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Most Costly U.S. Cities For Sports Fans

Data & Guides Money Most Costly U.S. Cities For Sports Fans

In the U.S., we love sports. In fact, 28% [1] Sports fans US 2022 | Statista https://www.statista.com/statistics/300148/interest-nfl-football-age-canada/ of us (that’s over 92m) are avid sports fans and many of us love to go and see our teams play. Throughout the year, the major sports leagues generate $56 billion [2] Annual US sports spend by type 2017 | Statista https://www.statista.com/statistics/970494/annual-us-sports-spend-by-type/#:~:text=The%20statistic%20shows%20the%20total,months%20prior%20to%20August%202017 just from sporting events alone.

But how much does it cost to be a sports fan, which city does it cost the most in and which sport could have us spending more of our money than any other?

Contents

Key Statistics

Most Expensive U.S. Cities For Sports Fans

We analyzed the total cost of being a sports fan across the five major sports leagues: NBA, NFL, NHL MLS, and MLB. We used the following criteria to determine which U.S. cities were most costly for a fan including the cost of a game ticket, jersey, traveling to the stadium and food plus a drink.

City Average Spend ($) NFL ($) NHL ($) NBA ($) MLS ($) MLB ($)
CitySanta Clara Average Spend ($)420 NFL ($)420 NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityLas Vegas Average Spend ($)358 NFL ($)380 NHL ($)336 NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityBoston Average Spend ($)346 NFL ($)- NHL ($)352 NBA ($)330 MLS ($)- MLB ($)356
CityInglewood Average Spend ($)333 NFL ($)333 NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityGreen Bay Average Spend ($)331 NFL ($)331 NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityEast Rutherford Average Spend ($)324 NFL ($)324 NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityMiami Gardens Average Spend ($)316 NFL ($)316 NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityNew York Average Spend ($)313 NFL ($)- NHL ($)376 NBA ($)280 MLS ($)- MLB ($)283
CityPittsburgh Average Spend ($)307 NFL ($)342 NHL ($)315 NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)264
CityTampa Average Spend ($)301 NFL ($)317 NHL ($)285 NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityFoxborough Average Spend ($)296 NFL ($)337 NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)255 MLB ($)-
CitySt. Louis Average Spend ($)295 NFL ($)- NHL ($)296 NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)293
CityNewark Average Spend ($)293 NFL ($)- NHL ($)293 NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityOakland Average Spend ($)284 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)284
CityOrchard Park Average Spend ($)280 NFL ($)323 NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)191 MLB ($)325
CityRaleigh Average Spend ($)280 NFL ($)- NHL ($)280 NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityWashington D. C. Average Spend ($)280 NFL ($)315 NHL ($)387 NBA ($)197 MLS ($)217 MLB ($)286
CityPhiladelphia Average Spend ($)278 NFL ($)346 NHL ($)313 NBA ($)192 MLS ($)- MLB ($)262
CityLos Angeles Average Spend ($)277 NFL ($)- NHL ($)310 NBA ($)250 MLS ($)248 MLB ($)301
CityElmont Average Spend ($)273 NFL ($)- NHL ($)273 NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityAustin Average Spend ($)272 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)272 MLB ($)-
CityNashville Average Spend ($)272 NFL ($)311 NHL ($)305 NBA ($)- MLS ($)200 MLB ($)-
CityDenver Average Spend ($)271 NFL ($)358 NHL ($)281 NBA ($)191 MLS ($)- MLB ($)254
CityBuffalo Average Spend ($)268 NFL ($)- NHL ($)268 NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityAtlanta Average Spend ($)266 NFL ($)331 NHL ($)- NBA ($)137 MLS ($)313 MLB ($)285
CityKansas City Average Spend ($)266 NFL ($)325 NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)253 MLB ($)220
CityJacksonville Average Spend ($)264 NFL ($)264 NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityNew Orleans Average Spend ($)263 NFL ($)352 NHL ($)- NBA ($)174 MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityChicago Average Spend ($)261 NFL ($)306 NHL ($)299 NBA ($)226 MLS ($)192 MLB ($)281
