Table of Contents Show
This article has links to products and services we love, which we may make commission from. Looking for the cheapest cities in the USA for your next vacation? Budget travel in the US is definitely possible, but it requires some research ahead of your visit. Since the US is so massive, you’ll likely want to stick to a particular region to avoid flying between destinations. Road trips in the US are very popular, of course, but renting a car can definitely add up! The cheapest places to visit in USA are often cities, simply due to the diversity of options available. When you visit small towns, your common travel expenses might be slightly lower, but you’ll have fewer options for accommodation and activities, so you might spend more than necessary. Also, keep in mind the travel costs to get there. Flights to larger cities are often cheaper, as well as being more readily available and likely direct. Here are some of the cheap places to travel in the US that you should definitely add to your bucket list. We’ve started with the most affordable and have included the price of high-season accommodation and free/cheap things to do in each city. Let us know in the comments if we’ve missed anything! If you aren’t too bothered about the weather, you might also like our guide to the best places in the US to visit in December for skiing, shopping and chocolate box towns. Cheap Places to Travel in the USBefore you start researching cheap places to travel in the U.S consider what kind of vacation you are looking for. Are you willing to consider more affordable hotels or apartments not quite in the center of the location or are you strapped for time and need to be close to the main attractions? Saving time can save you money, making your budget stretch. How do you plan to get there? Red-eye flights may be cheap on paper, but if you need to pay for a taxi to get to the airport as public transport is off at night, then it often works out the same as paying for a day flight. If visiting by car, consider parking charges and accommodation with free parking. Consider low or shoulder (generally spring and fall) season for cheaper trips too. Read our guide on the best places to visit in US this March for location ideas. 1. Albuquerque, New MexicoAlbuquerque is a destination for everyone. Art lovers, history buffs, outdoor adventurers…this quirky place has it all. If you visit during the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival, prices will obviously rise. But visit most any other time of year to take advantage of very affordable prices. High-season apartments start at $104 for an entire place, and hotel rooms go from around $60 per night, making it one of thecheapest places in America to visit. Free or Cheap Things to do in Albuquerque
Albuquerque also features in our romantic US destinations guide and the best places to visit in June. Where to Stay
2. Indianapolis, IndianaIndianapolis, or Indy as it is affectionately called by locals, is one of the cheapest places to live in the US. While downtown is often the first stop, there are cool neighorhoods to explore depending on your style of travel. Apartments in high season start at $100 for an entire place, and hotel rooms go from around $100 per night, making it one of the best cheap places to vacation in the US for those on a budget who are looking for a city experience. Free or Cheap Things to do in Indianapolis
Since Indy is known as the Crossroads of America, it makes an ideal base for a road trip to Chicago, Detroit, Columbus, Cincinnati, Louisville, Nashville or St. Louis. Where To Stay For Cheap
3. Athens, GeorgiaAs another college town, Athens offers plenty of options as one of the cheap cities to visit in USA. Tons of activities and places of interest are free or very affordable, so you can spend a weekend here without busting that wallet at all! A great alternative to larger Atlanta, Athens is a southern city with history and charm. But student life pushes forward with live music, art, and plenty of hipster culture. There’s plenty to explore outdoors and plenty of happy hour specials to enjoy after a day out and about. High-season apartments start at $140 for an entire place, and hotel rooms go from around $100 per night. Free or Cheap Things to do in Athens
Where To Stay For Cheap
4. Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaKnown as Steel City, Pittsburgh has traditionally been a working-class city with prices to match. It goes easy on your wallet while filling your stomach and your soul with good people, interesting attractions, and good eats! But that’s not all to love about Pittsburgh. This city loves art as much as sports (okay, maybe almost as much) Check out the Andy Warhol Museum. Pittsburgh also has more bridges than any other city in the world – even Venice! Apartments in the high season start at $104 for the entire place, and hotel rooms go from around $130 per night. If you are a budget or social traveler, hostel dorms start as low as $35. Very few of the cheapest cities in US have hostel options. Free or cheap things to do in Pittsburgh
Where To Stay For Cheap
5. Salt Lake City, UtahSalt Lake City is known as the home to the Mormon Church, but there’s so much more to this capital city! If you’re keen to visit some national parks, this is a great launching off point. Head to Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, or Bryce Canyon National Parks to get out and enjoy the wonders of nature. Snow lovers also enjoy popping into Salt Lake City before hitting the slopes. High-season apartments start at $104 for an entire place and hotel rooms go from around $105 per night. If you are a budget or social traveler, hostel dorms start as low as $27. Free or Cheap Things to do in Salt Lake City
Where To Stay For Cheap
