New York City ranks among the nation’s best places to celebrate the Fourth of July, thanks to its parks, attractions and iconic fireworks display, according to a new WalletHub study.
The city ranked No. 2 overall among the nation’s 100 largest cities, earning high marks for attractions, recreation and safety. However, it also ranked near the bottom for affordability, with some of the country’s highest prices for hotels, beer and wine.
As Americans are expected to spend a collective $9.4 billion on food for Independence Day celebrations, WalletHub compared the country’s largest cities to identify the best places to celebrate the holiday.
The analysis evaluated 100 cities across five categories — celebrations, affordability, attractions and activities, safety and accessibility, and weather — using 18 metrics, including fireworks shows, restaurant prices, hotel costs and park quality.
“The best cities for the holiday help you make the most of your day, with affordable food options, good weather, fun recreation choices and long, spectacular fireworks shows,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said.
Is New York City a good place to celebrate the Fourth of July?
New York City ranked No. 2 overall with a score of 66.20.
The city ranked:
While New York excelled for its attractions, parks and public transit, it ranked among the nation’s least affordable destinations because of high hotel, beer and wine prices.
Las Vegas claimed the No. 1 spot overall, helped by its stronger affordability ranking.
Best and worst cities for Fourth of July celebrations
According to WalletHub, the top 10 cities are:
The 10 lowest-ranked cities are:
How did New York cities rank?
Two New York cities made the top 25:
How WalletHub ranked the cities
WalletHub compared the nation’s 100 largest cities using 18 metrics across five categories:
The rankings are based on data collected through May 27, 2026, from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Council for Community and Economic Research and Priceline.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NYC ranks among best cities for Fourth of July celebrations. Here’s why
Reporting by Beyonce Thomas-Reynoso, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Beyonce Thomas-Reynoso, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
