The 5 Most and Least Affordable Airports in North America

Traveling is exciting, but thinking about the cost can be a total buzzkill. Everyone knows flight tickets can be pricey, but sometimes we forget about all the extra stuff that drains your wallet before you even get on the plane.

From grabbing a quick snack at the gate to paying for a ride to the terminal, those little expenses add up fast. It turns out that where you fly from makes a huge difference in how much cash you end up spending.

Some airports are way friendlier to your budget than others, and knowing which ones to pick can save you serious money. We looked at everything from the price of a soda to parking fees to see which places give you the best deal.

Whether you are planning a dream vacation or just visiting family, keep reading to find out which five North American airports will save your savings account and which five might leave you broke.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – New York, New York

LaGuardia Airport takes the top spot for the most expensive, and it’s easy to see why. Staying in a hotel nearby will cost you a lot, and finding a cheap place to park is nearly impossible. Everything is just more expensive because it’s in New York City.

The airport’s location so close to Manhattan means you’re paying extra just for the convenience.

Even with its huge, fancy renovation, LGA is still tough on your bank account. High demand and the general costs of running an airport in a major city keep prices up.

Getting to and from the airport can be a headache, and once you’re inside, everything from food to drinks comes with a big price tag, showing why New York is known for being a costly place to travel.

Denver International Airport (DEN) – Denver, Colorado

Denver International Airport comes in as another pricey option for travelers. The hotels around the airport are expensive, and leaving your car in long-term parking will definitely hurt your wallet.

Since it’s a super busy airport for flights within the country and to other parts of the world, the high demand keeps all the prices up.

Because DEN is located pretty far from the actual city, you also have to spend more on getting there and back. The airport has grown a lot, and the costs of keeping it running are passed on to you. So, while it’s a major hub, flying through Denver often means paying more for the convenience.

Logan International Airport (BOS) – Boston, Massachusetts

Flying through Boston’s Logan International Airport can really hit your finances hard. Just like other big cities in the Northeast, hotel prices are high, and parking will cost you a pretty penny.

Boston is a big deal for international flights and business trips, which means prices stay high all year long. There isn’t a lot of extra room around the airport, which also helps drive up costs.

The limited space makes everything from operations to adding new parking more expensive, and those costs are passed down to travelers. Anyone flying through Logan should be ready for some of the highest extra fees you’ll find at any airport in the United States.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – Dallas, Texas

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is another one that can empty your pockets. As one of the biggest airports in the world, its huge size leads to expensive operations. You’ll also find that hotels in the area charge top dollar and parking isn’t cheap.

Because it is a major airport for American Airlines, tons of people fly through, keeping prices high.

Even though the airport tries to be efficient, its massive layout and the sheer number of passengers mean costs stay up for everyone. It’s a key airport for connecting flights in the middle of the country, but that importance comes with a bigger price tag for travelers.