This Sunday, Americans are about to put down good money to watch Super Bowl LVIII—even if they plan on watching it at home for free on TV.
If you actually plan on attending the Super Bowl in Las Vegas, it’ll cost you an arm and a leg. You can thank Patrick Mahomes’ arm, the 49ers’ legacy, the chance to watch Usher live, or the chance to be in the same building as Taylor Swift—take your pick. But according to ticket resale platform StubHub, an average ticket price sold of about $8,600 could make Super Bowl LVIII the most expensive ticket in the NFL championship’s history.
But if you’re not among the 72,000 lucky enough to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers in Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, you’ll probably open up your wallet anyways.
A survey from the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics says that a little more than 200 million U.S. adults plan to tune into Super Bowl LVIII—which would mark yet another record. Of those, 112.2 million plan either to throw or attend a party. And if you’re hosting or chipping in, it won’t be cheap. “Total spending on food, drinks, apparel, decorations and other purchases for the day is expected to reach a record $17.3 billion, or $86.04 per person,” the NRF says.
Of course, unless you’re breaking out a new TV or couch for the game, most of your money will be spent on food and drink. And just how much you’ll have to pony up will hinge in part on where you live. So today, we’re going to look at the 10 cheapest metropolitan areas in the country for anyone hosting a Super Bowl party. (We’ll even give you a look at the two teams’ cities for comparison at the end.)
Table of Contents
Methodology
Today, we’re getting a helping hand from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), which among other things provides research and data about the cost of living across the U.S. Specifically, we’re looking at data from their Cost of Living Index, which measures relative price levels for consumer goods and services—namely, grocery items, health care, housing, transportation, utilities, and miscellaneous goods—in 276 participating urban areas.
To determine which metropolitan areas have the highest Super Bowl party costs, we’ve added up the costs of five C2ER price data sets—pizza, potato chips, soda, beer, and ground beef (for cooking hamburgers)—to come up with a composite cost, which includes:
1. 2 pounds of beef (minimum 80% lean)
2. 2 medium (11”-12”) thin-crust cheese pizzas (average pricing based on Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Pizza Inn)
3. 2 8- to 10-oz. bags of plain regular potato chips
4. 2 2-liter bottles of Coca-Cola or Pepsi
5. 2 6-packs of Heineken 12-oz. Bottles
Obviously, your actual party costs will vary widely based on numerous factors (how many people you’re hosting, whether you actually like toppings on your pizza, whether you order food outside of this or make your own party snacks, etc.). The composite cost is just meant to help compare what people in one city are paying versus other cities.
With that said, let’s dig in to the 10 cheapest metro areas to host a Super Bowl party. And just for fun, at the end, we’ll also tell you what it costs in Kansas City and San Francisco, which should see more than their fair share of parties.
10. Sebastian-Vero Beach, Florida
Composite cost: $64.04
— Ground beef: $12.12
— Potato chips: $8.12
— Soda: $5.76
— Pizza $16.76
— Beer: $21.38
Located in southeastern Florida, the Sebastian-Vero Beach Metropolitan Area is known for plants and wildlife. The region houses several nature preserves and parks, including Humiston Beach Park, South Beach Park, and Jaycee Park. It also contains the Indian River Lagoon, where people go to kayak, paddleboard, and watch dolphins and manatees.
On Sunday, football fans in the area won’t be watching dolphins (or jaguars or buccaneers, for that matter)—they’ll be watching the 49ers and Chiefs. But at least they’ll be able to snack affordably. The composite cost of $64.04 makes them one of the 10 cheapest metro areas in which you could host a Super Bowl party. Pizzas especially are a relative bargain; an average of $8.38 per pie is as low as it gets across all the cities on this list, according to C2ER data.
