California hubs among the most affordable World Cup cities — yes, you read that right

Soccer fans hoping to catch the world’s biggest tournament without blowing their budget may want to look south of the border — or at least skip Atlanta.

Guadalajara, Mexico, was ranked the most affordable host city for the 2026 World Cup, with an average three-night trip cost of $856 per person, according to a Skyscanner report analyzing flight and hotel prices across the tournament host cities.

Los Angeles, meanwhile, landed in sixth place overall — and fourth among US host cities — with an average trip cost of $1,272 per person, Skyscanner found.

The City of Angels’ ranking may come as a surprise, given its reputation as one of America’s most expensive destinations. But Skyscanner said LA’s average one-way flight price during June and July was a relatively manageable $162.

The real budget-buster is lodging.

Hotels in Los Angeles averaged $316 per night during the tournament window, pushing the total three-night trip cost above several other host cities, according to the travel site’s analysis.

Skyscanner suggested fans looking to save money consider staying outside the most obvious central LA areas, including Pasadena or spots farther along transit routes.

Burbank was also highlighted as a possible alternative, with the report noting that the city sits about 12 miles north of central Los Angeles and offers its own hotels, restaurants and nightlife — often at better value.

The San Francisco Bay Area was the most affordable US host city, ranking third overall at $1,045 per person. Houston followed at $1,056, while Dallas came in just behind LA at $1,290.

Mexico dominated the top of the list, with Guadalajara first, Monterrey second at $926 per person and Mexico City fifth at $1,189.

Atlanta was the priciest city in the top 10, with an average trip cost of $1,554 per person. Skyscanner said prices there rise by as much as 74.5% in June and July, the highest tournament premium on the list.

Philadelphia ranked ninth at $1,460, while Kansas City came in eighth at $1,396.

The report found that prices among the 10 most affordable host cities ranged from $856 in Guadalajara to $1,554 in Atlanta.

The 10 most affordable host cities were:

• Guadalajara, Mexico — $856 per person
• Monterrey, Mexico  — $926 per person
• San Francisco Bay Area — $1.045 per person
• Houston — $1,056 per person
• Mexico City — $1,189 per person
• Los Angeles — $1,272 per person
• Dallas — $1,290 per person
• Kansas City — $1,396 per person
• Philadelphia — $1,460 per person
• Atlanta — $1,554 per person

Skyscanner based its rankings on average one-way flight prices and nightly hotel prices across May, June, July and August 2026. The tournament trip cost was calculated using average June and July prices for a three-night stay and two one-way flights.

The travel site noted that actual prices may vary depending on booking windows, availability and travel dates.

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