Everything from hotdogs to travel to hospital bills following fireworks accidents costs major scratch. In fact, the National Retail Federation projects that American households this year will spend a collective $6.8 billion — down from last year’s $6.9 billion — on Fourth of July food alone.
So in order to help Americans find the best and cheapest places to celebrate this star-spangled occasion, WalletHub compared the 100 largest U.S. cities based on how well they balance holiday cost and fun. Our data set of 20 key metrics ranges from average beer and wine prices to duration of fireworks shows to Fourth of July weather forecast. Read on for the complete ranking, followed by expert money-saving tips and our full methodology.
Make sure to also check out WalletHub’s4th of July Facts & Figuresinfographic for fun facts about the holiday.
Best Places to Celebrate 4th of July
Overall Rank (1 = Best)CityTotal Score‘Fourth of July Celebrations’ Rank‘Affordability’ Rank‘Attractions & Activities’ Rank‘Safety & Accessibility’ Rank‘Fourth of July Weather’ Rank
1
New York, NY
74.01
2
74
1
2
56
2
Los Angeles, CA
73.08
1
55
32
33
45
3
San Diego, CA
68.63
12
66
5
24
16
4
Washington, DC
68.53
16
58
6
11
4
5
Las Vegas, NV
68.52
11
2
20
52
33
6
Dallas, TX
66.10
5
10
41
58
39
7
Atlanta, GA
65.02
3
36
15
72
80
8
Chicago, IL
64.07
18
40
2
7
76
9
San Francisco, CA
62.74
21
86
3
18
33
10
St. Louis, MO
62.26
14
38
14
55