CitySeattle Average Spend ($)261 NFL ($)311 NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)219 MLB ($)252
CityColumbus Average Spend ($)260 NFL ($)- NHL ($)273 NBA ($)- MLS ($)246 MLB ($)-
CitySan Jose Average Spend ($)260 NFL ($)- NHL ($)283 NBA ($)- MLS ($)236 MLB ($)-
CityDallas Average Spend ($)259 NFL ($)322 NHL ($)275 NBA ($)180 MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityGlendale Average Spend ($)256 NFL ($)262 NHL ($)250 NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CitySunrise Average Spend ($)252 NFL ($)- NHL ($)252 NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CitySaint Paul Average Spend ($)251 NFL ($)- NHL ($)302 NBA ($)- MLS ($)199 MLB ($)-
CityCharlotte Average Spend ($)249 NFL ($)337 NHL ($)- NBA ($)160 MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityDetroit Average Spend ($)246 NFL ($)266 NHL ($)316 NBA ($)167 MLS ($)- MLB ($)236
CityMiami Average Spend ($)246 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)238 MLS ($)- MLB ($)253
CitySan Diego Average Spend ($)246 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)246
CityAnaheim Average Spend ($)245 NFL ($)- NHL ($)249 NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)241
CitySan Francisco Average Spend ($)245 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)235 MLS ($)- MLB ($)254
CityHouston Average Spend ($)244 NFL ($)337 NHL ($)- NBA ($)205 MLS ($)153 MLB ($)280
CityBaltimore Average Spend ($)239 NFL ($)248 NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)230
CityMinneapolis Average Spend ($)239 NFL ($)295 NHL ($)- NBA ($)190 MLS ($)- MLB ($)231
CityCarson Average Spend ($)237 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)237 MLB ($)-
CityCincinnati Average Spend ($)229 NFL ($)266 NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)171 MLB ($)251
CityPortland Average Spend ($)225 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)199 MLS ($)251 MLB ($)-
CityMilwaukee Average Spend ($)221 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)185 MLS ($)- MLB ($)257
CitySt. Petersburg Average Spend ($)221 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)221
CityCleveland Average Spend ($)219 NFL ($)286 NHL ($)- NBA ($)171 MLS ($)- MLB ($)200
CityFort Lauderdale Average Spend ($)201 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)201 MLB ($)-
CityIndianapolis Average Spend ($)191 NFL ($)220 NHL ($)- NBA ($)162 MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityFrisco Average Spend ($)187 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)187 MLB ($)-
CityChester Average Spend ($)184 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)184 MLB ($)-
CityOklahoma City Average Spend ($)184 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)184 MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityHarrison Average Spend ($)180 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)180 MLB ($)-
CityPhoenix Average Spend ($)180 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)130 MLS ($)- MLB ($)229
CitySan Antonio Average Spend ($)178 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)178 MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CitySalt Lake City Average Spend ($)177 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)177 MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CitySacramento Average Spend ($)174 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)174 MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityMemphis Average Spend ($)172 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)172 MLS ($)- MLB ($)-
CityArlington Average Spend ($)169 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)- MLB ($)169
CityCommerce City Average Spend ($)163 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)163 MLB ($)-
CitySandy Average Spend ($)158 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)- MLS ($)158 MLB ($)-
CityOrlando Average Spend ($)155 NFL ($)- NHL ($)- NBA ($)140 MLS ($)170 MLB ($)-

