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The 10 best cities in America for vacationing on a budget

These cities can provide five-star food and accommodations for an everyday price

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Image for article titled The 10 best cities in America for vacationing on a budget
Photo: Alexander Spatari (iStock by Getty Images)

We all deserve a vacation from time to time; the pressures of work, school, and personal relationships are enough to make anyone crave a long weekend in a new city, with high-quality meals and luxurious accommodations.

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The unfortunate reality is that, for most of us, a stay at a five-star hotel and an award-winning meal can be financially out of reach. For travelers willing to dispense with plans to visit top-dollar destinations, however, recent research shows there are plenty of U.S. cities with high-quality attractions that can fit a low-cost budget.

Online coupon platform Wethrift looked into 956 Michelin-recognized restaurants and 348 luxury hotels to determine the American cities that can offer the most affordable vacations.

“Experiencing luxury doesn’t have to come at a hefty price tag. Our study shows that you can indulge and let loose with these top-tier experiences without breaking the bank, proving that opulence and affordability can go hand in hand,” said founder Nick Drewe in a statement.

“Whether it be savoring gourmet meals or staying in elegant hotels, we believe everyone deserves a taste of luxury. Traveling lies in creating cherished memories, enjoying life’s finer things, and not worrying about financial strain 24/7.”

Continue reading to learn more about the 10 cities that offer some of the cheapest five-star experiences, for travelers on a budget.

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10. Healdsburg, California

10. Healdsburg, California

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Healdsburg, California is the tenth most-affordable travel destination in the country. The average cost of quality dining in Healdsburg is $64.06 and the average cost of staying in a luxury hotel, like the Ruse Healdsburg, is $520.00.

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9. Paso Robles, California

9. Paso Robles, California

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Paso Robles, California is the ninth most-affordable travel destination in the country. The average cost of quality dining in Paso Robles is $65.00 and the average cost of staying in a luxury hotel, like the Geneseo Inn, is $480.00.

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8. Washington, D.C.

8. Washington, D.C.

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Washington D.C. is the eight most-affordable travel destination in the country. The average cost of dining at well-regarded Washington, D.C. restaurants, like La Tejana or Toki Underground, is $55.12 and the average cost of staying in a luxury hotel, like the Jefferson, is $707.00.

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7. Miami Beach, Florida

7. Miami Beach, Florida

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Miami Beach, Florida is the seventh most-affordable travel destination in the country. The average cost of quality dining at restaurants, like Taquiza, is $59.38 and the average cost of staying at a luxury hotel, like The Standard Spa, is $526.

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6. San Francisco, California

6. San Francisco, California

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San Francisco, California is the sixth most affordable travel destination in the country. The average cost of dining at beloved restaurants, like La Taqueria, is $59.71 and the average cost of staying at a luxury hotel, like Mansion on Sutter, is $487.43.

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5. Los Angeles, California

5. Los Angeles, California

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Los Angeles, California is the fifth most affordable travel destination in the country. The average cost of dining at beloved restaurants, like La Azteca or Pollo o la Brasa, is $55.45 and the average cost of a luxury hotel, like Sunset Marquis, is $559.75.

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4. Santa Barbara, California

4. Santa Barbara, California

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Santa Barbara, California is the fourth most affordable travel destination in the country. The average cost of fine dining at restaurants, like Los Agaves, is $54.46 and the average cost of a luxury hotel, like the Simpson House, is $552.00.

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3. San Diego, California

3. San Diego, California

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San Diego, California is the third most affordable travel destination in the country. The average cost of fine dining at restaurants, like LOLA 55 and Great Maple, is $49.19 and the average cost of a luxury hotel, like the Westgate, is $579.00.

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2. Chicago, Illinois

2. Chicago, Illinois

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Chicago, Illinois is the second most affordable travel destination in the country. The average cost of quality dining at restaurants, like Ghin Khao and Birrieria Zaragoza, is $52.88 and the average cost of a luxury accommodation like the Hotel Zachary is $411.25.

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1. Sonoma, California

1. Sonoma, California

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Sonoma, California is the most affordable travel destination in the country. The average cost of quality dining at restaurants, like Valley, is $43.75 and the average cost of a luxury hotel, like the Cottage Inn & Spa, is $518.00.

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