A new 2025 cost analysis has pinpointed San Francisco as the most expensive city in the United States to host a traditional Christmas celebration, with total costs soaring 30% above the national average for major metros. The study, carried out by digital entertainment platform JB, offers a clear, data-driven look at the growing regional disparity in Christmas spending on decorations, food, and trees.
The report, shared exclusively with this publication, calculated costs for a six-person dinner, a standard Christmas tree, and a set of basic decorations across the 25 largest U.S. cities. The findings reveal a pronounced coast-to-coast disparity in financial pressure for holiday hosts this season.
What Makes San Francisco’s Christmas So Costly?
The data shows a total hosting Christmas cost of $545 in San Francisco, significantly driven by an extraordinary outlay for Christmas decorations, priced at a national high of $282. This component alone surpasses the total combined cost in several other cities.
“The cost differentials are primarily anchored in local pricing for goods and services, real estate overhead for retailers, and regional supply chains,” stated an analyst familiar with the study. “The Christmas tree price and Christmas dinner cost in coastal tech hubs are being pushed by broader economic factors.”
A breakdown of the top five most expensive cities illustrates the trend:
- San Francisco, CA: $545 Total ($181 Dinner, $82 Tree, $282 Decorations)
- San Diego, CA: $524 Total ($160 Dinner, $82 Tree, $282 Decorations)
- Los Angeles, CA: $520 Total ($156 Dinner, $82 Tree, $282 Decorations)
- New York, NY: $514 Total ($165 Dinner, $90 Tree, $259 Decorations)
- Boston, MA: $469 Total ($162 Dinner, $72 Tree, $235 Decorations)
How Do Christmas Dinner Costs Compare Nationally?
Although it varies less than decorations, the holiday supper for six is still a significant budget line. Sun Belt and Southern cities provide some respite, but San Francisco leads this category at $181.
Cities like Houston ($134), Austin ($135), and Nashville ($141) present dinner costs roughly 25% lower than the Bay Area, highlighting how geographic holiday spending strategies could stem from basic grocery inflation disparities.
Is a Real Christmas Tree a Major Budget Factor?
Christmas tree price volatility is a notable finding. New York City reported the highest average tree cost at $90, while cities like Dallas, Austin, and Houston found trees for $59—a 34% difference. This suggests local markets, transport logistics, and lot rents are critical, independent of overall city size or status.
The CEO of JB was quoted in the report, stating, “Christmas is getting more expensive for all families across the US. These days, the cost of a holiday meal, a Christmas tree, and even basic decorations can really add up.”
What Does This Data Mean for Holiday Celebrations?
This 2025 snapshot offers more than a ranking; it provides a benchmark for consumer awareness. The “typical Christmas” has a very varying cost burden depending on zip code, as evidenced by the approximately $150 difference between the most and least expensive locations in the top ten.
The full dataset from JB’s study offers a clear, current authority on the tangible costs of holiday cheer, moving beyond anecdote to hard figures. As economic pressures continue, this geographic cost analysis may inform not only family budgets but also regional retail and economic forecasts for the crucial fourth quarter.