Cost Analysis of Fall Travel: The Most Affordable and Expensive States
Updated on 12/16/2024
By Mackenzie
Fall is a season full of changes from the color of the leaves on the trees to the gradual drop in temperature. Many of us feel inspired to plan fall getaways. Did you know that the cost of travel can vary significantly depending on which state you’re visiting? Our study experts at BravoDeal, have conducted a study to find the cheapest and most expensive states for fall travel based on various transportation costs. Let’s see where this guide will take us!
- Connecticut is the cheapest state for travel in the fall, with a taxi fare per mile costing $2.19.
- Maine ranks as the second cheapest state, with the average train ticket price to a neighboring state costing $16.10.
- Wyoming is the most expensive state for fall travel, with the average air ticket costing $643.31.
Our team here at BravoDeal has indexed each US state by four factors that would determine the cost of transportation.
The data used in our study is sourced from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Numbeo, and Greyhound.
The four Indicative factors used for the study include average air ticket price (from quarter four of 2023), taxi fare per mile, average train ticket price to a neighboring state, and average bus ticket to a neighboring state. Each state received an overall index score out of 100. All data has been gathered between September and November.
Top 5 Cheapest States for Fall Travel
If you’re planning a fall getaway without breaking the bank, you’ll be pleased to know that some states offer more affordable travel options than others. From affordable taxi fares to reasonably priced train and bus tickets, our team has found the 5 cheapest states for travel this fall.
1. Connecticut
Connecticut tops the list as the cheapest state for fall travel. With a taxi fare per mile costing just $2.19, it’s an affordable destination for those looking to explore without breaking the bank. The average air ticket price is $300.27, and a train ticket to a neighboring state costs $33.31. Bus tickets are also reasonably priced at $27.76.
2. Maine
Maine ranks second, with an average train ticket price to a neighboring state at $16.10. The average air ticket price is higher at $480.70, but taxi fares are slightly cheaper at $2.17 per mile. Bus tickets cost $25.91 on average.
3. New Hampshire
New Hampshire comes in third, with a score of 77.61 out of 100. The average air ticket price is $393.42, while taxi fares cost $2.39 per mile. Train tickets to neighboring states are $19.46, and bus tickets are $28.11.
4. Delaware
Delaware ranks fourth, with an average air ticket price of $174.49. Taxi fares are $2.89 per mile, and train tickets cost $38.68. Bus tickets are priced at $28.24.
5. Rhode Island
Rhode Island rounds out the top five, with an average air ticket price of $366.39. Train tickets to neighboring states cost $37.41, taxi fares are $1.83 per mile, and bus tickets are $32.49.
Our team found the top 5 cheapest states, but the list does not stop there! Indiana, Massachusetts, and Washington all made the top ten. These states provide excellent opportunities for an economical yet memorable autumn adventure.
Rank | State | Average air ticket price | Taxi fare (1 mile) | Average train ticket price to a neighboring state | Average bus ticket price to neighboring state | Index (/100) |
1 | Connecticut | $300.27 | $2.19 | $33.31 | $27.76 | 79.04 |
2 | Maine | $480.70 | $2.17 | $16.10 | $25.91 | 78.02 |
3 | New Hampshire | $393.42 | $2.39 | $19.46 | $28.11 | 77.61 |
4 | Delaware | $174.49 | $2.89 | $38.68 | $28.24 | 76.06 |
5 | Rhode Island | $366.39 | $1.83 | $37.41 | $32.49 | 75.13 |
6 | Oklahoma | $472.19 | $2.00 | $21.67 | $54.99 | 66.45 |
7 | Indiana | $455.91 | $2.23 | $41.03 | $41.57 | 61.04 |
8 | Massachusetts | $450.82 | $2.80 | $43.27 | $32.99 | 57.97 |
9 | Washington | $443.51 | $3.11 | $38.37 | $31.18 | 57.91 |
10 | Mississippi | $516.24 | $2.16 | $35.50 | $51.64 | 57.64 |
Most Expensive State for Fall Travel
Wyoming has earned the title of the most expensive state for fall travel according to our savings experts. With an average air ticket price of $643.31 and high Taxi fares at $3.32 per mile. This makes Wyoming a pricier option for those looking to travel during the fall season.
