Travel

Study shows the 5 most affordable Southwest getaways

BOSW August 3, 2026

An airplane wing from a plane flying above the Colorado River in Arizona and Nevada. — (Photo courtesy of Leonid Andronov)

New research found five Southwest destinations among the country’s most budget-friendly vacation spots. While we highlight Hoppa’s study of some of the Southwest’s most affordable getaways, we’ll chime in on what makes these travel spots worth visiting.

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Budget-friendly Southwest cities to put on your travel list

A new study by airport transportation company Hoppa ranked the most budget-friendly vacation destinations in the U.S. The overview is based on factors including average three-star hotel rates, restaurant prices, local transportation, airport transfer costs and the number of budget-friendly attractions.

Five Southwest cities earned spots in the national top 10, making them smart choices for travelers looking to stretch their vacation dollars.

Here’s a closer look at the Southwest destinations that made the list and why you may want to add them to your travel plans.

Outdoor patio dining entrance to Ostra restaurant at Mokara Hotel & Spa along the San Antonio River Walk with blue umbrellas and stone architecture. — Mokara Hotel & Spa’s River Walk dining scene includes Ostra, where guests can enjoy seafood-forward cuisine and patio dining just steps from San Antonio’s iconic waterfront. (Photo courtesy of Mokara Hotel & Spa)

San Antonio, Texas (ranked No. 2)

San Antonio earned the No. 2 spot nationwide thanks to its combination of affordable accommodations and lower everyday travel costs. The study found average three-star hotel rates of $121 per night, inexpensive restaurant meals averaging $18 and one-way public transportation fares around $1.30, helping visitors spend less while exploring the city.

BOSW take:

Affordability is only part of San Antonio’s appeal. The River Walk, The Alamo, Pearl District and thriving culinary scene make it easy to fill an itinerary without blowing your budget.

Front entrance of the historic Hotel Parq Central boutique hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. — Originally built in 1926 as the Santa Fe Railway Hospital, Hotel Parq Central now welcomes guests as one of Albuquerque’s most distinctive boutique hotels. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Parq Central)

Albuquerque, New Mexico (ranked No. 4)

Albuquerque stands out for one surprising reason: free public transportation. According to the study, it’s one of only two U.S. cities in the rankings where visitors can ride public transit without paying a fare. This free offering makes it even easier to explore Old Town, museums, local breweries and nearby attractions while keeping transportation costs low.

BOSW take:

In addition to free transportation, Albuquerque is a prime destination for budget-friendly arts and culture activities, hotel stays and we’re all about booking spa days.

Aerial view of Tucson's historic courthouse dome and downtown. — Aerial view of Tucson’s historic courthouse dome and downtown. (Photo courtesy of Viyaleta Herasimovich)

Tucson, Arizona (ranked No. 6)

Tucson also offers free public transportation, giving travelers another easy way to save while exploring the Sonoran Desert. Combined with affordable hotels averaging $133 per night and inexpensive dining, it’s an excellent destination for food lovers, outdoor adventurers and culture seekers alike.

BOSW take:

Some of those affordable, popular Tucson adventures include a visit to Saguaro National Park, horseback riding and hiking. And we completely agree on Tucson’s foodie scene, with its diverse cuisine and varied price points.

People lounge on sofas and the pool on the rooftop of Le Méridien & Element Salt Lake City. — Le Méridien & Element Salt Lake City Downtown sits at the center of the city’s dining, culture and skyline views. (Photo courtesy of Le Méridien & Element Salt Lake City)

Salt Lake City (tied for No. 7)

Salt Lake City offers budget-friendly activities throughout the city. In addition to a cluster of downtown hotels and restaurants, Salt Lake City has multiple affordable attractions including museums, an aquarium and nearby national parks.

BOSW take:

We recommend visiting off-the-beaten-path places like the Maven District. This women-owned business corridor has everything from non-toxic skincare shops to some of the tastiest, budget-friendly food you won’t want to miss out on (we recommend Tandoori Taqueria).

Aerial view of the Las Vegas Strip, one of the top tourist destinations in the world. (Photo courtesy of (Lucky Photographer)

Las Vegas (tied for No. 7)

Las Vegas ranked as the most affordable U.S. destination for airport transfers, with private rides starting around $23. For travelers flying in, that’s one less expense to worry about before the vacation even begins.

BOSW take:

Beyond the Strip, visitors can explore Red Rock Canyon, Arts District, Fremont Street and numerous free attractions. Boulder City, Laughlin, Mesquite and Moapa Valley are also nearby Las Vegas, each with its own cost-friendly attractions.

To see the full Hoppa study, visit hoppa.com/en/discover/wanderlust/us-budget-summer-vacation-destinations.