The Most Expensive Vacation Rental in Every State

In recent years, we’ve seen vacation rental prices skyrocket across the U.S. Short-term rental rates are up 26% compared to 2019, with luxury listings (over $1,000 per night) becoming even more popular. That’s why we pulled data from VRBO listings to uncover the most expensive vacation rental in each state. These include lavish properties that redefine excess with nightly rates averaging over $14,000 and weekend stays that can easily eclipse the cost of a year’s rent.

To find each state’s most expensive rental, we looked at the average nightly rate, the nightly rate per guest, the total cost for a weekend stay, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, standout amenities, square footage, and more. We also compared the price of a two-night stay to the average monthly rent in that state to highlight just how far luxury can stretch. The result is a glimpse into the ultra-luxury side of travel where weekend stays with designer interiors, private spas, and tennis courts come with price tags that rival a year’s salary.

These high-end rentals feature design elements like panoramic windows and spa-style bathrooms that continue to inspire homeowners. At Rite Window, we took a closer look at the most expensive vacation rental in each state to explore how luxury trends are influencing home design nationwide.

Each State’s Priciest Vacation Rental

Ever wondered what it costs to vacation like a celebrity? According to our analysis of VRBO listings, the average nightly rate for the most expensive vacation rental in each state comes to a jaw-dropping $14,740. That means a single weekend stay could set a group of vacationers back nearly $30,000. Nationally, these luxurious homes average 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and typically sleep 13 guests—all spread across a spacious 7,252 square feet. What’s more, in 18 states, the most expensive vacation rental is located on a waterfront.

Now, let’s zoom in on some of the standout state-level results. The table above, just under the U.S. map, includes links to the most expensive VRBO listing in each state, so you can see exactly what these rentals look like. Among the most expensive rentals in each state, these five are the most outrageously priced vacation homes:

Nestled in the mountains of Park City, this 18,000-square-foot estate offers private ski access and luxe amenities like a saltwater pool, spa room, indoor bowling alley, basketball court, and even an indoor golf simulator. With its massive layout and scenic mountain views, the estate features sweeping windows that flood the space with natural light, an increasingly sought-after element in modern mountain homes. With 6 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, and room for 16 guests, it’s a winter wonderland fit for royalty.

Located along the Lake Austin waterfront, this estate comprises multiple structures featuring luxurious amenities, including a pool, spa, tennis court, gym, and even a tortoise habitat. The 13-bedroom, 13-bathroom property accommodates 14 guests, offering resort-style amenities in the heart of Texas. Spa-like bathrooms, including sleek, modern bathtubs and showers, contribute to the estate’s peaceful ambiance.

At the Crossroads Ranch in Cornwall, this expansive 18,000-square-foot sanctuary features 8 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, comfortably hosting up to 20 guests. With both indoor and outdoor pools, a tennis court, sauna, gym, and even a 10-acre animal sanctuary, it offers a peaceful countryside escape. French doors, crystal chandeliers, and stately architecture are the cherry on top of this luxurious estate.

Located in Aspen, this luxury retreat boasts 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and space for 13 guests. Mountain views, a private hot tub, an outdoor fireplace, and an entertainment-friendly game room make it a cozy alpine getaway with high-end flair.

Located in the Hamptons’ upscale enclave of Water Mill, this 12,000-square-foot mansion includes 8 bedrooms, 8 full bathrooms, and a half bath. Steps from the beach, guests can enjoy a pool, gym, basketball court, and game room, plus indoor and outdoor dining areas for the full luxury experience. Adding to these amenities are expansive windows and open-concept living spaces that capture the breezy elegance of Hamptons living.

Since Rite Window serves the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, we’d be remiss not to spotlight some of the most expensive vacation rentals in states like Delaware, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island:

• Delaware: The most expensive rental in Delaware is located in Dewey Beach, including upscale design, beach access, a private pool, and generous outdoor entertaining space. Priced at $4,468 per night—or $8,936 for a weekend stay—it ranks as the sixth-most affordable property in the study, with 9 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms.
• Massachusetts: This tranquil waterfront retreat in Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, spans 60 acres of oceanfront property and includes a private beach. With its seamless indoor-outdoor layout, sweeping ocean views, and generous natural light, the home channels the kind of coastal design many homeowners admire. Priced at $20,024 per night and $40,048 for a weekend stay, it comfortably sleeps up to 12 guests.
• Rhode Island: Rhode Island’s most expensive rental is located near Bowen’s Wharf in the historic city of Newport. Blending Colonial architecture with modern updates, the home features a spacious backyard patio and a newly renovated chef’s kitchen. It rents for $14,003 per night, or $28,006 for a weekend stay.

Each State’s Priciest Rental, Based on Nightly Price Per Guest

While overall rental prices paint a lavish picture, calculating the nightly cost per guest adds another layer of perspective. On average, a night at the most expensive vacation rentals across the U.S. costs $1,289 per guest. But in some states, that figure is more than doubled, highlighting ultra-exclusive listings designed for high-end travelers.

