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USA 1994 vs. 2026: How World Cup travel costs have changed
From flights and hotels to match tickets and daily expenses, discover how World Cup travel costs have changed in our USA 1994 vs. 2026 travel price comparison.
This year, the USA is hosting the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1994. A lot has changed in 32 years, but one of the most significant differences between these World Cups is the travel cost.
In this USA 1994 vs. 2026 travel price comparison, we’re looking at how flights, hotels, tickets, and daily costs have shifted since the last time the USA held the World Cup.
To demonstrate just how dramatic the difference is, take a look at these side-by-side comparisons:
| Expense category | USA 1994 (est.) | USA 2026 (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| International flights (From UK to USA) | $800–$1000+ | $600–$1000 |
| Accommodation (7 nights) | $500–$700 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Match tickets (3 games) | $200–$300 | $600–$1,800 |
| Domestic transport | $150–$250 | $400–$700 |
| Food & daily spending (7 days) | $250–$350 | $500–$800 |
| Total trip cost | $1,900–$2,600 | $3,600–$6,800 |
Flights: from limited routes to vast availability
Flying internationally wasn’t so easy back 32 years ago. There were fewer routes and fewer budget airlines in operation. Today, we are spoiled for choice, but is international travel now more expensive?
While there isn’t a single centralized average price for international flights in 1994, the U.S. airfare price index shows this:
In inflation-adjusted terms, international airline fares in 1994 were significantly higher than in recent decades.
- 1994: Transatlantic round-trip flights like London to New York were $800–$1,000+ in today’s dollars.
- 2026: As of January 2026, Skyscanner has return flights from London to New York in June and July this year for as little as $600.
Despite factors like fuel costs and inflation, it is slightly cheaper to travel internationally in 2026 than in 1994. One significant reason for this is that there are more airline options and more daily flights.
Accommodation: from affordable motels to surge pricing
In 1994, motels were the ‘in thing.’ Booking in advance was uncommon; instead, people would drive around town until they found a motel with a vacancy.
Today, we have dedicated accommodation booking platforms like Booking.com, where you can book anywhere from months in advance to on the same day. What’s more, accommodation options in 2026 extend well beyond motels, as every U.S. city now has a range of luxury hotels alongside Airbnbs.
But while booking accommodation is now easier, it comes at a cost!
- 1994: A 7-night stay in a city motel averaged around $600 (inflation-adjusted).
- 2026: Staying in a major US city for a week now costs anywhere between $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the type of accommodation and the location.
The current-day accommodation cost varies significantly, due to dynamic pricing where hotel prices spike during busy travel periods. In fact, with many major sporting events in 2026, accommodation across the entire host city can sell out weeks or months in advance.
Match tickets: from accessible to premium experiences
According to an LA Times news report from before the 1994 World Cup, the average ticket price was $58. In inflation-adjusted terms, that is $111, meaning spectators could attend 3 matches for around $300.
Today, ticket pricing for the world cup is more complex because:
- There are multiple tiers and hospitality packages
- It’s possible to buy tickets from resale markets
In addition, prices rise significantly with each stage, for example:
- Round of 16: average cost $200–$600
- Quarterfinals: average cost $450–$1,500
- Semifinals: average cost $600–$2,800
- Final: average cost $2,500–$6,575+
Therefore, the average price to attend 3 R16 matches is around $1,200.
For 2026, FIFA has introduced a new $60 “Supporter Entry Tier” aimed at loyal fans. However, this is a very small portion of ticket allocations and is distributed by national associations, so it’s not easy to get these cheap tickets.
Getting around: domestic travel inside the U.S.
Traveling around the USA during the 1994 World Cup was fairly simple. With 9 host cities, less domestic travel was required. Those who did travel between host cities were more likely to rent a car and drive, since domestic flights were fairly expensive.
In 2026, the USA will have 11 host cities, plus additional ones in Canada and the USA. This wider coast-to-coast geography increases flight demand during the 2026 World Cup, and spectators will see this reflected in flight price hikes.
Food, daily spending, and the invisible costs
In our USA 1994 vs. 2026 travel price comparison, dining out was one area where we saw the highest price increase.
- 1994: Fast food was just a few dollars, and a meal in a casual sit-down restaurant would cost $10 – $12 per person.
- 2026: Fast food is around $10, and a sit-down meal will set you back $20 – $25 per person.
But inflation alone doesn’t explain the jump. The tipping culture has changed significantly since 1994. In major US cities like New York or San Francisco, the expected tip is now 20–25%. In 1994, this was 15%.
In addition, event venues like stadiums are increasingly likely to charge premium prices for food, drink, and merchandise. If you want to sip a beer while watching the match, be prepared to pay around $15 for a pint.
Why World Cup travel feels more expensive now (even beyond inflation)
If you think traveling to the World Cup is expensive these days, you’re not wrong. But it’s not only the increased cost of living in the USA that’s to blame.
From our USA 1994 vs. 2026 travel price comparison, we found that fans in 2026 will also spend more money due to marketing and FOMO (fear of missing out).
Firstly, from the flight to the match ticket, marketing tactics push “premium upsells” and make the word “economy” feel like a dirty word.
Secondly, we now share our travels with the entire world through our social media accounts. So it’s easy to feel pressured to “do it all” and show our followers just how much fun we’re having.
And lastly, with the 2026 World Cup being a global event with matches in multiple cities and countries, fans will consider extending their trip to include more host cities.
Can fans still do it cheaper in 2026?
The good news is you don’t have to give in to the pressure and marketing tactics. It’s totally possible to enjoy a World Cup trip that doesn’t leave you bankrupt. Here’s how you can be a savvy spender this 2026 World Cup:
- Strategically choose your host city: Bigger host cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco will have much higher accommodation, food, and transport costs than smaller cities like Kansas City or Dallas.
- Stay outside the city center: You can also half your accommodation costs by choosing a hotel a little further from the stadium. Just check public transport options to ensure there is a low-cost, convenient way to get from A to B.
- Be flexible with your match planning: While everyone wants to attend the final or semi-final, R16s are significantly cheaper and often just as enjoyable.
- Book early: Get in before the price spikes by securing your flights and accommodation 6 to 8 months in advance.
Then, keep your savings going once you arrive in the USA with Holafly.
The Holafly eSIM for the USA gives you fast, unlimited data across all 11 US World Cup venues for just a few dollars a day. You can navigate venues, cheaper transport routes, and find the best local eats without the worry of sky-high roaming fees!
And if your 2026 World Cup trip takes you cross-country to Canada or Mexico, the Holalfy eSIM for North America will keep you covered in all regions.
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Hey, I’m Mika! I’m an SEO specialist with 7+ years of experience and a passion for travel info that actually helps you explore smarter. I write travel guides and tips backed by SEO insights so you can spend less time searching and more time adventuring.