Our research found that Santa Clara, California came out on top as the most expensive city for sports fans using data from its NFL team - the San Francisco 49ers. Fans are estimated to spend up to $420 per year on average.

In second place is Nevada, Las Vegas, which has two major league sports teams: Las Vegas Raiders (NFL) and Vegas Golden Knights (NHL), which could cost the average sports fan a total of $358 (per year).

The third-place spot for the most costly city for a sports fan went to Boston, Massachusetts, which boasts three impressive sports teams: Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA) and Boston Red Socks (MLB). Fans could be looking at spending an average of $346 per year following their favorite teams.

At the other end of the scale, our research found that sports fans in Orlando, Florida, get the most bang for their buck, with sports fans potentially looking to spend an average of $155 per year. That’s 63% less than the current number one spot for the most expensive city for sport - Santa Clara, California. 

Following closely as the least expensive city for sports fans is Sandy, Utah, with only one major league sports team - Real Salt Lake (MLS), which could cost fans an average of $158 per year to see their team play. 

In third place for the least expensive city for sports fans is Commerce City, Colorado with one major league sports team - Colorado Rapids (MLS), where fans can expect to spend an average of $163 per year.

NFL named most expensive sports league to follow

It's no surprise to see that the NFL is the most expensive sports league to follow, as it's one of the most lucrative sports leagues in America, reported to have made a staggering $9.8 billion [3] NFL ready to start the 2021 season -- here's what's happening with the league's business on and off the field https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/08/nfl-2021-season-whats-happening-with-the-leagues-business.html in revenue in 2021. Fans across the 32 NFL teams could be looking at spending an average yearly total of $319.

Sport Average Spend ($)
NFL 319
NBA 198
NHL 299
MLS 212
MLB 259

​​Not far behind the NFL, with a reported $5 billion [4] NHL to generate “well into US$5bn” in revenue for 2021/22 season, says Gary Bettman https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/nhl-gary-bettman-revenue-2020-21-season/ in revenue in 2021, is the NHL, where fans across its 24 teams could be looking at spending an average yearly total of $299.

