December is here, and Christmas is a little over three weeks away. Many Americans have already begun spending on gifts and decorations, with additional expenses piling up the closer it gets to December 25.
Christmas isn’t cheap no matter where you live, but it can be incredibly expensive in certain places. Digital entertainment site JB.com rolled out a new study examining the costliest cities in the United States to celebrate Christmas.
How the rankings were determined
JB.com compared the 25 largest cities in America across holiday costs in three categories: food, decorations, and Christmas trees. Dinner price was calculated for six people using typical holiday ingredients–meat, potatoes, wine, soft drinks, etc.
“Christmas is getting more expensive for all families across the U.S. These days, the cost of a holiday meal, a Christmas tree, and even basic decorations can really add up,” JB.com said. “Hosting a traditional Christmas is becoming a serious investment, and the differences from city to city are bigger than most people realize. Big family celebrations in small, quiet towns have always been a Christmas movie trope, but for people keeping their budget tight, it may become a necessary reality.”
The 10 most expensive Christmas cities in America
- San Francisco, California – $545
- San Diego, California – $524
- Los Angeles, California – $520
- New York, New York – $514
- Boston, Massachusetts – $469
- Nashville, Tennessee – $414
- New Orleans, Louisiana – $413
- Dallas, Texas – $409
- Austin, Texas – $401
- Houston, Texas – $400
Christmas in California’s major cities is going to hit your wallet hard. San Francisco is No. 1 on the list, thanks in part to its $181 Christmas dinner cost, almost $20 more than its closest competitor.
The average Christmas tree in San Francisco costs $82, which is tied for second-most expensive behind New York. Additionally, San Francisco, along with San Diego and Los Angeles, has the most expensive average holiday decor with a price of $282.
