Whoever says a good summer holiday needs to be expensive couldn’t be more wrong.

At least that’s what the latest study from Dunhill Travels found this past month.

The company carried out a study on America’s cheapest cities to visit this summer and took into account all sorts of relevant criteria, including (but not limited to) average prices for round-trip flights, accommodation, meals, rental cars, and miscellaneous expenses.

The findings were then analyzed to find the best places in the entire country you can visit on a budget right now, and starting from No. 10, the ranking included:

  1. Norfolk, VA
  2. El Paso, TX
  3. Buffalo, NY
  4. Fort Wayne, IN
  5. Jacksonville, FL

And now for the best of the best:

Church in Peoria, Illinois

5. Akron, OH

Though filled with amazing attractions, charming hotels, and wallet-friendly restaurants, Akron is one of those cities that always manages to fly under the radar, but for those looking for a truly great-value destination this summer, that’s about to change.

You can spend an entire day sightseeing here and not spend more than $30.

A walk through Lock 3 Park? Free.

A visit to the iconic Akron Zoo? $16. (you can book tickets here)

A tour of the Akron Art Museum? $12.

And the same goes for accommodation and eateries, too.

The average 3-star hotel here charges a little over $100, while a restaurant meal for one usually costs less than $18.

4. Peoria, IL

Along the Illinois River, you’ll find Peoria, a place that offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities.

Peoria, Illinois at night

Here, you can spend your days admiring the fascinating displays at Peoria Riverfront Museum, taking in the views of Grandview Drive (called the “World’s Most Beautiful Drive” by President Theodore Roosevelt), and making the short trip to Wildlife Prairie Park, all of which shouldn’t cost more than $29.

Foodies out there will be happy to learn that eating out here isn’t only cheap but amazing, too – just give Chef Moussa and Ulrich’s Rebellion Room a try and get back to me.

3. Allentown, PA

Located in the picturesque Lehigh Valley, Allentown is far from your typical summer hub, yet nature and history lovers shouldn’t be quick to write it off altogether just yet.

Aerial panorama of Allentown

Just a tour through Allentown Art Museum or America On Wheels (the former is entirely free to enter, while the latter charges a $16 fee per adult) will get you to see just how rich in arts and culture this city really is.

Allentown is an especially great destination for families looking to have an amazing time on a budget – not only are most hotel rooms here under $90 a night but there’s so much child-friendly entertainment in the area (of which Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom would be a top choice), that you’ll never have to worry about your little ones getting bored or restless.

Delaware’s largest city will surprise you with its thriving entertainment scene, complete with must-visits like the Delaware Art Museum, the Hagley Museum and Library, and the Brandywine Zoo, entry fees to all of which stay well under $20.

During those amazing sightseeing trips you’ll get to take here, don’t forget to stay hydrated and recharge in some local favorites like Mrs. Robino’s or DE.CO – both renowned for their amazing food and reasonable prices.

What’s more, round-trip flights from some U.S. airports (namely OrlandoNew York, and Minneapolis) to Wilmington are selling for less than $200, so you’ll get to save a ton on travel, too.

1. Toledo, OH

The predicted expenses of a family of four vacationing in Toledo, Ohio for four nights and five days add up to a grand total of $2,852, making this the cheapest destination in the U.S. you can travel to right now.

Skyline of Toledo, Ohio

Not only does this gem located on the western tip of Lake Erie offer incredible prices, but it promises visitors the experience of a lifetime, too.

Whether you’re an art lover eager to explore Toledo Museum’s impressive collection for free, a family who can’t wait to meet the animals over at Toledo Zoo & Aquarium (one of the top-rated in the country), or a solo traveler looking to take in the peace and quiet of Maumee Bay State Park, you’re guaranteed a summer to remember here.

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