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For years, cities like Austin, Atlanta and Las Vegas have been seen as must-visit hubs for live music lovers. But new data suggests that some of America’s loudest “music capitals” may be the worst places to book an event ticket.
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According to Wiingy's analysis of average concert ticket prices across 20 major U.S. cities, there's a surprising twist: Midwestern cities now offer the best value for music travelers, while several Southern and Sun Belt destinations come with significantly higher price tags.
At the top of the affordability ranking is Cleveland, which emerges as the cheapest city for concertgoers, with an average ticket price of $68. That figure is nearly half the cost of attending a show in Las Vegas, where average ticket prices climb to $140, making it the most expensive city in the study. For travelers who plan trips around tours rather than tourist attractions, that difference can quickly add up, especially after factoring in hotels, flights and food.
The Midwest ranks as the most affordable region overall, with an average ticket price of $88. Cities like Cleveland and Pittsburgh outperform more traditional music destinations, offering access to major tours at prices that make weekend trips far more feasible. By contrast, the South ranks as the priciest region, averaging $113 per ticket.
One of the most unexpected findings is New York City’s ranking as the fifth-cheapest city overall, with average ticket prices around $91. That puts it ahead of cities like Miami and Los Angeles, both of which rank lower in terms of value for music travelers. New York’s venue ecosystem and frequent tour stops help offset the city’s broader cost of living. (But even that won't necessarily make getting tickets to see Harry Styles any cheaper.)
For travelers planning 2026 itineraries around concerts, following the music no longer means following the hype. Skipping the usual “music capitals” in favor of overlooked cities could mean seeing the same artists for far less money and discovering a new favorite destination along the way.
Here is the full list of the 10 cheapest cities to see a concert in, with the median ticket price included.
1. Cleveland, OH ($68)
2. Pittsburgh, PA ($71)
3. Indianapolis, IN ($80)
4. Dallas, TX ($90)
5. New York, NY ($91)
6. Nashville, TN ($91)
7. San Francisco, CA ($92)
8. Seattle, WA ($93)
9. Phoenix, AZ ($97)
10. Houston, TX ($97)