Data wasn’t available for expansion team Seattle Kraken, who joined the league in 2021 and so wasn’t included in our calculations.

Following closely in third place is MLB, which reported making a hefty $10.7 billion [5] MLB's revenue sharing problem, and how to solve it - Bless You Boys https://www.blessyouboys.com/2021/12/16/22831008/mlbs-revenue-sharing-problem-and-how-to-solve-it in 2019. MLB fans are likely to spend an average of $259 across a total of 29 teams.

The MLS takes fourth place as the most expensive sports league to follow, with the average MLS franchise being worth around $550 million [6] Los Angeles FC Tops Sportico's 2021 MLS Valuations at $860 Million https://www.sportico.com/valuations/teams/2021/mls-team-valuations-2021-1234634303/. Fans can expect to spend an average yearly total of $212 across 24 teams.

The NBA takes the last spot as the most expensive sports league to follow despite a projected $10 billion revenue [7] NBA projects $10 billion in revenue as audiences return after Covid, but TV viewership is a big question https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/18/nba-2021-2022-season-10-billion-revenue-tv-viewership-rebound.html#:~:text=Commissioner%20Adam%20Silver%20says%20the,was%20limited%20or%20non%2Dexistent for 2021/2022. The average fan would potentially spend 38% less than NFL fans, with an estimated average yearly spend of $198 across 29 teams.

Most costly teams to follow per sports league

We used the following criteria to determine which teams were most costly to follow per league; the average cost of game tickets, the best selling jersey price, average cab fare, average parking fare, the cost of a beer, and the cost of a hot dog. 

NFL

Team Average Ticket Price Jersey Price Cab & Parking Charge Hot Dog Beer Total cost
TeamSan Francisco 49ers Average Ticket Price$139.7 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$93.1 Hot Dog$6.0 Beer$11.5 Total cost$420
TeamLas Vegas Raiders Average Ticket Price$153.5 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$89.8 Hot Dog$8.0 Beer$9.0 Total cost$380
TeamLos Angeles Rams Average Ticket Price$103.6 Jersey Price$150 Cab & Parking Charge$87.4 Hot Dog$8.0 Beer$11.0 Total cost$360
TeamDenver Broncos Average Ticket Price$110.9 Jersey Price$150 Cab & Parking Charge$84.0 Hot Dog$5.5 Beer$7.5 Total cost$358
TeamNew York Giants Average Ticket Price$115.3 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$99.9 Hot Dog$6.5 Beer$11.0 Total cost$353
TeamNew Orleans Saints Average Ticket Price$104.5 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$60.2 Hot Dog$6.0 Beer$11.5 Total cost$352
TeamPhiladelphia Eagles Average Ticket Price$127.1 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$81.5 Hot Dog$6.0 Beer$11.0 Total cost$346
TeamPittsburgh Steelers Average Ticket Price$114.2 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$92.2 Hot Dog$6.1 Beer$9.3 Total cost$342
TeamCarolina Panthers Average Ticket Price$114.7 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$88.7 Hot Dog$3.0 Beer$10.5 Total cost$337
TeamNew England Patriots Average Ticket Price$131.5 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$70.9 Hot Dog$4.5 Beer$10.5 Total cost$337
TeamHouston Texans Average Ticket Price$118.1 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$87.5 Hot Dog$5.0 Beer$6.0 Total cost$337
TeamAtlanta Falcons Average Ticket Price$105.6 Jersey Price$150 Cab & Parking Charge$68.7 Hot Dog$2.0 Beer$5.0 Total cost$331
TeamGreen Bay Packers Average Ticket Price$128.9 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$67.0 Hot Dog$6.0 Beer$9.5 Total cost$331
TeamKansas City Chiefs Average Ticket Price$99.5 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$91.1 Hot Dog$6.0 Beer$8.5 Total cost$325
TeamBuffalo Bills Average Ticket Price$82.5 Jersey Price$150 Cab & Parking Charge$73.0 Hot Dog$7.0 Beer$11.0 Total cost$323
TeamDallas Cowboys Average Ticket Price$99.5 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$87.4 Hot Dog$6.0 Beer$9.5 Total cost$322
TeamTampa Bay Buccaneers Average Ticket Price$104.2 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$74.5 Hot Dog$6.5 Beer$11.5 Total cost$317
TeamMiami Dolphins Average Ticket Price$92.5 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$85.4 Hot Dog$6.8 Beer$11.0 Total cost$316
TeamWashington Commanders Average Ticket Price$110.1 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$96.0 Hot Dog$5.0 Beer$14.0 Total cost$315
TeamTennessee Titans Average Ticket Price$94.0 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$80.4 Hot Dog$6.0 Beer$10.5 Total cost$311
TeamSeattle Seahawks Average Ticket Price$117.9 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$57.8 Hot Dog$4.5 Beer$10.5 Total cost$311
TeamLos Angeles Chargers Average Ticket Price$80.4 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$87.4 Hot Dog$8.0 Beer$11.0 Total cost$307
TeamChicago Bears Average Ticket Price$122.9 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$45.1 Hot Dog$7.3 Beer$11.0 Total cost$306
TeamNew York Jets Average Ticket Price$94.2 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$99.9 Hot Dog$6.0 Beer$5.0 Total cost$295
TeamMinnesota Vikings Average Ticket Price$108.8 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$49.5 Hot Dog$6.5 Beer$10.0 Total cost$295
TeamCleveland Browns Average Ticket Price$100.5 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$52.5 Hot Dog$6.0 Beer$6.5 Total cost$286
TeamIndianapolis Colts Average Ticket Price$100.8 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$42.2 Hot Dog$5.8 Beer$8.0 Total cost$277
TeamCincinnati Bengals Average Ticket Price$82.1 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$53.5 Hot Dog$5.4 Beer$5.3 Total cost$266
TeamDetroit Lions Average Ticket Price$91.9 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$42.9 Hot Dog$6.3 Beer$5.0 Total cost$266
TeamJacksonville Jaguars Average Ticket Price$81.1 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$45.2 Hot Dog$6.3 Beer$11.5 Total cost$264
TeamArizona Cardinals Average Ticket Price$84.8 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$46.4 Hot Dog$4.5 Beer$6.5 Total cost$262
TeamBaltimore Ravens Average Ticket Price$110.5 Jersey Price$40 Cab & Parking Charge$87.9 Hot Dog$3.0 Beer$6.5 Total cost$248

