Fourth of July is a big deal in the U.S.—and not just because of the fireworks. Americans will spend nearly $3 billion on fireworks, $8.9 billion on food, and over $4 billion on beer and wine this year. That’s a whole lot of celebration fuel.
And all that festivity comes with plenty of mileage. According to recent data, 72.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more to celebrate Independence Day. Around 5.84 million will take to the skies, while 85% will hit the road. In true multitasking fashion, 61% will attend a cookout, 41% a fireworks show, and 13% will travel—a stat that somehow totals more than 100%, which proves that Americans are really good at doing it all (and probably doing it with a hot dog in one hand and a sparkler in the other).
To help travelers celebrate without overspending, WalletHub’s latest study ranks the best U.S. cities for 4th of July based on cost, safety, and fun. Here’s where to light the sparklers without burning your budget.
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Top 5 Cities for 4th of July Celebrations
These cities scored high across the board—fun, affordability, and safety.
- Las Vegas, NV – Fireworks, food, and festivities galore.
- New York, NY – Iconic skyline + Macy’s fireworks = unforgettable.
- Los Angeles, CA – Sunshine, beaches, and backyard BBQs.
- Minneapolis, MN – Great parks and surprisingly budget-friendly.
- St. Paul, MN – Twin Cities, double the fun.
Best for 4th of July Festivities
These cities know how to throw a party.
- Orlando, FL – Theme parks and patriotic parades.
- Las Vegas, NV – Again? Yep. Vegas doesn’t do “low-key.”
- Atlanta, GA – Southern charm meets sky-high fireworks.
- Miami, FL – Beach vibes and booming displays.
- Buffalo, NY – Underrated and over-delivering.
Most Affordable Cities
Stretch your dollar without sacrificing the fun.
- North Las Vegas, NV
- Minneapolis, MN
- Houston, TX
- Wichita, KS
- Henderson, NV
Of course, affordability isn’t just about the big picture—it’s also about the details. Let’s crack open the numbers on a couple key budget items that can make or break your 4th of July getaway: drinks and digs.
Lowest Beer & Wine Prices
Nevada basically said, “Hold my beer… and make it cheap.”
- Reno, NV
- Las Vegas, NV
- Henderson, NV
- North Las Vegas, NV
- Kansas City, MO
Best Hotel Rates (3-Star)
Sleep well without emptying your wallet.
- Memphis, TN
- Houston, TX
- Laredo, TX
- Wichita, KS
- Orlando, FL
Top Cities for Attractions & Activities
Because fireworks are just the beginning.
- New York, NY
- San Francisco, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Honolulu, HI
- Cincinnati, OH
Safest & Most Accessible Cities
Celebrate with peace of mind.
- Jersey City, NJ
- New York, NY
- Newark, NJ
- Boston, MA
- San Francisco, CA
Expert Tips to Save Money
WalletHub turned to Christian E. Hardigree, Regional Chancellor at USF St. Petersburg and professor in hospitality and tourism, for guidance.
What Are the Best Money-Saving Tips for July Fourth Travel?
Abraham Lincoln famously said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Planning ahead is the single most important way to cut travel costs for the Fourth of July weekend.
Booking flights, hotels or vacation rentals early can help reduce the inevitable price surge. You can also continue checking websites for last-minute deals. For those Costco and Sam’s Club devotees, their travel programs offer significant discounts for their members.
Consider traveling on off-peak days, perhaps leaving Thursday and returning Saturday, which is likely to be cheaper than staying during the traditional Friday through Sunday window.
Finding accommodations with kitchens can help you save by cooking a few meals instead of eating out. Perhaps reach out to your social network to see if there are friends you can visit, eliminating the expense of lodging and providing kitchen access.
If you are driving, apps like GasBuddy, Waze or Gas Guru can identify cheaper gas options or help calculate gas expenses (and if you use Waze, definitely play with the different voices that are available). Check out local parks and community events for free fireworks displays.
Plan Your Perfect 4th—And See Which Cities Might Need a Little Spark
No matter how you like to celebrate—grilling on the patio, dancing under fireworks, or road-tripping to a new city—knowing where to go can help you make the most of your Independence Day. This year, let the data guide your red, white, and blue escape.
Curious about which cities didn’t quite rise to the top of the rankings? I took a look at those, too—with a helpful, light-hearted lens. Check out the full breakdown of the worst U.S. cities for 4th of July celebrations.
Featured image credit: photovs via Deposit Photos
