Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fun. According to a 2024 report by Dunhill Travel Deals that analyzed 100 small, midsize, and major cities, there are some U.S. urban getaways that offer fantastic travel experiences without a hefty price tag. Not only are these destinations less expensive than most major tourist destinations, but they also come with the bonus of fewer crowds, allowing you to relax and get the most out of your vacation. Check out the top 10 most affordable U.S. cities for travel in 2024, according to the report. (Estimated trip costs include four days of accommodation, meals, a rental car, and round-trip flights.)
10. Norfolk, Virginia
Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $4,040
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,362
Many tourists flock to nearby Virginia Beach, but if you’re looking for a more affordable getaway, head about 20 miles west to charming Norfolk. The city is home to one of the largest naval bases in the world, Naval Station Norfolk, and history buffs can dive into Norfolk’s naval history at the National Maritime Center, where you’ll find the USS Wisconsin, a docked battleship featuring self-guided tours. For a day of family fun, head to the Virginia Zoo, or take in the views from the water on a harbor cruise. You’ll pass the naval shipyard, Norfolk’s bustling boardwalk, and the scenic Chesapeake Bay waterway, where you might be lucky enough to spot a pod of dolphins.
9. El Paso, Texas
Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $4,036
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,373
Situated on the southern U.S. border, El Paso offers a unique blend of American, Mexican, and Southwestern influences. This melting pot of cultures is on full display in the city’s architecture, cuisine, and festivals. El Paso’s sprawling views of the Chihuahuan Desert also make for world-class sunsets. Still, the real star of El Paso might be its Tex-Mex cuisine, with chili con carne, fajitas, burritos, and nopalitos (sautéed cactus) among the must-try dishes. El Paso is also a hiker’s haven with various scenic trails, from Franklin Mountains State Park to the historic El Paso Mission Trail.
8. Buffalo, New York
Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $4,028
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,397
Buffalo is known for its culture, outdoor adventure, and cuisine, starting with Buffalo wings, which were invented here in 1964. This well-loved bar snack pairs perfectly with a trip to Highmark Stadium to watch the Buffalo Bills and their devoted fans. Art enthusiasts can’t miss the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, which houses works by Picasso, Pollock, Warhol, and other famous contemporary artists. Don’t leave without paying a visit to Niagara Falls State Park, a short 20-minute drive away. Take a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist for a unique perspective of this natural wonder.
7. Fort Wayne, Indiana
Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $3,976
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,342
Fort Wayne began as a humble military fort, but today, it’s a bustling city with loads of appeal as a getaway destination — especially as it’s one of the cheapest U.S. cities to visit. Its downtown Headwaters Park is a 35-acre green space perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics. Nearby, the award-winning Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a highlight for families. Live entertainment is a favorite pastime of this city, especially at the restored vaudeville Embassy Theatre, which hosts a variety of musicals, plays, and performances. The annual Johnny Appleseed Festival in September celebrates the city’s most famous gardener, featuring reenactments and apple-themed vendors at the namesake Johnny Appleseed Park.
6. Jacksonville, Florida
Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $3,932
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,338
One of the largest U.S. cities by area, Jacksonville has something for everyone. Offering a blend of city life and coastal charm, it’s situated between the St. Johns River and Atlantic Ocean, making it an idyllic destination for outdoor adventurers. Whether your agenda includes paddleboarding, boating, kayaking, or searching for shark teeth, you can find it in Jacksonville. Spend a Saturday downtown at the Riverside Arts Market, where local artists and food vendors gather weekly. Sports fans can catch an NFL game at the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars or watch some of the biggest names in golf play TPC Sawgrass. One of the city’s biggest events, the Gate River Run, is the country’s largest 15K race.
5. Akron, Ohio
Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $3,700
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,268
Thinking of a trip to the Rubber City? Akron, Ohio, has roots in the 20th-century tire industry, earning it this unique moniker. Goodyear is still headquartered here, and you might even catch a glimpse of the famous Goodyear Blimp flying overhead. Akron is also home to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, boasting 33,000 acres of woodlands, scenic trails, and waterfalls, including the 65-foot Brandywine Falls. Akron’s charming downtown area has a burgeoning brewery scene, along with family-friendly entertainment, including the Akron RubberDucks Minor League Baseball team.
4. Peoria, Illinois
Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $3,604
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,259
Peoria might not be top of mind for a getaway idea, but the central Illinois city has a lot to offer — including quirky attractions and scenic views along the Illinois River — at an affordable price. Its entertainment district, the Landing, boasts live music venues, restaurants, and bars. Nearby museums offer diverse experiences, including one peculiar option, the Caterpillar Visitor Center. Here, you can see — and climb into — Caterpillar-brand diggers, tractors, and trucks. No trip to Peoria is complete without cruising Grand View Drive, known for its sprawling views of the Illinois River. When President Theodore Roosevelt visited the town in 1910, he allegedly declared it the “world’s most beautiful drive.”
3. Allentown, Pennsylvania
Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $3,472
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,245
Nestled in the Lehigh Valley of eastern Pennsylvania, Allentown remains true to its historical roots. It’s home to the Liberty Bell Museum, which tells the tale of how the bell was hidden here during the American Revolution. The city’s industrial past can be seen at the nearby SteelStacks; once home to massive steel mills, it’s now a vibrant arts and culture hub. For some family fun, head to Dorney Park for thrilling rides and waterslides or the Great Allentown Fair to celebrate the town’s agricultural roots.
2. Wilmington, Delaware
Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $2,948
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,131
Located on the Delaware River, Wilmington is the epitome of a charming weekend getaway. Stroll through its historic Riverfront Market to enjoy fresh produce, international fare, and local treats. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, from the Playhouse on Rodney Square to the Delaware Art Museum, and plenty of annual art and music festivals. Shop ’til you drop at Trolley Square, a neighborhood known for its boutiques and trendy restaurants, or learn more about the city’s colonial past in the Quaker Hill District. Wilmington also offers several public parks and green spaces with walking, biking, and hiking trails that line the Brandywine River.
1. Toledo, Ohio
Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $2,852
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,068
Toledo is a city rich in industrial history, earning it the nickname “the Glass City.” It also tops the list of most affordable U.S. cities to visit, according to the report. Toledo’s connection to its not-so-distant past can be explored at the Toledo Museum of Art, which boasts one of the most comprehensive glass collections in the world. Nearby, the award-winning Toledo Zoo offers fun for the entire family, while history buffs will enjoy the National Museum of the Great Lakes, which explores Toledo’s naval heritage on Lake Erie.
Next to downtown, the charming Old West End neighborhood boasts grand Victorian homes. Toledo also has a diverse food scene, including Toledo-style pizza, characterized by a sweet sauce and plenty of cheese. Toledo isn’t your run-of-the-mill vacation destination, but that — along with its affordability — is part of its charm.
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