Where Do Americans Spend the Most as Ticket Prices Continue to Soar?

Live entertainment in the United States has become more expensive than ever. The main keyword, where do Americans spend the most, has taken on new meaning as prices surge across concerts, theater, and comedy shows. According to new data, the nation’s love for live experiences remains strong despite steep price hikes.

A recent study by Ticket-Compare.com shows that Americans are spending dramatically more on live events than they did a decade ago. Based on federal data from 2014 to 2024, the findings reveal that some states are spending nearly 20 times more per person than others.

Virginia Leads as Ticket Prices Reach Record Highs

Virginia emerged as the biggest spender in the country, with residents shelling out an average of $446 per person on live entertainment in 2024. That’s almost double Hawaii’s $408 and more than 17 times the amount spent in Mississippi, where residents averaged just $25 per person. The report analyzed spending on concerts and theater events, excluding sports, between 2014 and 2024.

The surge coincides with skyrocketing ticket costs. Pollstar reported that the average concert ticket in the third quarter of 2025 cost $128.46 — a 34% jump from six years prior. Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” alone grossed over $2 billion across 2023 and 2024, with average tickets surpassing $1,000, according to The New York Times. Even with these soaring prices, demand continues to climb. Deloitte found that 61% of U.S. consumers attended at least one live event in the past six months, averaging seven events each.

Coastal states dominated the top-spending list, with California ($322), Massachusetts ($233), New York ($220), and Maryland ($171) joining Virginia and Hawaii. California residents collectively spent $12.68 billion on live entertainment — nearly triple New York’s $4.37 billion total. Meanwhile, Mississippi, Kansas ($30), West Virginia ($37), Louisiana ($41), and Iowa ($43) ranked among the lowest spenders.

Spending Trends Reflect Changing Priorities

Over the past decade, spending rose significantly in many states. Virginia’s per-person spending jumped by $199 since 2014 — the highest increase nationwide. Hawaii (+$178), California (+$175), Georgia (+$132), and Missouri (+$113) followed closely behind. No state saw a decline in spending during the period, signaling a nationwide surge in demand for in-person entertainment despite inflation pressures.

Experts attribute the growth to what economists call “funflation” — the willingness of consumers, especially younger generations, to prioritize experiences over material goods. Even so, nearly 60% of Americans skipped at least one event they wanted to attend due to price concerns. The divide between high-spending and budget-conscious states highlights both income disparities and regional access to entertainment options.

Ultimately, the study on where Americans spend the most underscores a cultural shift. Even as prices soar, the emotional and social value of live entertainment keeps audiences coming back — from Virginia’s concertgoers to Mississippi’s music lovers finding joy in local shows.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Where do Americans spend the most on entertainment?

Virginia tops the list, with residents spending an average of $446 per person on live entertainment in 2024.

Q2: Which state spends the least?

Mississippi ranks last, averaging just $25 per person, followed by Kansas and West Virginia.

Q3: Why are ticket prices so high?

Prices have risen due to increased production costs, demand from major tours, and post-pandemic “funflation.”

Q4: Which states saw the biggest spending increases?

Virginia, Hawaii, and California recorded the sharpest growth in spending from 2014 to 2024.

Q5: How can fans save money on tickets?

Fans can compare prices across sellers, attend off-peak events, or use price alerts for last-minute deals.