9. Joplin, Missouri
Composite cost: $64.06
— Ground Beef: $11.56
— Potato Chips: $7.48
— Soda: $5.30
— Pizza: $20.92
— Beer: $18.80
Joplin, Missouri is located on the outer edge of the Ozark Mountains and is only a two and a half hour drive away from Kansas City, so it’s very likely the people of Joplin are overwhelmingly rooting for their home state team to hoist that Lombardi Trophy Sunday evening. In addition to sharing the same state boundaries as one of this year’s Super Bowl contenders, the city is also home to the Grand Falls, the biggest continuously running waterfall in the state.
As for the history of the Joplin Missouri Metropolitan Area, at one point, it was known as the lead and zinc capital of the world. Further, people used to travel to see the nearby birthplace of famed inventor George Washington Carver in Diamond, Missouri and to visit Joplin’s House of Lords, a famous saloon with a restaurant and gambling.
While the establishment is long gone, I have a hunch that residents will be making some sporting bets soon as they enjoy classic snacks and beverages—and they won’t be paying much to chow down. C2ER data shows the total composite cost of providing food and beverages for a Super Bowl party as $64.06.
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8. Monroe, Louisiana
Composite cost: $64.06
— Ground beef: $10.40
— Potato chips: $7.62
— Soda: $5.40
— Pizza: $20.70
— Beer: $19.94
Monroe, Louisiana, is named after the steamboat James Monroe that paved the path for traders and trappers to sell their goods in New Orleans. Today, the Monroe Metropolitan Area makes it easy to soak up culture through its variety of museums, the Monroe Symphony Orchestra, Flying Tiger Brewery, and elaborate Christmas celebrations.
Monroe also has ample restaurants downtown and on the Ouachita riverfront. But rather than enjoy Louisiana’s state cuisine of Gumbo at one of these restaurants, many residents will likely stay home and cook some classic Super Bowl food this weekend.
Hamburger-lovers can rejoice in Monroe, toting the second-lowest cost for ground beef on this list and a full 11% below the national average, according to C2ER data. Pizza, on the other hand, costs a touch more than other cities on this list. All told, though, Monroe enjoys the eighth-cheapest Super Bowl party cost in the nation. Not bad!
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7. Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana
Composite cost: $64.00
— Ground beef: $12.36
— Potato chips: $7.16
— Soda: $5.24
— Pizza: $19.80
— Beer: $19.42
The Houma-Thibodaux Metropolitan Area, nestled in southeastern Louisiana just a stone’s throw from New Orleans, offers a unique blend of culture, natural beauty reflective of the region, and long-standing traditions. Known for its deep-rooted Cajun heritage, the area hosts several cultural events including the well-regarded Rougarou Festival. (A rougarou, pronounced rew – ga – rew, is a werewolf-like creature whose legend has been handed down for many generations on the bayou.)
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to love in the area, with opportunities for fishing, boating, and exploring the surrounding bayous and wetlands—not to mention abundant amounts of seafood.
Snackers will love hosting a budget-priced Super Bowl this year: The Houma-Thibodaux metro area sports the lowest cost for potato chips of any city on this list, at $3.58 per bag, per C2ER data. While that won’t be the main course filling your belly, it’s still one less thing to worry about.
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6. Brownsville-Harlingen, Texas
Composite cost: $63.74
— Ground beef: $11.36
— Potato chips: $7.30
— Soda: $5.14
— Pizza: $19.32
— Beer: $20.62
They say everything is bigger in Texas, but that isn’t true for Super Bowl party prices in the Brownsville-Harlingen Metropolitan Area.
This metro area is on the southern tip of the state. Nature lovers enjoy South Padre Island’s Fisherman’s Wharf and the Birding Center of South Texas. Meanwhile, city slickers can partake in the abundant shopping and dining options.
Harlingen is the sixth-cheapest place to host a Super Bowl party, according to C2ER data, but some components are cheaper than others. It’s the cheapest place to get a 2-liter of soda, and you’ll typically get a good deal on chips, too. That said, beer prices aren’t great—we wouldn’t blame anyone for skipping the suds and indulging in a rum and Coke instead.
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5. Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, Texas
Composite cost: $63.70
— Ground beef: $10.98
— Potato chips: $7.70
— Soda: $5.52
— Pizza: $19.14
— Beer: $20.36
The capital of Texas, Austin is known for its eclectic culture, lively music scene, food (especially barbeque, but also plenty of food truck fare) and booming tech industry, making it an attractive place for both visitors and those looking to put down roots. The city hosts several festivals each year, the most famous of which are the SXSW Festival (pronounced “South-by-southwest”) and Austin City Limits. These both play on Austin’s claim as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” with venues scattered across the city that cater to every musical taste.
But music and food aren’t the only things Austin has to offer: it also boasts several parks and nearby lakes for residents and tourists to escape the summer heat (and it can get hot) in the surrounding Texas Hills Country. And if this weren’t enough, Austin is also home to the state’s primary land-grant institution, University of Texas at Austin, adding a youthful energy to the community.
While parts of Austin itself might be on the pricey side, football fans in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown Metropolitan Area will enjoy a relatively low cost of hosting a party for Super Bowl LVIII. Just go easy on the beer—the $10.18 average price for a six-pack is a little Texas-sized compared to the rest of the group.
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4. Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Arkansas
Composite cost: $63.54
— Ground beef: $10.30
— Potato chips: $7.38
— Soda: $5.26
— Pizza: $20.94
— Beer: $19.66
Situated in the heart of the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Fayetteville hosts a confluence of natural beauty, economic activity, and academic focus. The Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers Metropolitan Area, collectively known as Northwest Arkansas, is home to the University of Arkansas, the main institution of higher education in the state.
The city offers numerous attractions, such as Terra Studios, an art studio that houses artisans who produce glass and pottery homewares, gifts, and fine art pieces. There’s also the Walton Arts Center—named after the Walton Family, which founded and runs supercenter chain Walmart—which brings in artists and entertainers from all over the world.
People in Northwest Arkansas can be particularly thrifty as it pertains to their Super Bowl menu, as it’s the fourth-cheapest metropolitan area on our list. You can do especially well if you’re making burgers—Fayetteville boasts the lowest price per pound of ground beef at $5.15 per pound, according to C2ER data.
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3. Fond-du-Lac, Wisconsin
Composite cost: $62.44
— Ground beef: $11.28
— Potato chips: $7.80
— Soda: $5.50
— Pizza: $20.44
— Beer: $17.42
When people think of Wisconsin cities, they usually think of Milwaukee, Madison, or Green Bay. This lesser-known Wisconsin gem is less than an hour and a half from all three of those more well-known cities. The name Fond-du-Lac means “Foot of the Lake” of “Bottom of the Lake” in French and Lake Winnebago is the one it’s referring to.
Besides the fishing and watersports expected at lakes, Fond-du-Lac, Wisconsin is known for its historical sites, events, and hunting.
While residents would prefer to be rooting for the nearby Green Bay Packers, at least they can take solace in the fact that they rank #3 for cheapest super bowl snacks. According to the C2ER data, this city has the cheapest beer, which shouldn’t be surprising in a state known for beer consumption.
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2. Niles, Michigan
Composite cost: $60.88
— Ground beef: $11.50
— Potato chips: $7.84
— Soda: $5.50
— Pizza: $17.98
— Beer: $18.08
Niles, Michigan is located in the southwest corner of the state. A few of its museums and historical sites include the Four Flags Hotel, Chapin Mansion, Fort St. Joseph Museum, and Niles Rail Depot.
This city sits on the banks of the St. Joseph River. The Riverfront Park stretches about 1.5 miles of the river and is where many of the city’s seasonal events take place, such as the Bluegrass Festival, Hunter Ice Festival, Niles Riverfest, and the Apple Festival Parade.
But rather than celebrating by the river, Niles residents will soon be crowded around televisions. The C2ER data gives it a composite cost of $60.88, so they’ll be able to enjoy plenty of affordable food as they watch. Niles, Michigan has the second cheapest pizza, so nobody has to worry about grabbing an extra slice (though they might argue on the merits of pineapple as a topping).
