Tulsa Is the 45th-Best U.S. City for Staycations in 2026

Tulsa, Okla., is the 45th-best U.S. city for staycations in 2026, according to a new WalletHub report that analyzed more than 180 cities using 41 key metrics. They ranged from walkability and the number of cultural attractions to average restaurant prices and summer weather. 

Millions of Americans will travel this summer, but inflation is causing 51% of people to scale back spending and choose more budget-friendly vacations, such as staycations. The good news is you don't have to go far to enjoy a lot of the benefits of a trip. 

“It's fun to visit an exotic location on vacation, but during rougher economic times, a staycation can save you a lot of money while being just as fun, relaxing and memorable,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “Not only can you avoid the cost of overnight accommodations and minimize travel costs, but you can also discover all kinds of fun activities close to home that you might otherwise never try. Plus, you'll feel more rested if you spend less time in transit and more time sleeping in your own bed.”

In-Depth Look at Tulsa

Tulsa is an appealing city for a staycation because you can enjoy fun activities and eat out without breaking the bank. For instance, the city has the second-lowest movie costs and 24th-lowest bowling prices. It's also tied for first place for the availability of affordable restaurants with at least a 4.5-star rating.

Tulsa does have some shortcomings as a staycation destination, though. For example, the city only ranks 121st for restaurant diversity. In addition, it ranks 102nd for walkability.

Since everyone has a different idea of a fun and affordable staycation, there are a lot of different factors at play. The study analyzed 41 different metrics grouped into three main categories.

How Tulsa Ranks in Key Categories

• 93rd for recreation
• 59th for food and entertainment
• Fourth for rest and relaxation

This puts Tulsa in 45th place overall out of the 182 cities in WalletHub's study.

Best Cities for a Staycation

The methodology can be found on the full version of the article on WalletHub.