This Is the Most Affordable Vacation Destination in the U.S. — and It Has Pristine Beaches

Getting out and exploring the world shouldn’t have to clear out your bank account. Yes, there are plenty of first-rate five-star destinations out there that are worth saving up to visit one day, but while you stack that cash, you could always go visit one of America’s most affordable destinations, too. And OptimosTravel has done all the hard work of figuring out just where those destinations are for you. 

The travel company released its list of the most affordable vacation destinations in America, analyzing more than 100 well-known spots. To determine which ones rank as the most affordable for solo travelers, the team assessed each location on daily meal expenses, public transportation costs, accommodation rates, and attraction fees.

After looking at all the data, the team determined that the Outer Banks, North Carolina, is indeed the least expensive vacation destination, where solo travelers can spend an entire day there for $177, making a 7-day family vacation possible for about $3,247.90.

“We ranked Outer Banks as the least expensive destination, where the allure of the Atlantic meets affordability,” the company shared in its findings via email. “With the lowest accommodation costs at $91.44, combined with meals at $60 and attractions adding up to $11.27, the daily cost per person stands at a mere $177. A week-long stay here amounts to $1,237.024 per person, making it an irresistible offer for a family of four at just $3,247.90, proving that paradise doesn’t have to cost a fortune.” 

Joining the Outer Banks is another southern favorite, Charleston, West Virginia, coming at No. 2. Its daily cost breakdown came to just $177 as well but came with a slightly higher weekly cost of $1,242 per person due to a higher cost for accommodation and a $2,926.30 cost for a family of four.

These two are followed by two Georgia downs, Helen and Tybee Island in third and fourth, respectively, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee rounding out the top 5.

A few big-name destinations also made the list, with Sedona, Arizona; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Bend, Oregon; in the sixth through ninth spot. Monument Valley, Utah, completed the list, coming in at 10th place with an average daily cost of $218 per person.

Want to go even further? Check out 13 of the most affordable destinations in Europe to visit right now.