San Francisco 49ers took the lead for the most expensive NFL team to follow out of a total of 32 teams across the 30 cities analyzed, with fans expected to spend a yearly average of $420 in comparison to the Baltimore Ravens, who would spend 41% less with a yearly average of $248.

MLB

Team Average Ticket Price Jersey Price Cab & Parking Charge Hot Dog Beer Total cost
TeamBoston Red Sox Average Ticket Price$167.0 Jersey Price$114 Cab & Parking Charge$61.5 Hot Dog$5.3 Beer$8.5 Total cost$356
TeamNew York Yankees Average Ticket Price$145.0 Jersey Price$115 Cab & Parking Charge$55.5 Hot Dog$3.0 Beer$6.0 Total cost$325
TeamChicago Cubs Average Ticket Price$93.0 Jersey Price$149 Cab & Parking Charge$60.1 Hot Dog$6.5 Beer$9.5 Total cost$318
TeamLos Angeles Dodgers Average Ticket Price$108.0 Jersey Price$135 Cab & Parking Charge$44.9 Hot Dog$6.8 Beer$6.3 Total cost$301
TeamSt. Louis Cardinals Average Ticket Price$101.0 Jersey Price$135 Cab & Parking Charge$46.6 Hot Dog$5.0 Beer$5.0 Total cost$293
TeamWashington Nationals Average Ticket Price$102.0 Jersey Price$115 Cab & Parking Charge$53.0 Hot Dog$7.0 Beer$9.0 Total cost$286
TeamAtlanta Braves Average Ticket Price$58.0 Jersey Price$174 Cab & Parking Charge$43.7 Hot Dog$4.3 Beer$5.0 Total cost$285
TeamOakland Athletics Average Ticket Price$73.0 Jersey Price$115 Cab & Parking Charge$84.2 Hot Dog$5.8 Beer$6.0 Total cost$284
TeamNew York Mets Average Ticket Price$64.0 Jersey Price$135 Cab & Parking Charge$65.9 Hot Dog$6.8 Beer$11.0 Total cost$283
TeamHouston Astros Average Ticket Price$73.0 Jersey Price$135 Cab & Parking Charge$60.0 Hot Dog$5.5 Beer$6.5 Total cost$280
TeamPittsburgh Pirates Average Ticket Price$58.0 Jersey Price$150 Cab & Parking Charge$46.7 Hot Dog$3.5 Beer$6.0 Total cost$264
TeamPhiladelphia Phillies Average Ticket Price$75.0 Jersey Price$135 Cab & Parking Charge$41.5 Hot Dog$4.0 Beer$6.0 Total cost$262
TeamMilwaukee Brewers Average Ticket Price$68.0 Jersey Price$135 Cab & Parking Charge$42.9 Hot Dog$6.0 Beer$5.0 Total cost$257
TeamColorado Rockies Average Ticket Price$65.0 Jersey Price$135 Cab & Parking Charge$45.0 Hot Dog$5.5 Beer$3.0 Total cost$254
TeamSan Francisco Giants Average Ticket Price$62.0 Jersey Price$115 Cab & Parking Charge$62.6 Hot Dog$6.5 Beer$8.3 Total cost$254
TeamMiami Marlins Average Ticket Price$57.0 Jersey Price$149 Cab & Parking Charge$38.7 Hot Dog$3.0 Beer$5.0 Total cost$253
TeamSeattle Mariners Average Ticket Price$64.0 Jersey Price$115 Cab & Parking Charge$61.8 Hot Dog$6.5 Beer$5.0 Total cost$252
TeamCincinnati Reds Average Ticket Price$55.0 Jersey Price$149 Cab & Parking Charge$34.5 Hot Dog$5.5 Beer$6.5 Total cost$251
TeamSan Diego Padres Average Ticket Price$58.0 Jersey Price$135 Cab & Parking Charge$41.3 Hot Dog$5.3 Beer$6.0 Total cost$246
TeamChicago White Sox Average Ticket Price$81.0 Jersey Price$114 Cab & Parking Charge$37.6 Hot Dog$4.5 Beer$7.0 Total cost$244
TeamLos Angeles Angels Average Ticket Price$63.0 Jersey Price$135 Cab & Parking Charge$33.1 Hot Dog$5.0 Beer$5.0 Total cost$241
TeamDetroit Tigers Average Ticket Price$53.0 Jersey Price$135 Cab & Parking Charge$37.9 Hot Dog$5.0 Beer$5.0 Total cost$236
TeamMinnesota Twins Average Ticket Price$73.0 Jersey Price$115 Cab & Parking Charge$33.5 Hot Dog$4.0 Beer$5.0 Total cost$231
TeamBaltimore Orioles Average Ticket Price$52.0 Jersey Price$135 Cab & Parking Charge$37.9 Hot Dog$1.5 Beer$4.0 Total cost$230
TeamArizona Diamondbacks Average Ticket Price$69.0 Jersey Price$120 Cab & Parking Charge$33.6 Hot Dog$2.0 Beer$4.0 Total cost$229
TeamTampa Bay Rays Average Ticket Price$56.0 Jersey Price$115 Cab & Parking Charge$40.2 Hot Dog$5.0 Beer$5.0 Total cost$221
TeamKansas City Royals Average Ticket Price$72.0 Jersey Price$100 Cab & Parking Charge$38.6 Hot Dog$5.8 Beer$4.0 Total cost$220
TeamCleveland Indians Average Ticket Price$92.0 Jersey Price$65 Cab & Parking Charge$33.5 Hot Dog$4.3 Beer$5.0 Total cost$200
TeamTexas Rangers Average Ticket Price$68.0 Jersey Price$50 Cab & Parking Charge$38.9 Hot Dog$6.0 Beer$6.0 Total cost$169

Boston Red Sox was named the most expensive team to follow in MLB when analyzing a total of 29 MLB teams across 28 cities, where an average fan could spend $356 a year. This would result in fans spending a grand 53% more than the Texas Rangers, where fans could expect to spend a yearly average of $169.

MLS

Team Average Ticket Price Jersey Price Cab & Parking Charge Hot Dog Beer Total cost
TeamAtlanta United FC Average Ticket Price$87.0 Jersey Price$150 Cab & Parking Charge$68.7 Hot Dog$2.0 Beer$5.0 Total cost$313
TeamAustin FC Average Ticket Price$75.0 Jersey Price$140 Cab & Parking Charge$43.8 Hot Dog$5.5 Beer$7.5 Total cost$272
TeamNew England Revolution Average Ticket Price$34.0 Jersey Price$135 Cab & Parking Charge$70.9 Hot Dog$4.5 Beer$10.5 Total cost$255
TeamSporting Kansas City Average Ticket Price$71.0 Jersey Price$140 Cab & Parking Charge$28.5 Hot Dog$5.3 Beer$7.9 Total cost$253
TeamPortland Timbers Average Ticket Price$110.0 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$34.5 Hot Dog$6.0 Beer$10.0 Total cost$251
TeamLos Angeles FC Average Ticket Price$111.0 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$32.4 Hot Dog$6.4 Beer$8.6 Total cost$248
TeamColumbus Crew Average Ticket Price$42.0 Jersey Price$160 Cab & Parking Charge$34.5 Hot Dog$4.0 Beer$5.5 Total cost$246
TeamLA Galaxy Average Ticket Price$72.0 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$59.6 Hot Dog$6.4 Beer$8.6 Total cost$237
TeamSan Jose Earthquakes Average Ticket Price$45.0 Jersey Price$130 Cab & Parking Charge$50.9 Hot Dog$4.0 Beer$6.3 Total cost$236
TeamSeattle Sounders FC Average Ticket Price$86.0 Jersey Price$60 Cab & Parking Charge$57.8 Hot Dog$4.5 Beer$10.5 Total cost$219
TeamD.C. United Average Ticket Price$50.0 Jersey Price$100 Cab & Parking Charge$51.0 Hot Dog$5.9 Beer$10.3 Total cost$217
TeamInter Miami CF Average Ticket Price$90.0 Jersey Price$50 Cab & Parking Charge$46.2 Hot Dog$5.7 Beer$8.7 Total cost$201
TeamNashville SC Average Ticket Price$53.0 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$42.9 Hot Dog$5.1 Beer$8.6 Total cost$200
TeamMinnesota United FC Average Ticket Price$71.0 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$23.5 Hot Dog$5.0 Beer$9.5 Total cost$199
TeamChicago Fire FC Average Ticket Price$39.0 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$45.1 Hot Dog$7.3 Beer$11.0 Total cost$192
TeamNew York City FC Average Ticket Price$36.0 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$55.5 Hot Dog$3.0 Beer$6.0 Total cost$191
TeamFC Dallas Average Ticket Price$42.0 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$41.5 Hot Dog$5.5 Beer$7.5 Total cost$187
TeamPhiladelphia Union Average Ticket Price$38.0 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$43.3 Hot Dog$5.0 Beer$8.1 Total cost$184
TeamNew York Red Bulls Average Ticket Price$41.0 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$35.0 Hot Dog$5.8 Beer$8.5 Total cost$180
TeamFC Cincinnati Average Ticket Price$44.0 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$26.0 Hot Dog$5.4 Beer$5.9 Total cost$171
TeamOrlando City SC Average Ticket Price$40.0 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$27.9 Hot Dog$5.0 Beer$7.5 Total cost$170
TeamColorado Rapids Average Ticket Price$53.0 Jersey Price$60 Cab & Parking Charge$37.5 Hot Dog$5.3 Beer$6.7 Total cost$163
TeamReal Salt Lake Average Ticket Price$43.0 Jersey Price$60 Cab & Parking Charge$39.5 Hot Dog$7.0 Beer$8.3 Total cost$158
TeamHouston Dynamo FC Average Ticket Price$48.0 Jersey Price$60 Cab & Parking Charge$32.5 Hot Dog$5.7 Beer$7.2 Total cost$153

