ATLANTA – In a new study, Georgia secures two spots among the top 10 least expensive vacation destinations.
In a recent study, Georgia is the only state to claim two spots among the top 10 least expensive vacation destinations.
Travel experts at analyzed over 100 well-known attractions nationwide, assessing them based on daily meal expenses, public transportation costs, accommodation rates, and attraction fees to identify the 10 most expensive vacation destinations in the U.S.
- Georgia secures two spots in the ranks of least expensive destinations, with Helen at 3rd for just $110.00 daily, and Tybee Island at 4th, offering a daily steal at $118.44.
- The Outer Banks, North Carolina, emerges as the least expensive destination, offering a full day’s experience at just $177, making a 7-day family vacation possible for around $3,247.9.
- Charleston, West Virginia, is the most economical choice for a family of four at $418.042 daily, amounting to a total of $2926.3 for a 7-day family trip.
- For under $200 a day, destinations like Charleston, Helen, Tybee Island, Gatlinburg, and the Outer Banks are popular choices to visit without the high cost.
10 Least Expensive Vacation Destinations in the U.S.
| Rank | Destination Name | Total Cost/Day/person | Cost for 7 days Trip/person | Cost for a family of 4/day |
| 1 | Outer Banks, North Carolina | 177 | 1237 | 463.982 |
| 2 | Charleston, West Virginia | 177 | 1242 | 418.042 |
| 3 | Helen, Georgia | 185 | 1297 | 458.333 |
| 4 | Tybee Island, Georgia | 186 | 1305 | 463.822 |
| 5 | Gatlinburg, Tennessee | 193 | 1350 | 494.820 |
| 6 | Sedona, Arizona | 198 | 1384 | 468.000 |
| 7 | Cape Cod, Massachusetts | 207 | 1447 | 535.222 |
| 8 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | 209 | 1463 | 526.931 |
| 9 | Bend, Oregon | 214 | 1499 | 537.500 |
| 10 | Monument Valley, Utah | 218 | 1529 | 545.556 |
1. Outer Banks, North Carolina
We ranked Outer Banks as the least expensive destination, where the allure of the Atlantic meets affordability. With the lowest accommodation costs at $91.44, plus meals at $60 and attractions adding up to $11.27, the daily cost per person is a mere $177.
A week-long stay here costs $1,237.024 per person, making it an irresistible offer for a family of four at just $3,247.9. This proves that paradise doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
2. Charleston, West Virginia
Ranked second, Charleston offers a mix of history and nature at an average daily cost of $177 per person. Meals are $49.125, and accommodations are $121.33. A 7-day stay is $1,242 per person, offering affordability and charm at $2,926.3 for a family of four.
3. Helen, Georgia
Emulating a Bavarian village, Helen stands third with an average daily expense of $185 per person. The cost includes $63 for meals and $110 for lodging, totaling $1,297 per person for a week. Families can enjoy this unique experience for $3,208.3.
4. Tybee Island, Georgia
Fourth on the list, Tybee Island’s serene beaches come at a daily cost of $186 per person, with meals at $45 and lodging at $118.44. A week’s vacation for a family of four is reasonably priced at $3,246.8.
5. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg offers access to the Great Smoky Mountains at $193 daily per person, with meals at $46.5 and accommodation at $115. The total for a 7-day family adventure is $3,463.7.
6. Sedona, Arizona
Known for its red rock vistas, Sedona ranks sixth, with an average daily cost of $198 per person. A week’s stay amounts to $1,383.667 per person, allowing a family of four to explore for $3,276.
7. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
At the seventh place, Cape Cod’s daily expenses average $207 per person, with a week-long visit costing $1,447.444 per person. A family of four can enjoy this coastal retreat for $3,746.6.
8. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
This vibrant city ranks eighth, with daily expenses at $209 per person. A week-long exploration costs $1,463.486 per person, offering urban energy for a family of four at $3,688.5.
9. Bend, Oregon
Ninth-ranked Bend is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with a weekly cost of $1,499.167 per person. Families can enjoy natural beauty for $3,762.5, proving adventure is accessible.
10. Monument Valley, Utah
Completing the list, Monument Valley allows families to experience stunning landscapes at $3,818.9 for a week. Daily costs are $218 per person, including meals and accommodations, totaling $1,529.111 per person for a week-long stay.