SPRING FEVER
Popular Texas city named cheapest U.S. destination for spring break 2026
Destinations like the River Walk make San Antonio and attractive — and cheap — spring break destination.
Got your sights set on an inexpensive spring break getaway? You may want to consider a road trip to San Antonio.
A new study from digital entertainment platform JB.com ranks the Alamo City as the country’s cheapest spring break destination for students.
The study, which covers 30 popular U.S. cities, looks at average nightly prices at budget hotels, the average tab for meals and drinks, and the number of bars and restaurants. The study also takes into account a city’s average March-April temperatures and its safety rating.
“The biggest mistake students make is booking spring break trips to the same five cities everyone else picks,” says JB.com. “When 50,000 college kids flood Fort Lauderdale in the same week, prices skyrocket, and everything gets crowded.”
San Antonio stands out in two categories: average nightly price at budget hotels ($87) and average meal cost ($18).
JB.com also cites San Antonio’s pleasant weather, “making it comfortable to enjoy the outdoors before the nightlife starts,” and its “growing food scene,” boasting more than 1,900 bars and restaurants.
Although the JB's rankings were centered on collegiate life, it is also one of Texas' hot spots for grade schoolers thanks to amusement parks like Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio. The popularity makes it an attractive city for limited-time activations, like the massive Epic Bounce inflatable theme park.
Big-city neighbor to the north, Austin, appears at No. 8 on the top 10 list. It scores well in the average-meal-price category ($20) and the bar-and-restaurant category (more than 5,300 establishments). However, Austin’s average drink price ($7) and average nightly price at budget hotels ($94) are on the high side.
While there are many great spots around Texas for a spring break getaway, Dallasites might want to just avoid the highway and airport hassles and enjoy some top-notch local events and activities - there are a lot of them.
