These days when it come to money, things just seem bleak. Good financial news goes a long way, but coupled with a promising cost-of-living outlook and a little fun, and that good news could quite possibly set off a spring awakening.

Case in point: Cheapflights.com's latest Travel Price Index (TPI), which shows that nationwide airfare prices for a family of four have dropped 9 percent since February of this year.

Hawaii, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale residents witnessed the greatest airfare savings since February, but it's the New Yorkers who really get the most for their money when it comes to travel. According to the TPI, New York is the most affordable city to fly from, based on the cost-of-living for a family of four.

The first quarter 2009 report shows that airfare prices have decreased in 28 of the top 30 U.S. departure cities. Other significant findings include:

- Houston as the most expensive departure point in the first quarter 2009.

- The cost of flights from Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP) fell 16 percent, a total savings of $250 between February and March of 2009.

- If you're booking flights from Philadelphia or flights from Fort Lauderdale, you can expect to see cost decreases of 39 percent and 29 percent, respectively.

© Cheapflights Ltd Melanie Nayer