AAA Press Release: Lodging and Meal Costs Same as Last Year
05/24/96
LODGING AND MEAL COSTS UNCHANGED FOR 1996, AAA SAYS
ORLANDO, Fla., May 23 -- For only the third time in
46 years, the average cost of lodging and meals has not increased from
the previous year, according to the American Automobile Association.
AAA's annual vacation cost survey shows that a family of two adults
and two children can expect to pay an average of $193 per day for food
and lodging, the same amount as last year. Lodging rates will average
$92 per night, down $1 from a year ago, and meals will cost $101, up $1.
The last time hotel and restaurant costs were unchanged was in 1994,
They decreased slightly in 1961.
The least expensive vacations in the United States are in North
Dakota, where food and lodging will cost a family an average of $142 per
day. The most expensive is Hawaii at $383 per day.
The lowest priced accommodations are in North Dakota at $64,
followed by Nebraska and Kansas at $65 per night. The most expensive
average price for lodgings is in Hawaii at $246 per night for two adults
and two children, followed by Delaware, $181, and Alaska, $117.
The lowest average family meal costs are in South Dakota at $76 per
day, followed by North Dakota, $78, and Nebraska, $80. The highest meal
costs are in Hawaii at $137 per day, followed by New York, $136, and
Delaware, $131.
To plan a complete vacation budget, travelers also need to allow
money for transportation, entertainment and other expenses, AAA advised.
The vacation cost estimates are based on meal prices and room rates
for restaurants and lodgings listed in AAA's TourBooks(R).
AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 112 motor clubs with more than
1,000 offices providing 39 million members in the U.S. and Canada with
travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.
AAA ANNUAL VACATION COST SURVEY
(For a Family of Two Adults and Two Children)
Total Meal
State(rank) Costs* Lodging** Total
-----------------------------------------------
Alabama(28) $104 $80 $184
Alaska(6) $110 $117 $227
Arizona(14) 109 $102 $211
Arkansas(42) $86 $81 $167
California(7) $120 $104 $224
Colorado(12) $101 $113 $214
Connecticut(8) $113 $110 $223
Delaware(2) $131 $181 $312
Florida(11) $107 $110 $217
Georgia(27) $97 $91 $188
Hawaii(1) $137 $246 $383
Idaho(37) $91 $79 $170
Illinois(17) $108 $95 $203
Indiana(41) $87 $80 $167
Iowa(47) $82 $70 $152
Kansas(48) $82 $65 $147
Kentucky(39) $97 $71 $168
Louisiana(5) $118 $113 $231
Maine(19) $100 $98 $198
Maryland(9) $117 $101 $218
Massachusetts(10) $108 $109 $217
Michigan(35) $88 $83 $171
Minnesota(32) $96 $82 $178
Mississippi(29) $104 $79 $183
Missouri(43) $89 $75 $164
Montana(40) $91 $77 $168
Nebraska(49) $80 $65 $145
Nevada(15) $120 $88 $208
New Hampshire(20) $97 $99 $196
New Jersey(4) $127 106 $233
New Mexico(25) $102 $87 $189
New York(3) $136 $108 $244
North Carolina(31) $95 $84 $179
North Dakota(50) $78 $64 $142
Ohio(30) $96 $85 $181
Oklahoma(46) $86 $70 $156
Oregon(18) $109 $91 $200
Pennsylvania(22) $108 $86 $194
Rhode Island (13) $105 $106 $211
South Carolina (45) $95 $68 $163
South Dakota(44) $76 $87 $163
Tennessee(38) $94 $75 $169
Texas(26) $102 $87 $189
Utah(21) $103 $93 $196
Vermont(16) $102 $105 $207
Virginia(23) $107 $86 $193
Washington(24) $99 $91 $190
West Virginia(36) $90 $80 $170
Wisconsin(34) $91 $82 $173
Wyoming(33) $88 $85 $173
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National Average $101 $92 $193
* excludes beverages, taxes and gratuity
** 2 person/2 beds rate plus $12 for two children
Most Expensive States Least Expensive States
--------------------- ----------------------
1. Hawaii 50. North Dakota
2. Delaware 49. Nebraska
3. New York 48. Kansas
4. New Jersey 47. Iowa
5. Louisiana 46. Oklahoma
