Time to save up: here’s what it costs to see your MLB team play on the road
The price of being a devoted baseball fan depends on where your team plays, and some cities hit harder than others.
There’s no such thing as a cheap away game in the MLB—and we’re not just talking about the challenge of playing on unfamiliar turf.
Baseball, the ultimate day-in, day-out American sport, has uncovered a growing revenue stream in recent years: the traveling fan. These are the die-hards—or the baseball-loving tourists—who hit the road to see their favorite team in another city. What might be just another seat sold at the box office becomes a big-ticket experience for Major League Baseball and its partners.
And just how big of a ticket is it? According to estimates compiled by Front Office Sports, the average cost of attending a road game can vary dramatically depending on the team you’re following—and where they’re playing.
The extra costs of an MLB away game
The analysis includes two nights in a hotel or Airbnb, a game ticket, transportation, parking, a basic meal, and one beer.
The results: following the Los Angeles Dodgers on the road is the most expensive trip, with an average cost of $588.
At the other end of the spectrum, a Blue Jays away game in Toronto averages “just” $369.
Road games don’t come with economy pricing
Catching your team on the road has never been a bargain, but the cost has ballooned in recent years.
It’s not just about how good the team is—urban factors play a major role. It’s no coincidence that three of the five most expensive destinations are in California, where the cost of living is among the highest in the country.
Take the Dodgers: fans aren’t just paying to see Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani—they’re paying for Los Angeles. And that doesn’t come cheap.
The same goes for the Oakland Athletics. While the team is in a holding pattern before its move to Las Vegas, the cost of a visit—hotel, transit, food—is still sky-high in Sacramento. To make matters worse, the A’s are currently playing in a minor league park with limited seating.
San Diego, Boston, and Seattle round out the top five. Interestingly, there’s not always a clear link between on-field performance and cost. In many cases, following your team feels more like a tourism expense than a sports outing.
Most expensive MLB road trips
| Team | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Dodgers | $588 |
| Athletics | $570 |
| Padres | $527 |
| Red Sox | $511 |
| Mariners | $463 |
Best bargains for traveling fans
| Team | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Braves | $382 |
| Angels | $381 |
| White Sox | $380 |
| Blue Jays | $369 |
Why is Toronto the cheapest?
Several factors make Toronto a sweet deal for visiting fans: affordable lodging, clean and efficient public transit, good access to the Rogers Centre, and a favorable exchange rate for U.S. travelers.
The White Sox, Angels, Reds, and Rockies also rank near the bottom in overall costs—largely because they’re in cities with lower tourism demand and cheaper local prices.
Modern, centrally located stadiums like Coors Field (Colorado) and Rogers Centre (Toronto) also help. Their convenience and accessibility mean fans don’t have to break the bank for a comfortable, enjoyable experience.
What drives the price up—or down?
The Front Office Sports report is a general estimate, but it sheds light on the key factors that influence costs:
- Lodging: A weekend Airbnb in Boston or San Diego costs far more than one in Milwaukee or Cincinnati.
- Transportation: Stadiums with easy access via public transit can save fans a lot compared to venues that require driving and parking.
- Concessions: The price of a beer can range from $6 to $18 depending on the ballpark.
- Tourism pressure: High-demand cities like New York and San Francisco drive up prices across the board.
- Schedule & matchups: Weekend games or matchups against marquee teams can push ticket prices higher.
In today’s MLB landscape, loyalty often travels miles—literally. And teams are embracing the road fan like never before. From hotel packages and VIP stadium tours to craft beer trails and behind-the-scenes access, the away fan is no longer just a stray visitor. They’re now a prized consumer.
MLB knows it too. While the league faces challenges in reaching younger, screen-saturated audiences, the in-person game-day experience remains one of its strongest offerings. And if teams can turn a profit away from home? Even better.
According to Deloitte, the average game-day spend for a traveling MLB fan surpassed $300 in 2023. For teams like the Dodgers, that number climbs even higher. For many families or groups of friends, following their team on the road requires the kind of planning—and budget—you’d usually reserve for a vacation.
Yes, following your team is expensive—sometimes even more than the ticket itself. But for thousands of fans, there’s no better way to spend the money. Because when it comes to sports, what you’re really buying isn’t just a seat—it’s the experience.
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