The Most Affordable Destinations to Visit in 2026, According to Expedia

With travelers already planning trips well into next year, affordability is playing a bigger role in where people choose to go in 2026. And some of the best-value destinations for the year ahead aren’t just easy on the wallet, they’re also diverse, culture-rich, and often overlooked.

Spanning both domestic and international picks, new data from booking site Expedia shows the most budget-friendly destinations boast hotel stays averaging under $150 a night, making travel feel accessible without cutting corners.

Within the U.S., Expedia’s list skews toward smaller cities and secondary hubs, where hotel rates tend to be lower. The city of Laughlin, Nevada, which sits about 90 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, tops the list. That was followed by Bakersfield, California; El Paso, Texas; and Reno, Nevada. All four cities serve as bases for exploring nearby desert landscapes, national parks, and iconic road trip routes.

Other standouts included Oklahoma City and Tulsa, which came in at No. 6 and No. 8 on the list, respectively. There, revitalized downtowns, live music, and growing arts scenes come with far more reasonable hotel rates than larger metros.

In California, Riverside and San Bernardino, at No. 9 and No. 10, respectively, offer more affordable SoCal options boasting easy access to both the coast and the mountains.

When it comes to the company’s international picks, the destinations span familiar favorites to under-the-radar spots.

In Mexico, Guadalajara and Mérida stand out for walkable historic centers and vibrant culinary scenes, while South American metropolises like Bogotá, Salvador, and São Paulo weave art, music, and eclectic dining into everyday life. Finally, Asian hubs like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Ho Chi Minh City remain perennial favorites for their spectacular street food and buzzy nightlife.

Overall, travelers can maximize value by flying into secondary airports rather than major hubs, like Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) instead of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). For international trips, the biggest savings usually come from simple but savvy choices: using public transit, visiting low-cost or free sights, and taking advantage of delicious street food options.

This is the full list of the top 10 most affordable destinations for 2026, according to Expedia.

Domestic:

1. Laughlin, Nevada
2. Bakersfield, California
3. El Paso, Texas
4. Reno, Nevada
5. San José, California
6. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
7. Huntsville, Alabama
8. Tulsa, Oklahoma
9. Riverside, California
10. San Bernardino, California

International:

1. Salvador, Brazil
2. Guadalajara, Mexico
3. Bogotá, Colombia
4. Mérida, Mexico
5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
6. São Paulo, Brazil
7. Bangkok, Thailand
8. Edmonton, Canada
9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
10. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic