Repeat destination? 🏝️ Traveling for merch? Lost, damaged? Tell us What you're owed ✈️
DESTINATIONS

30 US vacation cities, ranked from worst to best for your wallet

USA TODAY
GOBankingRates graded 30 of the most popular cities in the U.S. on five factors: safety, airfare, hotel prices, food costs and drink costs. Scroll through to see which U.S. cities you can visit on a shoestring budget, starting with the most expensive: 30. San Francisco • San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. if you live there, and it ’ s certainly not much cheaper to visit. Costs are high across the board. In fact, only one other city — New York — has drink costs as high as San Francisco ’ s, and San Francisco has the second-highest food costs at approximately $75 for a three-course dinner for two. However, there are a few things you don ’ t have to shell out big bucks for in San Francisco. For example, you can take a free walking tour of the Golden Gate Bridge and stroll through Chinatown or visit Fisherman ’ s Wharf.
GOBankingRates graded 30 of the most popular cities in the U.S. on five factors: safety, airfare, hotel prices, food costs and drink costs. Scroll through to see which U.S. cities you can visit on a shoestring budget, starting with the most expensive: 30. San Francisco • San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. if you live there, and it’s certainly not much cheaper to visit. Costs are high across the board. In fact, only one other city — New York — has drink costs as high as San Francisco’s, and San Francisco has the second-highest food costs at approximately $75 for a three-course dinner for two. However, there are a few things you don’t have to shell out big bucks for in San Francisco. For example, you can take a free walking tour of the Golden Gate Bridge and stroll through Chinatown or visit Fisherman’s Wharf.
John G. Mabanglo, EPA-EFE
29. New York • Be prepared to open your wallet wide if you want to visit the Big Apple. New York has the highest food and drinks costs on our list — expect to pay at least $80 for dinner for two and approximately $7 for a beer. And it has the fourth-highest cost of airfare in our rankings — $380. But you can keep your costs down in New York by visiting free attractions like Central Park, the 9/11 memorial and the Brooklyn Bridge. Avoid expensive attractions, like baseball games at Yankee Stadium, to cut vacation costs.
29. New York • Be prepared to open your wallet wide if you want to visit the Big Apple. New York has the highest food and drinks costs on our list — expect to pay at least $80 for dinner for two and approximately $7 for a beer. And it has the fourth-highest cost of airfare in our rankings — $380. But you can keep your costs down in New York by visiting free attractions like Central Park, the 9/11 memorial and the Brooklyn Bridge. Avoid expensive attractions, like baseball games at Yankee Stadium, to cut vacation costs.
Drew Angerer
28. Philadelphia • In Philadelphia , airfare and hotel costs are high. The average round-trip airfare is $386, and the average price of a hotel room is $148. Plus, the city ’ s safety rating is among the lowest on this list. Fortunately, you don ’ t have to pay anything to see some of the most famous attractions in Philadelphia, like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
28. Philadelphia • In Philadelphia, airfare and hotel costs are high. The average round-trip airfare is $386, and the average price of a hotel room is $148. Plus, the city’s safety rating is among the lowest on this list. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay anything to see some of the most famous attractions in Philadelphia, like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
Bruce Bennett, Getty Images
27. Washington, D.C. • Not only is the nation ’ s capital one of the most popular travel destinations in the U.S., it ’ s also one of the most expensive. Although the average hotel price is reasonable, the cost of food and drink in Washington, D.C., will put a big dent in your budget — $70 for dinner for two and $6 for a domestic beer. Fortunately, some of the city ’ s top attractions — such as the museums and galleries that are part of the Smithsonian Institution — are free.
27. Washington, D.C. • Not only is the nation’s capital one of the most popular travel destinations in the U.S., it’s also one of the most expensive. Although the average hotel price is reasonable, the cost of food and drink in Washington, D.C., will put a big dent in your budget — $70 for dinner for two and $6 for a domestic beer. Fortunately, some of the city’s top attractions — such as the museums and galleries that are part of the Smithsonian Institution — are free.
Michael Reynolds, EPA-EFE
26. Los Angeles • The home of Hollywood is one of the most expensive places to visit. Hotels cost $116 per night, and food and drink costs in LA can put a dent in your travel budget. The cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is $65, and a domestic beer costs $6 on average. But there is no shortage of things to do and see in LA — including plenty of free attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica Pier.
26. Los Angeles • The home of Hollywood is one of the most expensive places to visit. Hotels cost $116 per night, and food and drink costs in LA can put a dent in your travel budget. The cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is $65, and a domestic beer costs $6 on average. But there is no shortage of things to do and see in LA — including plenty of free attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica Pier.
Jasper Colt, USA TODAY
25. St. Louis • At $131 a night, St. Louis has some of the most expensive hotels compared with the other cities on this list. Plus, it also has a relatively low safety scores. On the plus side, you can drink for cheap — domestic beers cost an average of $4. And you can visit a variety of free attractions, including the St. Louis Zoo, and the city ’ s Science Center and Museum.
25. St. Louis • At $131 a night, St. Louis has some of the most expensive hotels compared with the other cities on this list. Plus, it also has a relatively low safety scores. On the plus side, you can drink for cheap — domestic beers cost an average of $4. And you can visit a variety of free attractions, including the St. Louis Zoo, and the city’s Science Center and Museum.
Nic Antaya, Getty Images
24. Atlanta • Food and drink costs are fairly reasonable in Atlanta, but the Southern city has pretty expensive hotels — expect to spend $121 per night. It ’ s also among the least-safe cities on our list. But if you do go to Atlanta, be sure to take advantage of free activities like its year-round music festivals and outdoor yoga classes.
24. Atlanta • Food and drink costs are fairly reasonable in Atlanta, but the Southern city has pretty expensive hotels — expect to spend $121 per night. It’s also among the least-safe cities on our list. But if you do go to Atlanta, be sure to take advantage of free activities like its year-round music festivals and outdoor yoga classes.
Angela Weiss, AFP/Getty Images
23. Baltimore • You can find cheap flights to Baltimore, but food and drink are on the expensive side. The city also has the second-lowest safery rating on this list, according to data from Numbeo.com. On the plus side, many of Baltimore ’ s attractions don ’ t cost a dime to visit, including its Inner Harbor, monuments and many of its museums.
23. Baltimore • You can find cheap flights to Baltimore, but food and drink are on the expensive side. The city also has the second-lowest safery rating on this list, according to data from Numbeo.com. On the plus side, many of Baltimore’s attractions don’t cost a dime to visit, including its Inner Harbor, monuments and many of its museums.
Patrick Smith, Getty Images
22. Boston • It ’ s far from cheap to visit this popular destination. Boston has the fifth-highest hotel cost on this list — $128. Plus, food and drinks are pricey. You can save money in Boston, though, by visiting its many free attractions — such as Boston Common, Boston Public Garden, the Freedom Trail, Samuel Adams Brewery and the USS Constitution.
22. Boston • It’s far from cheap to visit this popular destination. Boston has the fifth-highest hotel cost on this list — $128. Plus, food and drinks are pricey. You can save money in Boston, though, by visiting its many free attractions — such as Boston Common, Boston Public Garden, the Freedom Trail, Samuel Adams Brewery and the USS Constitution.
Paul Rutherford, USA TODAY Sports
21. Kansas City, Missouri • You can drink for cheap in Kansas City, which has the second-cheapest beers of all the cities on this list. But that won ’ t make up for its pricey hotels, which cost $139 a night. Fortunately, you can do a lot of sightseeing for free in the City of Fountains, and see it all on the KC Streetcar, which doesn ’ t cost anything to ride.
21. Kansas City, Missouri • You can drink for cheap in Kansas City, which has the second-cheapest beers of all the cities on this list. But that won’t make up for its pricey hotels, which cost $139 a night. Fortunately, you can do a lot of sightseeing for free in the City of Fountains, and see it all on the KC Streetcar, which doesn’t cost anything to ride.
Jamie Squire, Getty Images
20. Chicago • Chicago flights and hotels are relatively affordable, but you ’ ll have to pay a good amount for food and drinks once you ’ re there: A three-course meal for two averages $60, and domestic beers cost $5. It ’ s also one of the least-safe cities in our ranking. You can save money on your trip to the Windy City by visiting Navy Pier, Millennial Park — home to the famous “ Bean ” sculpture — and the Lincoln Park Zoo, none of which cost anything to see.
20. Chicago • Chicago flights and hotels are relatively affordable, but you’ll have to pay a good amount for food and drinks once you’re there: A three-course meal for two averages $60, and domestic beers cost $5. It’s also one of the least-safe cities in our ranking. You can save money on your trip to the Windy City by visiting Navy Pier, Millennial Park — home to the famous “Bean” sculpture — and the Lincoln Park Zoo, none of which cost anything to see.
Tannen Maury, EPA-EFE
19. Houston • Getting to Houston will set travelers back a whopping $383 on airfare on average. But once you ’ re there, hotel, food and drink costs are relatively low. While in Houston, catch a performance at the Miller Outdoor Theatre, take a boat tour of Port Houston or visit the Lawndale Art Center — all of which don ’ t cost a thing.
19. Houston • Getting to Houston will set travelers back a whopping $383 on airfare on average. But once you’re there, hotel, food and drink costs are relatively low. While in Houston, catch a performance at the Miller Outdoor Theatre, take a boat tour of Port Houston or visit the Lawndale Art Center — all of which don’t cost a thing.
Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
18. Miami • You can find affordable hotels in Miami, but be prepared to spend on dining out: A three-course meal for two there costs an average of $73.50. With weather that ’ s sunny and warm most months, you can hit the beach for free once you ’ re there.
18. Miami • You can find affordable hotels in Miami, but be prepared to spend on dining out: A three-course meal for two there costs an average of $73.50. With weather that’s sunny and warm most months, you can hit the beach for free once you’re there.
Steve Mitchell, US Presswire
17. Charlotte, North Carolina • Getting to Charlotte isn ’ t cheap. With round-trip domestic flights costing an average of $412, it ’ s the most expensive city on average to fly to on this list. Hotels are on the lower end at $82 a night, and food and drink costs are about average. The Southern destination is a good choice for people seeking free outdoor adventures, from strolling around the UNCC Botanical Gardens to fishing and hiking at Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve.
17. Charlotte, North Carolina • Getting to Charlotte isn’t cheap. With round-trip domestic flights costing an average of $412, it’s the most expensive city on average to fly to on this list. Hotels are on the lower end at $82 a night, and food and drink costs are about average. The Southern destination is a good choice for people seeking free outdoor adventures, from strolling around the UNCC Botanical Gardens to fishing and hiking at Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve.
Mladen Antonov, AFP/Getty Images
16. Dallas • Food and drink are relatively affordable in the Texas city, but hotels are the priciest of any city on this list, with an average of $185 per night. You can try to offset that cost by exploring the city for free — including the Dallas Arts District — on the McKinney Avenue Trolley.
16. Dallas • Food and drink are relatively affordable in the Texas city, but hotels are the priciest of any city on this list, with an average of $185 per night. You can try to offset that cost by exploring the city for free — including the Dallas Arts District — on the McKinney Avenue Trolley.
Tom Pennington, Getty Images
15. Columbus, Ohio • Hotels and flights for Columbus are on the more expensive end, but you can dine well in the city for a reasonable amount: A three-course meal for two costs about $50. The city is home to numerous parks and festivals, which you can enjoy free of cost.
15. Columbus, Ohio • Hotels and flights for Columbus are on the more expensive end, but you can dine well in the city for a reasonable amount: A three-course meal for two costs about $50. The city is home to numerous parks and festivals, which you can enjoy free of cost.
Jay LaPrete, AP
14. San Jose, California • Located in Silicon Valley, San Jose isn ’ t just a destination for techies. Visitors can take advantage of numerous free attractions and activities, such as the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, the San Jose Heritage Rose Garden and Castle Rock, a popular hiking destination. And getting there is affordable, with flights averaging $301.
14. San Jose, California • Located in Silicon Valley, San Jose isn’t just a destination for techies. Visitors can take advantage of numerous free attractions and activities, such as the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, the San Jose Heritage Rose Garden and Castle Rock, a popular hiking destination. And getting there is affordable, with flights averaging $301.
Christian Petersen, Getty Images
13. New Orleans • If you want to visit New Orleans for its nightlife, you won ’ t blow your budget on drinks. The cost of a drink here is the third-lowest of any city on our list at just $4 for a domestic beer, on average. Plus, airfare is among the lowest in our rankings. And you can enjoy the gardens, architecture and street performers in the city ’ s best-known attraction — the French Quarter — for free. But keep in mind New Orleans has the third-lowest safety rating on the list, which pulls it down in the rankings of best vacation spots.
13. New Orleans • If you want to visit New Orleans for its nightlife, you won’t blow your budget on drinks. The cost of a drink here is the third-lowest of any city on our list at just $4 for a domestic beer, on average. Plus, airfare is among the lowest in our rankings. And you can enjoy the gardens, architecture and street performers in the city’s best-known attraction — the French Quarter — for free. But keep in mind New Orleans has the third-lowest safety rating on the list, which pulls it down in the rankings of best vacation spots.
Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images
12. Seattle • Seattle hotels are among the cheapest, and airfare falls in the middle compared to the other vacation cities. But food and drink can be expensive, with the average three-course dinner for two costing $60 and domestic beers going for $5.50 on average. You can keep spending in check, though, by taking advantage of the free things to do there. For example, enjoy samples from vendors at Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operated farmers markets and home to the original Starbucks coffee store.
12. Seattle • Seattle hotels are among the cheapest, and airfare falls in the middle compared to the other vacation cities. But food and drink can be expensive, with the average three-course dinner for two costing $60 and domestic beers going for $5.50 on average. You can keep spending in check, though, by taking advantage of the free things to do there. For example, enjoy samples from vendors at Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operated farmers markets and home to the original Starbucks coffee store.
Omar Torres, AFP/Getty Images
11. Portland • Portland hotels are relatively expensive at $125 a night, but food costs in the Pacific Northwest city are among the lowest. To keep a vacation in Portland affordable, enjoy the city ’ s free offerings, such as brewery tours, Forest Park and public art.
11. Portland • Portland hotels are relatively expensive at $125 a night, but food costs in the Pacific Northwest city are among the lowest. To keep a vacation in Portland affordable, enjoy the city’s free offerings, such as brewery tours, Forest Park and public art.
Don Ryan, AP
10. San Diego • San Diego is one of the safest cities on our list — and it also has affordable hotels, with rates averaging $76 a night. With plenty of beautiful beaches and numerous neighborhoods to explore on foot, including La Jolla Cove, Old Town and the Gaslamp Quarter, it ’ s easy to have fun in the SoCal sun while sticking to a budget.
10. San Diego • San Diego is one of the safest cities on our list — and it also has affordable hotels, with rates averaging $76 a night. With plenty of beautiful beaches and numerous neighborhoods to explore on foot, including La Jolla Cove, Old Town and the Gaslamp Quarter, it’s easy to have fun in the SoCal sun while sticking to a budget.
Gregory Bull, AP
9. Detroit • Foodies should head to Detroit, which has the most affordable food of any of the destinations included on this list. It also has cheap drinks, with a domestic beer going for an average of $4. In addition to cheap food and drinks, there are also lots of free places to go in Detroit, including the MBAD African Bead Museum and Detroit Historical Museums, antique stores and art galleries. Hotels are cheap, too, with rooms for an average of $65 a night — but be cautious while traveling there because it has the lowest safety rating of all the cities.
9. Detroit • Foodies should head to Detroit, which has the most affordable food of any of the destinations included on this list. It also has cheap drinks, with a domestic beer going for an average of $4. In addition to cheap food and drinks, there are also lots of free places to go in Detroit, including the MBAD African Bead Museum and Detroit Historical Museums, antique stores and art galleries. Hotels are cheap, too, with rooms for an average of $65 a night — but be cautious while traveling there because it has the lowest safety rating of all the cities.
Diane Weiss, Detroit Free Press Via USA TODAY Network
8. Milwaukee • Hotels, flights, food and drinks are all affordable in Milwaukee, but its poor safety rating brings it down a few notches in this ranking. While there, you can take a free brewery tour, enjoy some free live music and take advantage of lakefront hiking trails.
8. Milwaukee • Hotels, flights, food and drinks are all affordable in Milwaukee, but its poor safety rating brings it down a few notches in this ranking. While there, you can take a free brewery tour, enjoy some free live music and take advantage of lakefront hiking trails.
Morry Gash, AP
7. Phoenix • Travelers on a budget who want to explore the Southwest should head to Arizona ’ s capital. Airfare to Phoenix is relatively low at $327 for a domestic round trip, and drinks are the third-cheapest of all the cities on this list. There are plenty of free and affordable things to do, such as hiking through the Sonoran Desert, strolling in the city ’ s arts district or learning about Native American culture and history at the Heard Museum.
7. Phoenix • Travelers on a budget who want to explore the Southwest should head to Arizona’s capital. Airfare to Phoenix is relatively low at $327 for a domestic round trip, and drinks are the third-cheapest of all the cities on this list. There are plenty of free and affordable things to do, such as hiking through the Sonoran Desert, strolling in the city’s arts district or learning about Native American culture and history at the Heard Museum.
Rob Schumacher, The Republic
6. Denver • Airfare to the Mile High City is affordable, with the average domestic airfare at $301. However, the city ’ s nightly hotel rate falls in the middle at an average $90 a night. In a city known for its breweries, the cost of a beer is about average at $4.50. And if you ’ re a beer lover, Denver has a Beer Trail that includes 35 of the city ’ s breweries along its route.
6. Denver •Airfare to the Mile High City is affordable, with the average domestic airfare at $301. However, the city’s nightly hotel rate falls in the middle at an average $90 a night. In a city known for its breweries, the cost of a beer is about average at $4.50. And if you’re a beer lover, Denver has a Beer Trail that includes 35 of the city’s breweries along its route.
Doug Pensinger, Getty Images
5. Austin, Texas • Austin is a hot spot for music lovers thanks to its live music scene and big-name festivals like South by Southwest. It makes it onto our list of best vacation spots because of its affordable accommodations and high safety score. But airfare to Austin costs more than flights to most of the other vacation spots — $346 for a round trip. You can offset the cost of a flight, though, by taking advantage of free and low-cost things to do in the city — such taking a dip in the popular Barton Springs Pool.
5. Austin, Texas • Austin is a hot spot for music lovers thanks to its live music scene and big-name festivals like South by Southwest. It makes it onto our list of best vacation spots because of its affordable accommodations and high safety score. But airfare to Austin costs more than flights to most of the other vacation spots — $346 for a round trip. You can offset the cost of a flight, though, by taking advantage of free and low-cost things to do in the city — such taking a dip in the popular Barton Springs Pool.
Jay Janner, AP
4. Salt Lake City • If safety is a concern, consider vacationing in Salt Lake City. It has the best safety ranking on this list. Safe doesn ’ t mean boring though. Salt Lake City offers plenty of outdoor recreation, arts and culture and scenic attractions, such as the Great Salt Lake. The average airfare to Salt Lake City is on the pricier side, however. A round-trip flight costs just under $350, on average.
4. Salt Lake City • If safety is a concern, consider vacationing in Salt Lake City. It has the best safety ranking on this list. Safe doesn’t mean boring though. Salt Lake City offers plenty of outdoor recreation, arts and culture and scenic attractions, such as the Great Salt Lake. The average airfare to Salt Lake City is on the pricier side, however. A round-trip flight costs just under $350, on average.
Douglas Pulsipher, Salt Lake CVB
3. San Antonio, Texas • Get your fill of Tex-Mex and a variety of other cuisines for a bargain in this Texas city. San Antonio has the lowest food costs in our rankings — just $30 for a three-course meal for two. The cost of a drink is also the lowest at $3.50 for a domestic beer, but the average airfare is relatively high at $359 for a round trip. While there, you can see many of San Antonio ’ s hot spots and historic sites by biking, strolling or taking a river cruise along the River Walk.
3. San Antonio, Texas • Get your fill of Tex-Mex and a variety of other cuisines for a bargain in this Texas city. San Antonio has the lowest food costs in our rankings — just $30 for a three-course meal for two. The cost of a drink is also the lowest at $3.50 for a domestic beer, but the average airfare is relatively high at $359 for a round trip. While there, you can see many of San Antonio’s hot spots and historic sites by biking, strolling or taking a river cruise along the River Walk.
Eric Gay, AP
2. Las Vegas • Although Sin City is known for its lofty prices, the cost of traveling to and staying there is actually quite low. It ’ s the cheapest city to fly to, with an average airfare of $233. And because there are so many discount options, Las Vegas has the lowest average hotel price on our list — an average of $48 per night. However, you will spend more on food and drink in Vegas than in some of the other spots on the list. You could also easily blow your budget at the casinos if you ’ re not careful.
2. Las Vegas • Although Sin City is known for its lofty prices, the cost of traveling to and staying there is actually quite low. It’s the cheapest city to fly to, with an average airfare of $233. And because there are so many discount options, Las Vegas has the lowest average hotel price on our list — an average of $48 per night. However, you will spend more on food and drink in Vegas than in some of the other spots on the list. You could also easily blow your budget at the casinos if you’re not careful.
Isaac Brekken, AP
1. Orlando, Florida • A vacation at Disney World can be expensive, but the city where it ’ s located — Orlando — is the most affordable vacation destination on our list. There are plenty of inexpensive things to do outside of Disney World or other theme parks. Plus, airfare, food and drink costs in this Florida city are among the lowest in this rankings. The average cost of a flight is just $246.
1. Orlando, Florida • A vacation at Disney World can be expensive, but the city where it’s located — Orlando — is the most affordable vacation destination on our list. There are plenty of inexpensive things to do outside of Disney World or other theme parks. Plus, airfare, food and drink costs in this Florida city are among the lowest in this rankings. The average cost of a flight is just $246.
John Raoux, AP
Featured Weekly Ad