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10 U.S. Airports Where a Single Coors Light Costs Almost as Much as a Case

FinanceBuzz collected beer prices from each of the 50 most popular airports in the U.S. Here's where you can expect to pay the most while you wait for your next flight.

By Calista Headrick

Edited by Lauren Gordon

Updated March 28, 2025

Anyone who's visited an airport bar knows that the drinks are expensive, which can make it harder to save money on travel.

Knowing that many passengers enjoy an adult beverage before they fly, our team at FinanceBuzz collected price data for regular-sized "domestic macrobrew" beers at the 50 busiest U.S. airports. Whether it be Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors, or Miller, we set out to discover which airports serve up beer at the most inflated prices.

For savvy passengers researching ahead of their trip, here are the airports where a beer is just too expensive.

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Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

According to the FinanceBuzz study, the average cost for a beer across America's 50 busiest airports is $8.97. However, travelers should plan to shell out at least $10.00 if they want a brew at any of the 10 most expensive airports in the country. That means that a beer costs a full dollar more than the national average at every single one of these airports.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, in the state capital, ranks 10th of any airport for beer. Travelers can expect to pay $10.00 for a Coors Light. That's $1.03 more expensive than the average across all airport restaurants/bars evaluated.

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Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

At Newark Liberty International Airport, a beer will cost you $10.41, which is 16% higher than the national average. Beer also tends to be more expensive at the busiest airports in the country, and Newark Liberty ranks in the top five airports in terms of passenger volume, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Not only does Chicago O'Hare International Airport place second among the busiest airports in terms of total number of domestic passengers, but it also ranks for the price of a beer. You'll pay $10.85 for a cold one in the Windy City.

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Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

The average cost for a beer at this airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, is $11.00. Passengers stopping by to enjoy a drink before they fly will have to shell out over $2 more than the national average.

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Seattle/Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

A beer at Seattle/Tacoma International Airport is almost 25% more expensive than the average price across all airports. Travelers can expect to pay $11.21 if they want a beer at this airport.

SEA also ranks in the top ten busiest airports, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

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Honolulu International Airport (HNL)

Venturing away from the contiguous United States, Honolulu International Airport rounds out the top five airports with the most expensive beer prices. At $11.41 for the average cost of a beer, customers will need a pretty penny if they want to indulge in one. That's about 27% higher than the national average.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

John F. Kennedy International has the fourth-highest average beer price of any airport and is the second airport servicing the New York City area in the top 10 most expensive airports for beer. At a rate over 31% more expensive than the national average, you'll pay an average of $11.82 at JFK.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Another Texas airport makes the top 10 for the most expensive beers. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has the third-highest average beer cost ($11.99), coming in at just under $12.

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San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

This airport in the Golden State ranks tenth for busiest airports in terms of passenger volume and ranks even higher for the average price of a beer. At over $12 for a beer, San Francisco International Airport has an average price of $12.61.

Quick tips: How to travel or dine out without going broke

airplane with blurred cityscape at twilight

When it comes to enjoying things like travel and dining out, thoughtful planning can help you maximize your experience without also draining your wallet. These discretionary expenses often consume a significant portion of many budgets. The key is finding the balance between treating yourself and maintaining your overall financial health.

Here are some tips on how to find that balance:

Visit restaurants during happy hour or lunch for similar food at lower prices
Join restaurant loyalty programs and subscribe to email lists for special offers
Use cashback dining apps like Seated or credit cards with travel/dining rewards
Consider traveling during shoulder seasons when prices drop but weather is still pleasant
Use price comparison tools like Hopper or Google Flights to track airfare drops
Book accommodations with kitchens to prepare some meals yourself while traveling

Some of the most memorable moments can come from a meal shared with friends or a budget travel experience that takes you somewhere truly unique. Consider both the emotional and financial value of an experience so you can find the things that are truly worth your money.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

At the top of the list is New York's LaGuardia Airport, which is the third airport that both services the New York City area and ranks in the top 10 most expensive airports for beer. The average cost for a beer is a whopping $13.83, which is 54% higher and almost $5 more expensive than the national average.

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Bottom line

With prices like these, it can be hard to save money while traveling. Luckily, there are still ways to keep cash in your wallet at the airport.

Be sure to book your flight well in advance before prices skyrocket, and you may consider using price comparison sites to make sure you're getting the best deal. Before you get to the airport, make sure you've packed everything you need so you don't have to splurge on expensive items you've forgotten.

And remember to take along one of the top travel credit cards so you have miles and points to put toward your next trip.

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