The MLS league saw Atlanta United FC in Georgia take the top spot for the most expensive team to follow out of 24 teams in 24 cities with an estimate average yearly fan spend of $313, resulting in potentially paying 51% more on average than Houston Dynamo FC fans who could spend a yearly average of $153.

NBA

Team Average Ticket Price Jersey Price Cab & Parking Charge Hot Dog Beer Total cost
TeamBoston Celtics Average Ticket Price$66.5 Jersey Price$180 Cab & Parking Charge$65.0 Hot Dog$6.3 Beer$12.5 Total cost$330
TeamNew York Knicks Average Ticket Price$129.4 Jersey Price$80 Cab & Parking Charge$67.7 Hot Dog$8.5 Beer$12.5 Total cost$298
TeamBrooklyn Nets Average Ticket Price$66.2 Jersey Price$110 Cab & Parking Charge$66.9 Hot Dog$7.0 Beer$12.0 Total cost$262
TeamLos Angeles Lakers Average Ticket Price$103.3 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$42.4 Hot Dog$6.5 Beer$9.8 Total cost$252
TeamLos Angeles Clippers Average Ticket Price$79.8 Jersey Price$110 Cab & Parking Charge$42.4 Hot Dog$6.5 Beer$9.8 Total cost$248
TeamMiami Heat Average Ticket Price$76.7 Jersey Price$95 Cab & Parking Charge$46.2 Hot Dog$7.5 Beer$13.0 Total cost$238
TeamGolden State Warriors Average Ticket Price$79.8 Jersey Price$80 Cab & Parking Charge$56.1 Hot Dog$7.0 Beer$12.5 Total cost$235
TeamChicago Bulls Average Ticket Price$82.3 Jersey Price$80 Cab & Parking Charge$47.6 Hot Dog$6.5 Beer$9.3 Total cost$226
TeamHouston Rockets Average Ticket Price$67.2 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$32.0 Hot Dog$6.5 Beer$9.0 Total cost$205
TeamPortland Trail Blazers Average Ticket Price$53.4 Jersey Price$95 Cab & Parking Charge$34.5 Hot Dog$6.0 Beer$10.0 Total cost$199
TeamWashington Wizards Average Ticket Price$51.2 Jersey Price$82 Cab & Parking Charge$48.5 Hot Dog$5.8 Beer$10.0 Total cost$197
TeamPhiladelphia 76ers Average Ticket Price$38.5 Jersey Price$95 Cab & Parking Charge$42.8 Hot Dog$5.5 Beer$10.5 Total cost$192
TeamDenver Nuggets Average Ticket Price$52.4 Jersey Price$80 Cab & Parking Charge$44.0 Hot Dog$5.5 Beer$9.5 Total cost$191
TeamMinnesota Timberwolves Average Ticket Price$37.3 Jersey Price$105 Cab & Parking Charge$32.0 Hot Dog$6.0 Beer$10.0 Total cost$190
TeamMilwaukee Bucks Average Ticket Price$50.3 Jersey Price$80 Cab & Parking Charge$36.9 Hot Dog$7.5 Beer$10.0 Total cost$185
TeamOklahoma City Thunder Average Ticket Price$55.1 Jersey Price$80 Cab & Parking Charge$36.0 Hot Dog$5.3 Beer$7.5 Total cost$184
TeamDallas Mavericks Average Ticket Price$49.8 Jersey Price$80 Cab & Parking Charge$34.9 Hot Dog$5.3 Beer$10.0 Total cost$180
TeamSan Antonio Spurs Average Ticket Price$54.9 Jersey Price$75 Cab & Parking Charge$35.7 Hot Dog$5.8 Beer$7.0 Total cost$178
TeamUtah Jazz Average Ticket Price$43.2 Jersey Price$90 Cab & Parking Charge$28.2 Hot Dog$7.0 Beer$8.3 Total cost$177
TeamNew Orleans Pelicans Average Ticket Price$30.2 Jersey Price$80 Cab & Parking Charge$47.7 Hot Dog$5.5 Beer$11.0 Total cost$174
TeamSacramento Kings Average Ticket Price$47.9 Jersey Price$80 Cab & Parking Charge$28.9 Hot Dog$5.0 Beer$12.0 Total cost$174
TeamMemphis Grizzlies Average Ticket Price$31.5 Jersey Price$95 Cab & Parking Charge$31.0 Hot Dog$5.8 Beer$8.5 Total cost$172
TeamCleveland Cavaliers Average Ticket Price$48.1 Jersey Price$80 Cab & Parking Charge$33.5 Hot Dog$5.8 Beer$4.0 Total cost$171
TeamDetroit Pistons Average Ticket Price$31.4 Jersey Price$80 Cab & Parking Charge$45.4 Hot Dog$4.8 Beer$5.0 Total cost$167
TeamIndiana Pacers Average Ticket Price$39.0 Jersey Price$70 Cab & Parking Charge$39.7 Hot Dog$5.3 Beer$8.5 Total cost$162
TeamCharlotte Hornets Average Ticket Price$30.6 Jersey Price$82 Cab & Parking Charge$36.2 Hot Dog$4.0 Beer$7.0 Total cost$160
TeamOrlando Magic Average Ticket Price$39.4 Jersey Price$60 Cab & Parking Charge$27.9 Hot Dog$5.0 Beer$7.5 Total cost$140
TeamAtlanta Hawks Average Ticket Price$36.8 Jersey Price$50 Cab & Parking Charge$36.7 Hot Dog$8.0 Beer$5.0 Total cost$137
TeamPhoenix Suns Average Ticket Price$56.1 Jersey Price$25 Cab & Parking Charge$32.1 Hot Dog$4.5 Beer$12.5 Total cost$130

The NBA league saw the Boston Celtics named the most expensive team to follow out of 29 teams across 28 cities with a projected yearly fan spend of $330. Phoenix Suns fans, on average, are expected to spend 61% less with an estimated yearly average cost of $130 to follow their team.

