McAllen has once again landed in the top five of another state list. The ranking, compiled by TheTravel website, looked at 10 cities and compared travel costs, including flights, hotel, and affordable entertainment options. McAllen earned the number four spot, while other border cities, Laredo and El Paso were named three and two respectively. Other cities on the list included south central communities and Dallas’ neighbors, Arlington and Fort Worth.

While the cities listed are more affordable than Dallas, they are still bustling cities in their own right. In fact, according to the author of the article, many of them are hidden gems in Texas that offer wide open spaces, cultural richness, and cost-conscious opportunities.

“McAllen is a great place to live, work, play or visit,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “Whether someone visits for a weekend, or decides to visit forever, McAllen will provide the best vacation or stay-cation not only on a budget, but on any budget.”

Costs for a solo traveler for the weekend in McAllen cost $379, compared to $531 in Dallas. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city's cultural richness with a visit to the International Museum of Art and Science (IMAS), offering free admission on Sundays, where art and science converge in captivating exhibitions; stroll through the lush landscapes of Quinta Mazatlán, a historical mansion-turned-nature center, which provides affordable admission and abundant birdwatching opportunities. And of course, McAllen's downtown entertainment district offers budget-friendly delights with live music and great local cuisine.

Let’s not forget the many places nearby that one can visit when coming to McAllen either. There are museums, historical sites, arts districts, nature centers, and more all located within an hour of McAllen. Cities like Edinburg, Mission, Brownsville, Harlingen, and South Padre Island are close enough to visit that it won’t break the bank to make some plans to visit nearby sites.

Accommodation can range from $27 to $89 for a two or three-star hotel, and not much more for a four-star hotel. If you are just flying in for the weekend to check out the area, flights can range from $602 to $858.

TheTravel is a site fueled by writers with a passion for idyllic destinations, helpful and all-encompassing travel guides, as well as travel destination recommendations.