From picking out the perfect hotel or rental home for the whole family to looking for the best activities in a new city as a solo traveler, there are so many things to consider when planning your next getaway—and making sure your dreams fit your budget can make matters more difficult. To help, we’ve compiled a list of more than a dozen fun and affordable US cities perfect for all types of travelers. Featuring free and inexpensive activities, affordable lodging, low-cost flights, and plenty of fun things to see and do, all 13 of these cities help you get the most bang for your buck, without lacking in culture, food, entertainment, or views.
To ensure that our picks are all affordable, we’ve made selections using data from Priceline, Hotels.com, and Dollar Flight Club on the most affordable domestic flights and hotels in the US (based on average round-trip airfare and average rate per night, respectively). We’ve also included a few quality hotel and vacation rental options, all under $300 a night, for each destination.
From Charlotte, North Carolina, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, these are 13 of the best budget-friendly cities in the country.
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San Diego, California
Looking for a dreamy escape with perfect weather all year round? San Diego more than delivers. This spectacular beach town is the perfect place to go for surfers, sun lovers, sand loungers, and park goers. Its up-and-coming food scene is nothing to scoff at either. Thanks to affordable flights and a plethora of great lodging options, if you plan right (and well in advance), you can score a spectacular trip to this city without breaking the bank. Be sure to enjoy the free beaches, boardwalks, and parks to save on activities, or head to the city’s great museums or the zoo if you’re open to paying an entry fee (CityPass can help cut down costs if you’re looking to bundle attractions).
Where to stay in San Diego:
