WalletHub released on Monday, June 8, its roundup of the best cities in the United States for staycations, an analysis that weighed in factors like outdoor recreation opportunities, food and entertainment access and costs, as well as the prices for specialty services like massages, spas, beauty salons and more.
The results? Houston and Austin led the Lone Star State as the two best Texas cities for those looking for a more budget-friendly vacation. H-Town just missed the Top 25 with a No. 26 finish, while Texas’ capital city came in slightly behind at No. 28.
Houston earned specific kudos for its food and entertainment offerings (ranked No. 12), as well as a No. 36 recreation ranking. Here in Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World’s culinary and entertainment opportunities garnered it a No. 11 rank, while its outdoor recreation scene warranted a No. 39 overall ranking.
No other Texas city cinched a Top 50 position, with San Antonio the closest at a No. 55 spot. As for the best in America? That No. 1 position belonged to no other than the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”
Orlando, Florida, took home gold with a No. 1 rank spearheaded by its No. 1 food and entertainment, No. 7 rest and relaxation and No. 20 recreation rankings, respectively. The remainder of the Top 10 included Cincinnati, Ohio (No. 2); Las Vegas, Nevada (No. 3); St. Louis, Missouri (No. 4); Honolulu, Hawaii (No. 5); Salt Lake City, Utah (No. 6); Atlanta, Georgia (No. 7); Tampa, Florida (No. 8); Chicago, Illinois (No. 9); and Portland, Maine (No. 10).