New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, and venues will hike their prices significantly during the holiday, stretching people’s wallets even thinner in the wake of inflation.
The personal-finance website WalletHub has released its report on 2023’s Best Cities for New Year’s. To determine which cities are the best for safely ringing in the new year without breaking the bank, WalletHub compared the 100 biggest cities across 26 key metrics.
The data set ranges from the legality of fireworks and the nightlife options per capita to food affordability and forecasted precipitation for Dec. 31.
Best Cities for New Year’s
Orlando, Florida came in at number one, at the top of the list, followed by San Diego, CA; New York, NY: Las Vegas, NV; Atlanta, GA; Miami, FL; Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO and, at number 10, Washington, DC.
Numbers 11 through 20 on the list were San Francisco, CA; Louisville, KY; Pittsburgh, PA; Philadelphia, PA; San Antonio, TX; Seattle, WA: Houston, TX; Nashville, TN; Birmingham, AL; and rounding out the top 20 is Anaheim, CA.
“When choosing which city to spend New Year’s in, it’s important to consider a variety of factors, from the activities offered to how big the crowds will be to what weather you can expect,” said Cassandra Happe, WalletHub Analyst. “The biggest concern has to be the cost. Hotels and restaurants may hike their prices significantly for the holiday, which puts an extra strain on people’s wallets after they have already been hit hard by inflation.”
For the full report, visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-places-for-new-years-eve/17263
“Orlando is the best city for New Year’s celebrations whether you attend a spectacular fireworks show at Disney World or ring in the new year at a less expensive location. The city ranks first when it comes to affordable restaurants rated 4.5+ stars and nightlife options, so you can enjoy a good meal and some fun before 2024 arrives,” Happe added.
Every city brings something special to the transition into the new year. For example, San Diego, known for its weather, has the lowest chance of precipitation on New Year’s Eve and ties for first place when it comes to affordable, quality restaurants. New York City, the site of the iconic ball drop tuned into by over a billion people each year, ranks well when it comes to nightlife options and music venues – but it’s unfortunately expensive. Las Vegas shines as the most fun city in America.
Deciding where to spend New Year’s Eve is the fun part – making sure the evening goes smoothly is more difficult. There are a few different tips you can follow in order to have an enjoyable, safe and affordable New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve Tips
Host a potluck: Going out to eat on New Year’s Eve can be extremely expensive. Instead, organize a potluck-style gathering where each guest brings a dish to share. This not only adds variety to the menu but also distributes the cost among attendees.
Set a budget and take advantage of free activities: The last thing you want to do when starting a new year is put a strain on your finances. If you choose to go out, set a strict budget and stick to it. Look for local events or free public celebrations. Many cities offer fireworks displays, concerts, or outdoor gatherings that provide a festive atmosphere without breaking the bank.
Plan ahead for transportation: If you’ll be out and about, plan your transportation in advance. Consider carpooling with friends or using public transportation. If you plan to drink, it’s crucial to arrange for a designated driver, as drunk driving accidents spike on New Year’s Eve.
Be safe if you use fireworks: In some cities, it’s legal for consumers to buy and set off their own fireworks. However, this can be extremely dangerous, so it’s important to handle them with caution and not light them while intoxicated. Of course, the safest thing to do is not attempt to set off fireworks yourself at all, and just enjoy a public show, which is likely to be more impressive anyway.
Be flexible with your travel: There are plenty of budget travel sites that can save you money if you’re willing to be flexible about when you travel and where you stay. For example, some hotel sites will give you a really low price, but the tradeoff is that you won’t know which of a few different hotels you’re staying at until after you pay. For future years, booking travel and accommodations months in advance can help you save money as well, although you’ll still likely pay more than you would at other times of year, especially in big cities.
