularity of the
artist, ticket availability, and the event's proximity.
The research included an analysis of tour dates from 30 of the
most popular music tours during the 2023/2024 season, assessing
which cities hosted the most and fewest concerts. The list included
a wide range of diverse artists from various genres – from Pearl
Jam to Bad Bunny, Blake Shelton,
Eagles, and more – providing insights into the geographic
distribution of major live music events.
America's Priciest Concert Weekend Getaways
The Big Apple of Spenders: New
York
- The average concert ticket at Madison Square Garden costs
$231.
- Round-trip flights to JFK average $441.
- Two nights in an Airbnb? $431.
- The total for ride-share and meals averages $312.
- Total Cost: $1,793
The Golden Gate Groove: San
Francisco
- Concertgoers pay about $244 per
ticket.
- The average flight to SFO comes in at $466.
- Airbnb lodging for two nights costs $388.
- Additional expenses like meals and ride-shares push the final
cost up.
- Total Cost: $1,692
Other Star-Studded Shows: Boston, Los
Angeles, and Seattle
- Similar expenses from each of these top-five most expensive
cities will all hit $1,400+.
Budget Beats: America's Most Affordable Concert
Cities
Bluegrass Bargains: Lexington,
Kentucky
- Round-trip airfare only costs $247.
- Spend two nights at an Airbnb for just $260.
- Enjoy lower food and drink prices, making the concert
experience even sweeter.
- Total Cost: $1,037
Rock and Roll Rates: Cleveland
- Reasonable airfare and Airbnb costs.
- Venue beers at $11.74 for
two.
- Total Cost: $1,073
Queen City Tunes: Cincinnati
- Snag a concert ticket for an average of $132.90.
- Enjoy overall lower costs in venue prices and
accommodations.
- Total Cost: $1,097
Blues on a Budget: Memphis,
Tennessee
- Pay only $132.90 for a ticket at
the iconic FedEx Forum.
- Dive into the city's rich music scene without spending
much.
- Total Cost: $1,123
Steel City Songs: Pittsburgh
- Two nights via Airbnb for $214.53.
- Get a mix of good music and great prices in a city known for
its cultural offerings.
- Total Cost: $1,128
For an in-depth look at each city, along with parking pass
costs, line graphs, and infographics that detail all of the
gig-tripping factors analyzed, please visit the full study
online.
About Upgraded Points LLC
Headquartered in Austin, Texas,
Upgraded Points is a travel company that helps to demystify the
complex world of travel and credit cards. Launched in 2016 by
Alex Miller, Upgraded Points uses
targeted research efforts and in-depth studies to help travelers
maximize their travel, points, and experiences. Learn more at:
www.UpgradedPoints.com.
Media Contact:
Alex
Miller, Founder
1-214-646-8866
377400@email4pr.com
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