WalletHub reveals the most affordable summer cities for 2025 in its newly released ranking of 100 major U.S. metro areas. The personal finance site evaluated travel destinations based on 41 key metrics, including travel costs, local attractions, weather, safety, and family friendliness, to help travelers stretch their vacation dollars further this summer.
Orlando Tops 2025 Summer Travel Rankings
Claiming the No. 1 spot in WalletHub’s 2025 list is the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Florida metro area, praised for its balance of affordability, entertainment, and family-friendly appeal. Atlanta, Georgia and the Washington, D.C. area followed closely behind, thanks to accessible transportation, a wide range of attractions, and moderate travel costs.
The study highlights the top 10 metro areas that deliver the most bang for your buck when planning a summer getaway:
| Overall Rank | Destination (Metro Area) | Total Score | Travel Costs & Hassles Rank | Local Costs Rank | Attractions Rank | Weather Rank | Activities Rank | Safety Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Metro Area | 68.34 | 24 | 10 | 11 | 62 | 1 | 50 |
| 2 | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA Metro Area | 68.19 | 2 | 67 | 17 | 15 | 8 | 35 |
| 3 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metro Area | 65.63 | 12 | 76 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 11 |
| 4 | Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area | 64.06 | 15 | 95 | 19 | 1 | 2 | 17 |
| 5 | Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX Metro Area | 63.82 | 65 | 21 | 10 | 21 | 25 | 44 |
| 6 | Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Metro Area | 63.57 | 44 | 18 | 38 | 48 | 5 | 12 |
| 7 | Salt Lake City, UT Metro Area | 63.29 | 3 | 56 | 35 | 11 | 28 | 61 |
| 8 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metro Area | 62.82 | 11 | 72 | 13 | 42 | 16 | 64 |
| 9 | Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL Metro Area | 62.50 | 32 | 75 | 8 | 67 | 6 | 59 |
| 10 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metro Area | 62.45 | 50 | 13 | 21 | 41 | 29 | 43 |
Methodology Behind the Rankings
WalletHub evaluated each metro area based on affordability, attractions and activities, weather, and safety. These metrics were grouped into three main categories: travel costs and hassles, local costs, and attractions.
Specific factors included:
- Average cost of a flight
- Number of attractions per capita
- Dining and lodging affordability
- Weather forecasts and climate comfort
- Crime and safety ratings
- Access to family-friendly and outdoor activities
Each metro area was assigned a score out of 100, based on these weighted indicators. Florida cities dominated the top 10, with three metro areas making the list thanks to their sunny weather, affordable accommodations, and world-class amusement parks.
Why These Cities Lead in Value
Orlando stands out not only for its iconic theme parks but also for offering a wide range of free and low-cost activities such as state parks, local festivals, and walkable entertainment districts. Atlanta combines affordable airfare with cultural landmarks like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola. Meanwhile, Honolulu offers a tropical paradise that remains accessible thanks to competitive flight deals and abundant natural attractions.
El Paso and Reno are some of the more surprising entries in the top 10. Both cities offer great weather, low accommodation costs, and a growing number of cultural and outdoor activities, making them emerging destinations for domestic travelers seeking less crowded alternatives.
Summer 2025 Travel Tips from the Rankings
- Travel Midweek: Hotels and flights are often cheaper Tuesday through Thursday.
- Explore Nearby Attractions: Cities like Tampa and Austin offer day trips and nature excursions within a short drive.
- Use Rewards Programs: Sign up for hotel and airline points systems to save money on frequent trips.
- Check Local Events: Free concerts, festivals, and community events can enrich your travel experience without added cost.
WalletHub’s annual summer travel ranking is a trusted resource for budget-conscious vacationers. With rising travel costs in many parts of the world, domestic travel remains a top choice for Americans—and these cities prove that adventure doesn’t have to break the bank.
