This crazy-popular tourist spot is the best budget-friendly getaway in the U.S.—and yes, we're surprised, too

With flight costs pushing many international trips out of reach, more Americans are looking closer to home for affordable summer getaways in 2026. To help travelers find destinations where their dollar stretches further, airport transportation company Hoppa analyzed popular U.S. cities based on hotel rates, food and drink costs, transit fares and cheap local attractions. If you haven't planned your summer vacation yet, here are the cities where you can stick to a reasonable budget.

Coming in at number one is Orlando, Florida. Taking the top spot with a nearly perfect budget score of 9.91 out of 10, Orlando offers the ultimate overall value. While it's widely known for high-end theme parks where expenses can pile up quickly, the city boasts three-star hotel stays averaging just $121 per night compared to the U.S. study average of $168. Orlando also stands out for its private airport transfers that start at a low $28 and features 43.2 budget-friendly attractions per 100,000 people.

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San Antonio, Texas is a close second place with a 9.62 rating. It matches Orlando’s $121 nightly hotel average while delivering exceptional value on everyday spending. You can enjoy low costs, including inexpensive dining (meals average $18), cheap drinks (local draft beers average $5.25) and budget transit (public transportation single fares sit at just $1.30).

At number three is Savannah, Georgia. Savannah earns a 9.13 score thanks to its unrivaled sightseeing experience. The city boasts 129.3 budget-friendly attractions per 100,000 residents—by far the highest concentration in the top 10. Although hotel prices average slightly higher at $159 per night, Savannah’s affordable $20 average meal prices keep daily expenses light.

Rounding out the top five are Albuquerque and New Orleans. The report also reveals that Cincinnati and Louisville take the crown for foodies on a budget, offering inexpensive restaurant meals at an average of $15—far below the study’s $21.63 average. When it comes to hotel costs, Boston delivers a surprising bargain, with three-star hotel stays averaging just $75 per night, less than half the national average. Both Tucson and Albuquerque stand out by offering free public transportation, so you can explore without running up your tab just by getting around.

Find the full report here and start planning your budget vacation today.

Cheapest U.S. cities for a summer vacation in 2026, according to Hoppa

1. Orlando, FL
2. San Antonio, TX
3. Savannah, GA
4. Albuquerque, NM
5. New Orleans, LA
6. Tucson, AZ
7. Las Vegas, NV
8. Salt Lake City, UT
9. Boise, ID
10. St. Louis, MO