NHL

Team Average Ticket Price Jersey Price Cab & Parking Charge Hot Dog Beer Total cost
TeamWashington Capitals Average Ticket Price$94.6 Jersey Price$230 Cab & Parking Charge$48.5 Hot Dog$5.5 Beer$8.0 Total cost$387
TeamNew York Rangers Average Ticket Price$120.9 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$67.7 Hot Dog$6.5 Beer$10.5 Total cost$376
TeamBoston Bruins Average Ticket Price$102.5 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$65.0 Hot Dog$5.8 Beer$8.5 Total cost$352
TeamVegas Golden Knights Average Ticket Price$104.4 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$44.8 Hot Dog$8.0 Beer$9.0 Total cost$336
TeamDetroit Red Wings Average Ticket Price$90.4 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$45.4 Hot Dog$4.0 Beer$6.5 Total cost$316
TeamPittsburgh Penguins Average Ticket Price$86.0 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$48.7 Hot Dog$5.0 Beer$5.3 Total cost$315
TeamPhiladelphia Flyers Average Ticket Price$86.0 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$42.8 Hot Dog$5.3 Beer$8.5 Total cost$313
TeamLos Angeles Kings Average Ticket Price$83.5 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$42.4 Hot Dog$5.8 Beer$8.5 Total cost$310
TeamNashville Predators Average Ticket Price$78.4 Jersey Price$180 Cab & Parking Charge$35.4 Hot Dog$4.3 Beer$6.8 Total cost$305
TeamMinnesota Wild Average Ticket Price$83.1 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$34.5 Hot Dog$5.0 Beer$9.5 Total cost$302
TeamChicago Blackhawks Average Ticket Price$109.2 Jersey Price$128 Cab & Parking Charge$47.6 Hot Dog$6.3 Beer$8.0 Total cost$299
TeamSt. Louis Blues Average Ticket Price$62.4 Jersey Price$180 Cab & Parking Charge$40.1 Hot Dog$5.0 Beer$9.0 Total cost$296
TeamNew Jersey Devils Average Ticket Price$62.5 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$45.9 Hot Dog$5.8 Beer$8.5 Total cost$293
TeamTampa Bay Lightning Average Ticket Price$64.4 Jersey Price$180 Cab & Parking Charge$31.0 Hot Dog$4.5 Beer$5.5 Total cost$285
TeamSan Jose Sharks Average Ticket Price$64.1 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$38.4 Hot Dog$4.0 Beer$6.3 Total cost$283
TeamColorado Avalanche Average Ticket Price$55.1 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$44.0 Hot Dog$4.8 Beer$6.8 Total cost$281
TeamCarolina Hurricanes Average Ticket Price$57.3 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$42.3 Hot Dog$4.0 Beer$6.5 Total cost$280
TeamDallas Stars Average Ticket Price$60.0 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$34.9 Hot Dog$4.0 Beer$6.0 Total cost$275
TeamColumbus Blue Jackets Average Ticket Price$55.1 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$38.0 Hot Dog$4.0 Beer$5.5 Total cost$273
TeamNew York Islanders Average Ticket Price$59.9 Jersey Price$150 Cab & Parking Charge$47.1 Hot Dog$6.3 Beer$9.8 Total cost$273
TeamBuffalo Sabres Average Ticket Price$55.2 Jersey Price$170 Cab & Parking Charge$30.3 Hot Dog$4.3 Beer$8.0 Total cost$268
TeamFlorida Panthers Average Ticket Price$37.2 Jersey Price$169 Cab & Parking Charge$31.2 Hot Dog$6.5 Beer$8.0 Total cost$252
TeamArizona Coyotes Average Ticket Price$49.9 Jersey Price$130 Cab & Parking Charge$58.9 Hot Dog$4.5 Beer$6.5 Total cost$250
TeamAnaheim Ducks Average Ticket Price$61.0 Jersey Price$128 Cab & Parking Charge$45.6 Hot Dog$6.0 Beer$8.3 Total cost$249

The NHL league saw the Washington Capitals rank as the most costly team to follow out of 24 teams in 23 cities with an estimated yearly spend of $387, which is 36% more than the Anaheim Ducks, where fans could spend a yearly average of $249.

Data for expansion team Seattle Kraken, who joined the league in 2021 was not publicly accessible and so has been omitted from our calculations.

New York Knicks named most expensive for food and beverages

Most Expensive Team Cheapest Team
Sport Team Cost Team Cost
TeamNBA Most Expensive TeamNew York Knicks Most Expensive Team Cost$21 Cheapest TeamDetroit Pistons Cheapest Team Cost$9.80
TeamNFL Most Expensive TeamLos Angeles Rams Most Expensive Team Cost$19 Cheapest TeamAtlanta Falcons Cheapest Team Cost$7
TeamMLS Most Expensive TeamChicago Fire FC Most Expensive Team Cost$18.30 Cheapest TeamAtlanta United FC Cheapest Team Cost$7
TeamNHL Most Expensive TeamNew York Rangers Most Expensive Team Cost$17 Cheapest TeamColumbus Blue Jackets Cheapest Team Cost$9.50
TeamMLB Most Expensive TeamNew York Mets Most Expensive Team Cost$17.80 Cheapest TeamBaltimore Orioles Cheapest Team Cost$5.50

Eating a hot dog and washing it down with a beer is a historical pastime for many fans, but how much does the cost vary across different sports stadiums?

Our research found that New York Knicks (New York, NBA) fans could be forking out the most when it came to hot dogs and beers, with the cost adding up to $21. On the other side of the scale, Baltimore Orioles (Baltimore, MLB) are likely to be spending an incredible 74% less on a hot dog and beer, with the total estimated cost adding up to $5.50.

Research also found that, on average, across all teams in each sports league, NBA fans can expect to spend the most on food and beverages, with the cost of a beer and hot dog costing an average of $15.50 in comparison to MLB fans who would spend an average of $11 on food and beverage consumption.

Methodology

We sourced prices from a variety of publications and databases to ascertain the average yearly cost of being a fan per team in each U.S. city that has at least one team from the 5 major sports leagues nationally.

This included reviewing data-points such as the average ticket price, purchasing a team jersey, transportation to the stadium and purchasing food plus a beverage. The total prices were concluded based on one trip per year to their team's stadium.

All data is up to date for the 2021-22 season.

Sources

Ticket prices:

Jersey prices:

Cab fare:

Parking costs: 

Hot dog prices: 

Beer prices:

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