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13 U.S. Cities Tourists Waste Money on Every Year

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The US has many amazing cities to see. Tourists often clamor to visit some of the more popular locations without realizing the numerous tourist traps lying in wait for them. From unaffordable accommodation to average service, there are several siphons for tourist money.

These cities are best visited with financial caution or proper prior planning as they can be very costly too visit. We have outlined some things to watch out for so check back here before your next fun escapade to these 13 U.S Cities.

Los Angeles

Photo Credit: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA/Wikimedia commons

Glitz and glamour await the visitors to the City of Angels until they become caught in traffic or forced to shell out $20 for an average smoothie. Hollywood certainly has a nice ring to it, but a quick walk down the Walk of Fame and you’ll realize it’s just a crowded street with stars on the pavement. Unless you’re willing to spend a lot of money on exclusive experiences, you might leave feeling like you could’ve just watched a movie.

Orlando

Orlando Theme Parks, Florida
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Orlando is home to some of the world’s most famous theme parks, but if you’re not careful it will drain your wallet faster than a roller coaster drops. Outside the parks, there’s not much in the way of cultural attractions or unique local experiences. Standing in long lines in the scorching Florida sun isn’t everyone’s idea of fun either.

Las Vegas

Photo credit: Rudi Nockewel/pixabay

Vegas is marketed as the ultimate adult playground but the costs pile up so quickly, you could get whiplash wondering where the expenses came from. Your “what happens in Vegas” moments might involve overpriced cocktails, casino losses, and expensive shows, and your bank account will be devastated after a trip here. The city can be a money trap unless you’re a high roller.

Nashville

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Bachelor and bachelorette parties are booming in Nashville, and if you’re not looking to get rowdy and dance to cover bands on every corner, it can be tough to justify the expense. The famed hot chicken isn’t immune to overpricing. If you’re not part of the country music fandom, it can feel just a little one-note.

San Francisco

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Image Credit: Frank Schulenburg/Wikimedia Commons

The Golden Gate Bridge is beautiful, but it’s hard to enjoy San Francisco when its sky-high prices make it unaffordable. It’s where coffees cost way more than they should, and astronomical hotel rates wreak havoc on visitor wallets. Throw in some notorious hills and overcrowded tourist sites and you might wonder why you didn’t go to a beach instead.

Miami

Image Credit : Brendon Spring/Pexels

Miami is the perfect tropical escape, but many tourists find it expensive. South Beach, in particular, can be very pricey as you end up paying for a lot of overpriced commodities and services. If you’re not a fan of the city’s flashy nightlife scene, its appeal can be short-lived.

New Orleans

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New Orleans has incredible history and culture, but some tourists spend all their dollars on overpriced tours and tourist-trap restaurants that don’t do the city justice. Bourbon Street, for all its fame, is more often a chaotic frat party than a cultural gem. You have to dig deeper than the surface-level attractions to enjoy the city.

Boston

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History runs deep in Boston, but so do the prices. Hotels can be shockingly expensive and many of the tourist attractions, if interesting, can feel underwhelming for what you pay. If you aren’t a history buff, you might think you’re paying a lot for something that doesn’t quite resonate.

Seattle

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The coffee, the views, and the vibe are cool, but Seattle can empty your wallet in a flash. Pike Place Market is fun to wander around but there are overpriced food and goods. And then there is the often dreary weather that makes you wonder.

Honolulu

Honolulu, Hawaii
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Honolulu is the gateway to paradise, but it’s a pricey stop. The inflated food prices and packed beaches mean some visitors feel they’re being charged premium rates for a sub card experience. Instead head to the outer islands, for the true Hawaiian escape.

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Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
Image Credit: Diego Delso/wikimedia commons

Some tourists feel the cost of the Windy City doesn’t match its experience. For example, it’s all too overpriced and overly commercialized especially when you visit the Willis Tower Skydeck or Navy Pier. The pizza is as good as the hype, but other parts of Chicago will leave a hole in your wallet.

Austin

Photo credit: Kate Baucherel/pixabay

Often touted as a quirky hotspot, Austin has become increasingly expensive. Where there was once live music and creative vibes, there are now overpriced food trucks and crowds. It’s hard for some to reconcile experience with the costs.

Key West

Key West Florida
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Until you see the bill, Key West is a dreamy destination. You can lose a lot of money to expensive boat tours, crowded bars on Duval Street, and overpriced drinks. The overall experience is fine, but while the scenery’s beautiful, many visitors find too much about the experience too touristy and expensive.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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