Tips for Saving on Fall Travel
In addition to finding the most affordable states to travel to during fall, our savings experts have gathered a few tips to help every dollar go farther no matter where you travel. Here are the top tips:
- Plan ahead and stay flexible! Overplanning can lead to unnecessary expenses and stress.
- Consider public transportation. Check ahead to see if it is available where you are traveling to avoid paying for a taxi!
- Check out National Parks and Public Lands for affordable entrance fees and sometimes even free admission.
Our CEO and Co-Founder, Marco Farnararo, also commented on our findings with a few helpful tips as well:
“Traveling across the US during the fall can vary widely in cost depending on several factors.
"There are several ways you can save money when traveling from state to state.
“Planning your transportation and accommodation early can help you lock in lower prices.
“It is also recommended to avoid peak seasons and national holidays when prices are higher.
“There are discount websites and apps for deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals such as Travelzoo and Kayak.
“For state-to-state travel, using buses, trains, or carpooling services instead of flights will help to cut costs.”
ENDS
Methodology
The 50 US states were weighted by four different factors that would determine the cost of transport.
Indicative factors include average air ticket price (from quarter four of 2023), taxi fare per mile average train ticket price to a neighboring state, and average bus ticket to a neighboring state.
The data used in the study is sourced from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Numbeo, and Greyhound.
Each state received an overall index score out of 100. All data is gathered from September through November 2023.
The top 20 cheapest states for fall travel
Rank | State | Average air ticket price | Taxi Fare (1 mile) | Average train ticket price to a neighboring state | Average bus ticket price to neighboring state | Index (/100) |
1 | Connecticut | $300.27 | $2.19 | $33.31 | $27.76 | 79.04 |
2 | Maine | $480.70 | $2.17 | $16.10 | $25.91 | 78.02 |
3 | New Hampshire | $393.42 | $2.39 | $19.46 | $28.11 | 77.61 |
4 | Delaware | $174.49 | $2.89 | $38.68 | $28.24 | 76.06 |
5 | Rhode Island | $366.39 | $1.83 | $37.41 | $32.49 | 75.13 |
6 | Oklahoma | $472.19 | $2.00 | $21.67 | $54.99 | 66.45 |
7 | Indiana | $455.91 | $2.23 | $41.03 | $41.57 | 61.04 |
8 | Massachusetts | $450.82 | $2.80 | $43.27 | $32.99 | 57.97 |
9 | Washington | $443.51 | $3.11 | $38.37 | $31.18 | 57.91 |
10 | Mississippi | $516.24 | $2.16 | $35.50 | $51.64 | 57.64 |
11 | Maryland | $398.83 | $3.52 | $35.48 | $30.79 | 57.47 |
12 | Virginia | $504.86 | $2.36 | $40.44 | $41.37 | 57.37 |
13 | South Carolina | $426.07 | $2.47 | $34.19 | $65.30 | 56.53 |
14 | Pennsylvania | $444.36 | $2.21 | $43.35 | $58.47 | 56.04 |
15 | Vermont | $487.71 | $2.59 | $40.02 | $43.38 | 55.41 |
16 | Kansas | $502.26 | $1.79 | $44.85 | $67.01 | 54.86 |
17 | Alabama | $498.34 | $2.62 | $40.29 | $43.07 | 54.51 |
18 | New York | $391.25 | $3.17 | $47.92 | $35.32 | 54.43 |
19 | Illinois | $405.85 | $3.44 | $39.94 | $35.29 | 54.05 |
20 | Michigan | $532.56 | $2.66 | $42.95 | $35.71 | 54.03 |
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