Colorado, California, Alaska and Maine top the 2025 ranking of America’s most luxurious and expensive travel destinations

Posted on November 3, 2025

Colorado, California, Alaska and Maine steal the spotlight in 2025 as the four states that top America’s list of the most luxurious and expensive travel destinations. Its dominance reflects how modern tourism is increasingly shaped by exclusivity, natural grandeur and unforgettable experiences. Together, these states showcase the full range of America’s travel appeal—from the snowy elegance of the Rockies to the sunlit beaches of the Pacific, the pristine wilderness of the North, and the timeless charm of the Atlantic Coast. Each region attracts travelers who want to invest in experiences that blend adventure, comfort and authenticity.

Across these states, destinations like Aspen in Colorado, Santa Barbara in California, Anchorage and Fairbanks in Alaska, and Bar Harbor in Maine have become synonymous with elite travel. Its appeal lies not only in its stunning landscape, but also in its warm hospitality and cultural sophistication. High-end resorts, limited access, and exclusive restaurants have driven up prices, putting these cities at the top of the 2025 Travel Costs Index. However, their high costs are offset by exceptional value – pristine scenery, curated experiences, and a level of tranquility rarely found in commercial vacation spots.

While these luxury destinations require higher budgets, they continue to attract travelers seeking rare and meaningful escapes. Whether it’s skiing across Aspen’s sparkling slopes, relaxing on Santa Barbara’s golden beaches, viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska, or sampling fresh lobster along Maine’s rugged coast, each experience speaks to the growing desire for quality over quantity in travel. Colorado, California, Alaska and Maine now define a new era of high-value tourism in America – one in which the price of a trip truly reflects the richness of the experience.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen remains synonymous with luxury and exclusivity. Located in the Rocky Mountains, this millennial retreat is known for its ski slopes, upscale shops, and year-round outdoor appeal. Its small-town appeal combined with world-class amenities make it a magnet for the affluent.

The city’s high prices stem largely from its limited real estate space and elite atmosphere, which results in housing, dining, and shopping costs well above national averages. The cost of living in Aspen is estimated to be more than twice that of an average American city, charging high prices for both basics and entertainment.

Despite its high costs, Aspen’s beauty justifies its fame. Snow-capped peaks, pristine parks and meticulously maintained streets make for a postcard-perfect destination. From luxury lodges to fine dining and cultural events, Aspen promises a polished experience unlike most other mountain towns.

Santa Barbara, California

It is often called American RivieraSanta Barbara exudes coastal sophistication. With its Spanish Colonial architecture, stunning beaches, and Mediterranean climate, it offers all the beauty and relaxation of Southern California — at a hefty cost.

Its boutique accommodations, fine dining restaurants, and oceanfront resorts are among the most expensive in the country. The limited availability of housing and land exacerbates the demand for short-term stays and permanent housing. However, the city’s natural charm and quiet elegance continue to attract visitors who consider its expense part of the experience.

Travelers can lighten their budgets by staying in nearby Los Angeles suburbs and taking scenic drives along the coast. Since Santa Barbara’s mild weather persists year-round, off-season visits still offer the same beauty with smaller crowds and sometimes lower prices.

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage may not fit the typical image of a luxury getaway, but it ranks high on travel costs due to its remote location. One of the biggest expenses is the cost of airfare, with flights to Alaska costing much more than flights to most mainland destinations. However, for nature lovers, Anchorage offers access to some of the most stunning wilderness in North America.

Surrounded by mountains and expansive bays, Anchorage serves as the gateway to the 495,000-acre Chugach State Park and is just a short drive from Kenai Fjords National Park. Summer visitors enjoy long days of sunlight, abundant wildlife, and stunning views that make the price of admission worthwhile.

For adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, Anchorage offers a combination of rugged beauty and modern convenience that few destinations can match.

(Bar Harbor, Maine).

Bar Harbor is the crown jewel of Maine’s coast and the main gateway to Acadia National Park. Although it may seem quaint and quiet compared to larger tourist cities, its picturesque appeal and limited accessibility contribute to high costs.

Airfare and dining prices are major contributing factors to its ranking among the most expensive vacation spots in America. During the height of summer, visitors flock to explore Acadia’s trails, islands, and rocky beaches, driving up accommodation prices. However, its mix of maritime culture, charming streets and seafood dining keeps it on the wish list of travelers who don’t mind spending a little more for authenticity.

Bar Harbor’s culinary scene, especially its famous lobster and local oysters, is a highlight worth indulging in. Whether you’re savoring a casual dockside meal or an upscale seafood feast, the coastal flavors alone justify the splurge.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Rounding out the list is Fairbanks, Alaska’s inland jewel and one of the most remote and rewarding vacation destinations in the United States. Like Anchorage, rising airfares play a major role in their cost, although local lodging and food prices remain moderate.

What makes Fairbanks worth the investment is access to nature’s most dazzling display – the Northern Lights. The city is one of the best and most accessible locations in the world to witness this phenomenon. Beyond the Lights Fairbanks is just a few hours from Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak and an ecosystem teeming with moose, wolves and bears.

For those looking for raw adventure mixed with comfort, Fairbanks offers a truly unforgettable—albeit expensive—escape into the Alaskan wilderness.

Ready meals

From the snow-capped slopes of Aspen to the luminous skies above Fairbanks, all of America’s most expensive vacation destinations offer something rare — exclusivity, natural grandeur, and unforgettable experiences. While these cities require higher budgets, they deliver returns in the form of unparalleled memories, pristine landscapes, and a kind of luxury that can’t always be measured in dollars.