In recent years, the perception of marijuana has rapidly evolved. Today, marijuana is legalized in 24 states and decriminalized or available for legal medical purposes in many more. So, when mapping out their travel plans, individuals may factor in the pot-friendliness of rentals as a key consideration for their next vacation.
In homage to 420, we used vacation rental data from Airbnb and Bud and Breakfast, a rental site for marijuana-friendly lodging, to find out which U.S. cities in legal states have the most (and most affordable) weed-friendly rentals, from 420 treehouses to cozy B&Bs that greet you with a welcome joint.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or simply canna-curious, enjoy our roundup of cities with the most 420-friendly stays.
High Hospitality: Cities With the Most Weed-Friendly Vacation Stays
The 5 U.S. cities with the most 420-friendly rentals per 100K residents are:
- Boulder, Colorado –- 104.3
- Burlington, Vermont — 87.5
- Las Vegas, Nevada — 57.3
- Scottsdale, Arizona — 46.5
- Portland, Maine –- 43.8
Colorado’s prominence in our top 10 list of weed-friendly vacation rentals — with Boulder (#3), Denver (#6), and Colorado Springs (#7) making distinguished appearances — is hardly a coincidence. As the first state to legalize recreational weed use in 2014, Colorado was one of the trailblazers in the movement, setting the stage for a green revolution that has since swept the country. With nearly $12 billion in legal marijuana purchases since legalization, it’s no wonder that cannabis is built into Colorado’s hospitality industry, and accommodations are no exception.
Burlington, Vermont, ranks second on the list with over 87 420-friendly vacation rentals per 100K residents. This charming city, known for its vibrant arts scene, progressive values, and plenty of licensed dispensaries, mirrors Vermont’s early adoption of legalization policies, fostering an environment where cannabis culture thrives.
Two cities in Michigan, Detroit (#8) and Ann Arbor (#9), landed the top 10 spots, with 32.9 and 30.6 weed-friendly stays per 100K residents, respectively. The high number of rentals for THC lovers reflects the state’s forward-thinking stance on marijuana since its legalization in 2018 (the first Midwest state to do so). Ann Arbor, in particular, has been a welcoming town for cannabis since the 1970s, hosting an annual “Hash Bash” –– a street festival for marijuana activism.
Puff, Pass, and Save: Most Affordable Cities for 420 Travelers
While the quest for 420-friendly stays often leads travelers to the most welcoming cities, finding spots that blend a cannabis-friendly atmosphere with affordability is a game-changer. The list below reveals the U.S. cities where you can enjoy both, ensuring your green getaway doesn’t break the bank.
The 5 U.S. cities with the most affordable 420-friendly rentals are:
- Columbus, Ohio — $127.64
- Spokane, Washington — $141.67
- Portland, Oregon — $149.65
- St. Louis, Missouri — $154.47
- Colorado Springs, Colorado — $170.67
Columbus, Ohio, tops the list with the most affordable 420-friendly vacation rentals, with an average nightly rate of $127.64. As of November 2023, Ohio became the 24th state to legalize marijuana possession, yet the state has not yet established a legal framework for its purchase. As Ohio navigates its cannabis policies, Columbus stands out as a welcoming hub for those looking to stay in a THC-friendly rental without the hefty price tag.
Spokane, Washington, is the second-most affordable city to stay in a weed-friendly rental, with an average nightly price of $141.67. Spokane’s competitive rental prices are a boon for travelers eager to experience Washington’s lush landscapes and vibrant cannabis scene without the financial strain often found in larger West Coast cities.
Portland, Oregon, ranks third for affordable weed-friendly stays, with an average nightly rate of $149.65. The city’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability extends to its cannabis industry, fostering a competitive market that benefits both locals and visitors. In Portland, you’ll find an eclectic vibe where cafes and dispensaries coexist harmoniously. The “City of Roses” pot scene also includes everything from luxury weed tours to gourmet, cannabis-infused dining.
The 5 U.S. cities with the least affordable 420-friendly rentals are:
- San Diego, California — $360.21
- Scottsdale, Arizona — $308.99
- Phoenix, Arizona –- $304.25
- Reno, Nevada — $291.00
- Virginia Beach, Virginia — $286.00
The allure of San Diego, California, isn’t just its stunning beaches and perfect weather; it’s also a hotspot for high-end cannabis tourism. The vibrant culinary scene, luxury shopping, and exclusive beachfront properties drive high demand for upscale, 420-friendly accommodations, leading to equally premium rental costs. San Diego has the most expensive 420-friendly vacation rentals, with nightly rates averaging $360.21.
Scottsdale, Arizona, ranks second for most expensive weed-friendly stays, with an average nightly rate of $308.99. With its reputation for upscale resorts, spas, and golf courses, Scottsdale extends this luxury to its cannabis accommodations. The city’s approach to integrating cannabis with luxury tourism means visitors can enjoy the finer things in life, including top-tier THC products and experiences, reflected in the rental prices.
Full Data
Interested in diving deeper into the numbers for the top cities, or want to see how other legal cities stack up? We’ve compiled our full data study for all 50 U.S. cities analyzed into the interactive table below. Search for the city you call home, or click on the heading of each column to sort by that category!
Methodology
We started with 50 of the largest American cities in states where recreational marijuana usage is legal based on updated data from DISA. For each city, we tallied the total number of weed-friendly stays using listings data from Bud and Breakfast, a marijuana-specific vacation rental website, and Airbnb (“smoking allowed” and “entire home” filters applied) to find the U.S. cities with the most 420-friendly stays.
To normalize the data, we compared the number of listings to the census population size of each city, calculating the number of 420-friendly stays per 100,000 residents. Then, we calculated the average nightly price across these listings to find the cities with the most and least expensive 420-friendly stays.
Final Thoughts
As state-by-state cannabis legislation continues to evolve, so too will the opportunities for more weed-based travel. If more states legalize and normalize cannabis use in 2024 (Florida could be next), we anticipate even more cities will join the ranks of these 420-friendly destinations.
For the time being, weed tourists can enjoy staying in bud-friendly bungalows in Columbus, Ohio, and Portland, Oregon, for under $150 a night or opt for one of Colorado’s numerous “mile high” bed and breakfasts.