Here are the top five states based on nightly price per guest:

1. New York – Water Mill, NY: $4,440
2. Utah – Park City, UT: $4,347
3. Florida – Siesta Key, FL: $3,335
4. Illinois – Barrington, IL: $2,949
5. Texas – Austin, TX: $2,884

Each of these elite rentals charges more than double the national average, with some approaching a 245% premium per guest, per night. Here’s a closer look at a few standout listings that didn’t appear in our earlier rankings:

Florida – Siesta Key

With a per-guest price of $3,335, this sleek beach house is a coastal dream. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 4+ bathrooms, and space for 6 guests, it sits along a tranquil canal with direct sea access and is just a short stroll from Siesta Beach. The property includes a heated saltwater pool, full gym, and modern wellness-focused amenities—perfect for a rejuvenating Florida escape. Sliding glass exterior doors and oversized windows also help blur the line between indoor comfort and outdoor serenity.

Illinois – Barrington

This country estate outside Chicago offers a different kind of luxury. With 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms for 7 guests, it totals $2,949 per guest, per night. The home features a gym, private home theater, and even a horse-friendly property, making it ideal for small, private events or rural retreats that still offer urban proximity.

The Most Expensive Vacation Rental vs. Average Rent in Each State

Luxury comes at a price, and in 31 U.S. states, the cost of a single weekend stay at the most expensive vacation rental exceeds an entire year’s worth of rent. That’s right, just two nights in a VRBO mansion could equate to 12, 18, even 80 months of housing for the average resident.

Here are the states where a weekend stay at the most expensive vacation rental covers the most rent:

Utah – Park City
Weekend Price: $139,090
Average Monthly Rent: $1,695
Rent Equivalent: 82.1 months (6.8 years)

Texas – Austin
Weekend Price: $80,748
Average Monthly Rent: $1,553
Rent Equivalent: 52.0 months (4.3 years)

Connecticut – Cornwall
Weekend Price: $70,852
Average Monthly Rent: $1,816
Rent Equivalent: 39.0 months (3.3 years)

Idaho – Ketchum
Weekend Price: $49,050
Average Monthly Rent: $1,550
Rent Equivalent: 31.6 months (2.6 years)

These sky-high listings not only offer expansive layouts and exclusive amenities, they also highlight the stark contrast between luxury travel and everyday living. A brief stay in Park City could theoretically house someone in Utah for nearly seven years.

Here are the states where a weekend stay at the most expensive vacation rental covers the fewest months of rent:

North Dakota – Bottineau
Weekend Price: $1,578
Average Monthly Rent: $1,190
Rent Equivalent: 1.3 months (0.1 years)

Kansas – Shawnee
Weekend Price: $3,096
Average Monthly Rent: $1,243
Rent Equivalent: 2.5 months (0.2 years)

Iowa – Urbandale
Weekend Price: $4,696
Average Monthly Rent: $1,275
Rent Equivalent: 3.7 months (0.3 years)

Delaware – Dewey Beach
Weekend Price: $8,936
Average Monthly Rent: $1,763
Rent Equivalent: 5.1 months (0.4 years)

Although these listings are less extreme, they still demonstrate how even modest luxury can result in months of missed rent.

Design Ideas Worth Bringing Home

While these vacation rentals command sky-high prices, many of their most striking features are rooted in thoughtful design—ideas that can inspire upgrades in everyday homes. Across states, we saw consistent trends in layout, light, and luxury that go beyond square footage and price tags.

If you’re refreshing a vacation property or simply dreaming up your next renovation, here are a few standout design elements worth borrowing:

• Expansive windows that flood rooms with natural light and frame scenic views
• Seamless indoor-outdoor flow through sliding glass doors, patios, and balconies
• Spa-inspired bathrooms with soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and calming finishes
• Open-concept layouts that make hosting easier and everyday living feel more spacious
• High-end kitchens with chef-grade appliances and oversized islands for entertaining
• Architectural details like vaulted ceilings, French doors, and exposed beams

Closing Thoughts

From saltwater pools and private gyms to homes large enough to host a wedding, the most expensive vacation rentals in every U.S. state reveal just how far luxury living can go. While these properties may sit out of reach for most, they serve as a vivid reminder of the power of aspirational design and the value of investing in comfort and beauty at home.

That’s exactly why we conducted this study. Rite Window understands the importance of loving the space you’re in. Whether it’s replacing windows or remodeling bathrooms, small changes can make a big impact.

Ready to bring a touch of luxury to your everyday life? Get a free estimate from Rite Window and see how we can help you reimagine your home or rental with windows, doors, and bath solutions that blend elegance, performance, and value—no vacation required.

Methodology

We analyzed VRBO vacation rental listings to identify the most expensive rental property in each U.S. state, based on the average nightly rate throughout the year and the total cost for a weekend stay (two nights). Only individual properties were considered. Listings for multiple properties, hotel-like packages (e.g., wedding venues), or commercial accommodations were excluded. Rentals had to accommodate at least six guests to qualify. We also excluded any listings that lacked adequate photos of the property. All average nightly rates include fees as listed on VRBO.

We also divided the average nightly price by the maximum number of guests to find the most expensive vacation rentals based on nightly price per guest. Finally, we compared the total weekend price of each rental to the average monthly rent in its respective state (sourced from Zillow) to determine how many months—or even years—of rent the most expensive vacation rental in each state could cover.