The Cities Charging the Highest Tourist Tax

Image: Aerial view of Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. (photo via Art Wager/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Image: Aerial view of Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. (photo via Art Wager/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 12:35 AM ET, Fri August 12, 2022

Honolulu and some popular cities along the West Coast of the United States are among the most expensive in the world when it comes to nightly charges faced by visiting tourists.

According to new research from Money.co.uk, The Hawaiian capital is the most expensive city for tourist tax, costing travelers approximately $62.85 per night or as much as $361.93 for a seven-night stay. The website points out that Hawaii charges a 10.25 percent "transient accommodations tax" and the city of Honolulu recently added a 3 percent surcharge to it.

Back on the mainland, San Francisco and L.A. rank second and third, respectively, charging $36 and $23.49 per night. With a transient occupancy tax of 14 percent, a one-week stay in the Bay Area can cost tourists about $207.29. Meanwhile, the same-length trip to the City of Angels would cost roughly an extra $164.40 as the city's tax comes in a bit lower at 12 percent of the nightly room rate.

Orlando and Miami round out the top five priciest cities for tourist charges. The Theme Park Capital of the World will cost visitors an extra $14.10 per night or just under $100 for the week. Miami's nightly tourist tax is about $12.59, Money.co.uk found.

Amsterdam ($11.53) is the most expensive city in Europe for these extra charges, followed by a pair of Mexican resort destinations in Cancun and Playa del Carmen ($10.99). The experts point out that Mexico charges the largest flat rate to tourists for entering the country, edging out destinations like Thailand, Belgium and Japan.

Muscat, Oman ($9.38) and Bangkok ($8.36) in Thailand round out the top 10.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, What Advisors Need to KnowThursday, August 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Stay ahead with the latest updates from Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, featuring upscale...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...
Upcoming Webinar
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, What Advisors Need to KnowThursday, August 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Stay ahead with the latest updates from Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, featuring upscale...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...