BOSTON–For football fans in Seattle and Boston planning to travel to this weekend’s big game, the price of attending may rival a major housing expense. A new report from Redfin finds that the total cost of tickets, airfare, and lodging is roughly equal to three months’ worth of mortgage payments for fans in both cities — and even more when compared to rent.
According to the analysis, two people traveling from Seattle to Santa Clara, California, where the game is being played, would spend an estimated $12,681. For fans making the cross-country trip from Boston, the total rises slightly to $13,031.
Those figures dwarf typical monthly housing costs. The median monthly mortgage payment in the Seattle area is about $4,528, while Boston’s is roughly $4,228. For renters, the disparity is even greater: Seattle’s median rent is $2,185, meaning the trip costs nearly six months’ rent, while Boston renters would spend the equivalent of more than four months, based on a median rent of $2,990.
Redfin’s breakdown includes two game tickets priced at approximately $5,000 each, round-trip airfare to San Jose — the closest major airport to Santa Clara — and two nights of hotel accommodations near Levi’s Stadium.
The findings highlight the broader affordability challenges facing many Americans as housing costs remain elevated. In both Seattle and Boston, Redfin notes that typical households spend close to half of their income on mortgage payments, well above the commonly cited guideline of 30% of income. That reality leaves limited room for discretionary spending, especially for costly experiences like attending a championship game in person.
Still, Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather said that for some fans, the financial tradeoff may feel justified.
“For fans who place a high value on experiences, spending the equivalent of several months’ housing payments can feel rational, not reckless, as long as it fits within their budget,” Fairweather said. “Big events like this aren’t just about the game; they’re about memories, identity and social connection.”
Fairweather added that the steep cost underscores today’s “K-shaped economy,” in which high-priced experiences are easily attainable for some households and entirely out of reach for others.
Redfin calculated the estimates using its mortgage calculator, typical ticket prices, the cheapest available airfare, and nearby lodging rates. The full report, including methodology and charts, is available on Redfin’s website.
