The 10 cheapest cities for summer vacation
Travel costs have increased significantly this year, which is largely attributed to pent-up demand following the pandemic. Increased inflation also plays a role, as prices across the board have risen.Â
But travelers who want to stay stateside this summer have many opportunities to create an unforgettable trip with good memories rather than an over-the-top credit card balance.
In order to find the cheapest travel destinations, The Zebra analyzed the 50 most populous cities in the U.S. using four travel-related data points:
- Airfare: Based on the costs from Omaha, Nebraska (a larger midwestern city that isn't a destination on our list) to each city destination for the second week in July using Google Flights
- Average hotel rate: As of October 2022[1]Â
- Gas price per gallon: By state as of May 2023[2]
- Average price of meal: For two people at an inexpensive restaurant[3]
Ready to get inspired for your next summer trip? We've got you covered with 10 cities that will leave you wondering which one to pick!