Planning a trip? Might as well go someplace that offers good shopping, right? Here’s a resource that will help: A recent study by NYC Leather Jackets highlights the top 10 U.S. cities for affordable fashion based on factors like thrift store availability and average spending on clothes. And we have the run-down for you below.
Let’s explore the 10 best cities for budget fashion and how each made the cut.
Phoenix, Arizona: A shopper’s paradise
Topping the list with a perfect score of 100, Phoenix offers everything a budget-conscious shopper could ask for. With 276 thrift stores, the highest in the study, and reasonable prices — jeans for $48 and summer dresses for $39 — it’s easy to look great without overspending.
Locals spend around $1,397 annually on clothing, making Phoenix the ultimate destination for affordable fashion.
Detroit, Michigan: Budget-friendly and stylish
Coming in second with a score of 98.4, Detroit is a haven for thrifty shoppers. With over 6,600 clothing stores and strong local interest in budget fashion (1.4 million thrift store searches annually), the city offers a wide variety of affordable options.
Residents spend just $1,351 per year on clothing, securing Detroit’s reputation as a budget-friendly shopping hub.
Indianapolis, Indiana: Smart and savvy shopping
Indianapolis ranks third with a score of 96.1. Deals like $49 jeans and $45 summer dresses make this city a hot spot for fashion-savvy residents who love to save.
Shoppers here keep costs low, spending $1,285 annually on clothing.
Miami, Florida: Affordable fashion in a glamorous city
Despite its reputation as a high-fashion hub, Miami maintains affordability, landing fourth with a score of 95.6. With 155 thrift stores and 4.2 million in annual thrift-related searches, the city is a leader in budget fashion. A complete outfit — jeans, dress, sneakers, and leather shoes — can be assembled for just $316.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Style without overspending
Philadelphia secures fifth place with a score of 94.8. With 259 thrift stores and over 1.8 million annual searches for budget shopping, the city caters to savvy shoppers. Prices are accessible — jeans for $57 and summer dresses for $38.
Annual spending remains modest at $1,414 per person.
Las Vegas, Nevada: Fashion deals beyond the strip
In sixth place with a score of 90.6, Las Vegas proves that style and savings can go hand in hand. The city’s 156 thrift stores and annual clothing spend of $1,438 make it a smart choice for budget-conscious shoppers. Basics like $47 jeans and $44 summer dresses highlight the value available here.
Burlington, Vermont: Small city, big savings
Burlington ranks seventh with an impressive score of 87.5. Shoppers here spend the least annually on clothing — just $1,073 — and can assemble a full outfit for only $238. The city’s smaller size doesn’t diminish its appeal for budget-minded fashion lovers.
Los Angeles, California: A thrift lover’s dream
Eighth on the list with a score of 87, Los Angeles boasts 307 thrift stores and 123 outlet malls. Despite higher annual clothing spending at $2,001, shoppers can still find deals — $58 jeans and $43 summer dresses — while enjoying unmatched variety with nearly 30,000 clothing stores statewide.
Portland, Maine: Affordable fashion in the northeast
With a score of 84.2, Portland, Maine, ranks ninth. Thrift stores and reasonable spending — $1,182 annually — help residents stay stylish on a budget. Jeans cost $46, summer dresses $40, and a complete outfit runs around $243.
Portland, Oregon: Bargain-hunting haven
Rounding out the top ten, Portland, Oregon, also scores 84.2. The city’s 224 thrift stores and 2,638 clothing shops make it a favorite for budget-conscious fashionistas. Prices remain reasonable — $60 jeans, $46 dresses, and $104 sneakers — proving you can dress well without spending big.
