Want To Celebrate the Holidays Without Going Broke? Here Are 50 Budget-Friendly US Cities Where You Can Actually Save Money

The holiday season has officially arrived earlier than ever. Retailers are already stocking decorations before Halloween, and holiday deals kick off right at the start of November. So here’s a burning question: What if you could actually afford to love holidays while keeping more cash in your bank account?

A 2024 YouGov survey found something compelling—about one-third of Americans pick Christmas as their favorite day of the year, with Thanksgiving coming in second at roughly 23%. With holiday spending being a major part of the annual budget for many households, finding an affordable place to settle down during festive season could transform your financial picture entirely.

The Research Behind Finding Affordable Holiday Havens

This analysis examined 50 American cities known for their exceptional holiday atmospheres and seasonal celebrations. Researchers evaluated each location based on median household income, total cost of living expenses, average home values, and the potential savings residents could achieve. The goal? Identify which cities let you maximize your holiday experience while minimizing your financial strain.

The findings paint an interesting picture of America’s financial geography. Cities range from San Francisco with a median household income of $141,446 annually to Cleveland at $39,187—yet surprisingly, higher income doesn’t always mean better savings potential.

What Makes These Cities Special for Holiday Lovers

The Power of Naming: Certain towns have leaned into their holiday identity—literally. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; North Pole, Alaska; and Santa Claus, Indiana maintain year-round festive vibes through their very names.

The Midwest Advantage: Midwestern states dominate this list. Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri each claim three cities in the top 50. The region’s snowy winters naturally create that classic holiday atmosphere everyone craves from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.

Cities for Every Budget: Whether you earn $39,000 or $141,000 annually, there’s a festive location suited to your income level. The list spans from ultra-affordable small towns to premium metropolitan areas.

Top Holiday Destinations That Love Your Wallet

McAdenville, North Carolina leads the pack. With an annual cost of living at $54,715 and a median household income of $117,411, residents enjoy $62,696 in yearly savings—the highest on the list. Livability scores hit 61, making it a solid choice for holiday enthusiasts.

Santa Claus, Indiana follows closely. Annual living costs sit at $41,514 against a $101,875 median income, leaving $60,361 available for holiday shopping and celebrations annually. The livability index reaches 71.

Grapevine, Texas rounds out the top three with $61,169 yearly expenses, $111,438 median income, and $50,269 in savings. It boasts an impressive 83 livability score.

North Pole, Alaska ($50,998 annual cost, $93,355 income, $42,357 savings) offers authentic Arctic holiday charm, while Frankenmuth, Michigan ($45,111 annual cost, $84,583 income, $39,472 savings) provides classic Midwestern festivity with an 85 livability rating.

Mid-Range Holiday Cities Worth Considering

Moving down the list, cities like Minneapolis ($47,271 annual cost, $80,269 income, $32,998 savings) and St. Paul, Minnesota ($43,708 cost, $73,055 income, $29,347 savings) deliver strong Midwest vibes with reasonable expenses.

Omaha, Nebraska stands out at the $40,000+ annual cost range, offering $29,224 in potential savings with an 83 livability score. Kansas City, Missouri keeps costs even lower at $40,159 annually while maintaining a 78 livability rating and $27,290 in savings.

For those seeking southern charm, St. Augustine, Florida combines holiday attractions with manageable costs ($53,446 annually, $27,027 savings, 87 livability), while Charleston, South Carolina ($63,992 cost, $26,046 savings, 77 livability) provides coastal holiday elegance.

Premium Cities for Higher Earners Who Love Holidays

Not all holiday destinations require modest budgets. Seattle ($87,145 annual cost) and San Francisco ($122,866 annual cost) cater to higher-income holiday lovers. Despite steeper living costs, Seattle’s median income of $121,984 creates $34,839 in savings, while San Francisco’s $141,446 median income yields $18,580.

Boston ($84,737 cost, $10,018 savings) and Washington, D.C. ($77,289 cost, $28,998 savings) offer metropolitan holiday experiences for affluent residents.

Budget-Friendly Holiday Cities Under $40,000 Annually

For maximum savings potential, Cleveland, Ohio leads with just $29,745 annual living costs and $39,187 median household income, creating $9,442 in savings. Other ultra-affordable options include:

• Niagara Falls, New York ($35,214 cost, $13,321 savings)
• St. Louis, Missouri ($35,332 cost, $19,947 savings)
• Seneca Falls, New York ($36,537 cost, $17,892 savings)
• Garrison, North Dakota ($38,100 cost, $30,546 savings)

Finding Your Perfect Holiday Headquarters

Whether you love holidays for their cultural significance, festive decorations, family gatherings, or holiday shopping opportunities, this list demonstrates that affordability and celebration aren’t mutually exclusive. From small Midwestern towns with authentic snow-covered charm to vibrant metropolitan areas packed with seasonal events, America offers genuine holiday experiences across every economic bracket.

The key is matching your income level with locations that maximize your savings potential while delivering the seasonal magic you crave. Small towns dominate the highest-savings tier, while larger cities offer more amenities despite higher costs. Your ideal holiday home depends on balancing lifestyle preferences with financial reality.

Data collected November 7, 2025, based on 2023 U.S. Census American Community Survey data, Sperling’s BestPlaces cost-of-living indexes, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Zillow Home Value Index, and AreaVibes livability ratings.