Dallas, January 30, 2026
Travel inflation in Dallas is currently at 12.4%, which is lower than the 14.5% national average. Although hotel costs are rising, the most significant expense is dining, which has increased by 21.2%. Infrastructure developments are helping to manage costs, but visitors should still be aware of these rising prices when planning their trips to Dallas. Strategies for budget management include traveling during off-peak times and utilizing public transport.
Dallas, Texas
Travel inflation in Dallas is lower than the 14.5% national average, but climbing restaurant prices are still leaving visitors and locals with a sour taste.
The struggle to keep up with post-pandemic travel demand and inflation has led to increased costs for dining, lodging, and transportation. The sudden increase in tourism has mostly affected mid-sized and smaller cities, where demand has outpaced local infrastructure’s capacity, driving prices higher. Historically budget-friendly cities became increasingly popular for domestic travel after the pandemic.
In Dallas, cost hikes are on the lower end. Families visiting Dallas have experienced a more moderate increase in travel costs. Larger cities with more established travel infrastructure, like Dallas or New York, can accommodate increased demand without as dramatic an increase in overall trip costs.
Comparative Travel Cost Increases
In smaller cities like Albuquerque, the total cost of a four-night trip for a family of four has risen by 27.7%. Similarly, Las Vegas saw a 24.8% increase. Based on the same scenario analysis, Dallas showed a 12.4% increase, indicating that family vacations to Dallas are now more expensive than in 2019. Still, Dallas’s overall vacation cost change is less than the national average of 14.5%.
Infrastructure Development in Dallas
Dallas’s strong hotel infrastructure is one factor mitigating travel costs. It has been one of the country’s top hotel markets for several years, with a record-high of 194 projects and 22,803 rooms, according to the 2024 United States construction pipeline trend report. In 2019, Dallas had 128 hotel properties accounting for approximately 80% of the room supply and demand. Further, according to Lodging Econometrics, 34 new hotels are planned in Dallas for 2026.
Rising Dining Costs
Even though Dallas’s new hotel construction amortizes travel costs, vacation prices have still increased since 2019. Lodging costs in Dallas rose 16.1%, followed by 5.8% for round-trip flights and 3.4% for rental cars. The largest contributor to rising travel costs in Dallas is meals, which increased by 21.2%.
Reasons Behind Increased Food Prices
The major inflation in the beef industry, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and the new tariffs on imported goods contribute to the increase in dining prices. The same trend is evident nationwide. Wholesale food prices continue to rise well above their pre-pandemic levels. As of November 2025, the Producer Price Index (PPI) for all foods stood 37% above its February 2020 reading.
Budget Management Strategies for Travelers
Despite rising tourism costs, travelers still have various options to manage their budgets. Booking during off-peak times, traveling during the shoulder season, using public transport, and cooking instead of dining out can significantly lower costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current travel inflation rate in Dallas?
The travel inflation rate in Dallas is 12.4%, which is lower than the national average of 14.5%.
How have dining costs changed in Dallas recently?
Dining costs in Dallas have increased by 21.2%, with major contributors being inflation in the beef industry, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and new tariffs on imported goods.
What factors are contributing to rising travel costs in Dallas?
Rising travel costs in Dallas are attributed to increased demand post-pandemic, higher lodging expenses, and elevated dining prices.
How can travelers manage increased costs in Dallas?
Travelers can manage increased costs by booking during off-peak times, traveling during the shoulder season, using public transport, and cooking instead of dining out.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Travel Inflation Rate in Dallas | 12.4%, lower than the national average of 14.5% |
| Increase in Dining Costs | 21.2% rise, influenced by beef industry inflation, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and new tariffs on imported goods |
| Factors Contributing to Rising Travel Costs | Post-pandemic demand, higher lodging expenses, and elevated dining prices |
| Strategies to Manage Increased Costs | Booking during off-peak times, traveling during the shoulder season, using public transport, and cooking instead of dining out |
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