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1. Erie, Pennsylvania
Composite cost: $60.64
— Ground beef: $10.70
— Potato chips: 7.62
— Soda: $5.46
— Pizza: $18.90
— Beer: 17.98
Erie, Pennsylvania, offers a beautiful waterfront view with an access point to one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world: the eponymously named Lake Erie. The city takes full advantage of its proximity to the lake, featuring scenic Presque Isle State Park, a narrow strip of land that juts out into the lake and contains 11 miles of beaches, concert spaces, a lighthouse, lagoons, and an environmental center.
Families and thrill-seekers alike are drawn to Waldameer Park & Water World, providing amusement and relaxation with a view with over 100 rides, roller coasters and attractions for kids of all ages. Meanwhile, the Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a perfect day out for wildlife and plant enthusiasts.
The Erie Metropolitan Area’s cost of living is attractively low, making it an appealing option for those looking to stretch their dollar further in a community with a small-town feel but with amenities that rival larger cities. To wit, the costs to host a Super Bowl party are the lowest of any city for which C2ER has data. While it doesn’t boast the lowest of any particular cost in our basket of foods and drinks associated with the Super Bowl, it’s below-average on all of them—combining for the Vince Lombardi Trophy of low composite cost.
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Representing the AFC: Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas
Composite cost: $66.00
— Ground beef: $11.64
— Potato chips: $7.84
— Soda: $5.54
— Pizza: $21.32
— Beer: $19.68
The Kansas City Metropolitan Area, which straddles the Missouri-Kansas border, has more than just “burnt ends” to offer. Though, having ribs that are charred, crunchy, tender and sweet all at once is certainly something worth being known for.
This region is famously home to the Kansas City Chiefs, who, despite what their name might misleadingly suggest to the geographically challenged, actually play their pass-happy games in Kansas City, Missouri—not over the border in Kansas. It’s a fun fact that often catches newcomers off guard.
The city touts a vibrant jazz and blues music scene, playing a pivotal role in shaping the development of these genres. It’s no surprise Kansas City has hosted some of the era’s most pivotal musicians like Count Basie, Andy Kirk, Joe Turner, Hot Lips Page and Jay McShann.
And while Kansas City didn’t break the top 10 for cheapest places to host a Super Bowl party, it certainly wasn’t too far off. Notably, the city’s beer is around the same price range as the other cities mentioned here per C2ER data. And, if things go the Chiefs’ way on Sunday, steak isn’t too expensive there either, at about the national average of $13.86 per pound versus KC’s $13.94.
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Representing the NFC: San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, California
Composite cost: $81.66
— Ground beef: $12.46
— Potato chips: $9.12
— Soda: $6.18
— Pizza: $31.84
— Beer: $22.42
California’s San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City Metropolitan Area represents one of the wealthiest areas in the country. The region, teeming with technology companies and the resulting breakneck growth that accompanies them, has dramatically changed in the past two decades.
But that hasn’t always been the case. The region, long known for its iconic landmarks, innovative spirit, and diverse culture, has built a world-class history and presence before “dot-com” became a part of the vernacular.
Area attractions include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf—not to mention numerous day excursions outside the city to equally famous places like Napa Valley, Yosemite National Park, and Lake Tahoe. You’ll never find a boring moment in this part of the country.
While the area has become a magnet for those seeking opportunities in technology, finance, and real estate, it also has a cost of living that reflects it: Median home prices in the region alone are over 200% higher than the entire nation. It’s no wonder watching the Super Bowl with friends and family will cost the most in “The Bay Area.”
You probably won’t be surprised to find that San Francisco is on the wrong end of the spectrum for the cost of hosting a Super Bowl party. Ranked second-highest overall in terms of costs provided by C2ER, the total bill comes in nearly 30% higher than the average composite costs of the 10 cities on this list.
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