Salt Lake City also features in our guide, the best places to visit in the US in January. 6. Kansas City, MissouriI haven’t been to KC yet (I was supposed to visit in 2020, but alas), but Kansas City is definitely one of the cheapest cities to visit in US. And just think of allllll that delicious BBQ! Money Crashers quotes the average price of a hotel in Kansas City at $139 per night. But you can definitely stay for less than that! High-season apartments start at $120 for an entire place, and hotel rooms go from around $100 per night. If you are a budget or social traveler, hostel dorms start as low as $44. Free or Cheap Things to do in KC
Where To Stay For Cheap
7. Oklahoma City, OklahomaOklahoma City is nicknamed “The Big Friendly,” and visitors will find it budget-friendly. Historic old Route 66 runs through the city and is dotted with landmarks and museums you can visit for free, including the Oklahoma State Capitol. High-season apartments start at $105 for an entire place, and hotel rooms go from around $130 per night. Free or Cheap Things to do in Oklahoma City
My good friend Steph, runs an Oklahoma travel site worth checking out too. Start with her guide to secret spots in Oklahoma. Where To Stay For Cheap
8. St. Augustine, FloridaKnown for its history and culture, St Augustine is ideal for a sunny, warm vacation without the price tags associated with the more popular destinations of Key West, Miami. History lovers will especially appreciate this destination with some of the most extensive architectural history in the US. Flagler College is here, too, so you’re sure to find some great deals that appeal to student budgets! High-season apartments start at $104 for an entire place, and hotel rooms go from around $160 per night. Free or cheap things to do in St Augustine
» You may also like | Add to your Florida bucket list Where To Stay For Cheap
9. San Antonio, TexasThe USA has only 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one of which is San Antonio’s Spanish colonial missions. If that’s not reason enough to visit this fun city, then check out the fantastic food scene, the many layers of history, and the awesome outdoor adventures you can enjoy. The River Walk is an ever-popular favorite, as is the Alamo. But there are plenty of other reasons why San Antonio is one of the cheapest US cities to visit, especially in comparison to other Texas cities such as Dallas. High-season apartments start at $120 for an entire place and hotel rooms go from around $130 per night. Free or Cheap Things to do in San Antonio
Where To Stay For Cheap
San Antonio also features in our guide on the best places to visit in February. 10. Washington, DCWhile not one of the cheapest cities to visit in USA for accommodation or dining out, DC offers tons of things to do for free! Travel is sometimes about balancing the budget, right? All of the Smithsonian Museums are free to enter, as are the Capitol and the White House (with advance planning). I used to live in DC and work downtown, so I’d spend lunch breaks wandering the latest exhibits. It’s incredible what you can do at little or no cost in the nation’s capital! High-season apartments start at $130 for an entire place, and hotel rooms go from around $180 per night. If you are a budget and/or social traveler, hostel dorms start as low as $35. Free or Cheap Things to do in DC
Where To Stay For Cheap
11. New Orleans, LouisianaThere will probably never be a list of US cities to visit that doesn’t include New Orleans. It is of the more affordable and popular major cities to visit if you avoid Mardi Gras. High-season apartments start at $143 for an entire place, and hotel rooms go from around $100 per night. The most popular hotels in NOLA are really expensive; just a heads up if you have your sights set on an Instagram-worthy hotel room! If you are a budget or social traveler, hostel dorms start as low as $62. I stayed for a week in the French Quarter and spent only $320. I probably spent the same amount on food and drink that week… Worth it! While NOLA is not one of the cheapest places to travel in the US there are affordable activities you can do. I stress again, avoid Mardis Gras if you are counting your cents. Free or Cheap Things to do in New Orleans
» You may also like | Things to do in New Orleans Where To Stay For Cheap
12. San Diego, CaliforniaCalifornia definitely is not a cheap state to visit in the US however you don’t have to skip it altogether; just avoid San Francisco and Los Angeles. Accommodation, food and drink are pricey in both cities, but you can still explore The Golden State by adding America’s Finest City to your west coast itinerary. San Diego can be one of the cheapest cities to visit in the US because of its outdoor lifestyle. You can keep the costs down when you’re comfortable walking between destinations, enjoying outdoor activities, and even considering picnics in the parks over expensive meals out! High-season apartments start at $153 for an entire place, and hotel rooms go from around $150 per night. If you are a budget or social traveler, hostel dorms start as low as $32. Free or Cheap Things to do in San Diego
Where To Stay For Cheap
Tips on How To Travel Cheap in the US
What tips do you have for budget travel in the US? Final WordsSo there you have it. Stretch your budget with these cheapest US cities to visit. Did I miss your favorite? Let me know in the comments! Save for later! Bookmark to your planning board
Which are your favorite cheapest places to travel in the US? What is the cheapest place to travel in the United States?Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.. Grand Canyon.. Glacier National Park.. Grand Teton National Park.. Bar Harbor.. Cannon Beach.. Asheville, NC.. Sequoia National Park.. Where is the nicest cheapest place to travel?Thailand. There's a reason why Thailand remains so popular with backpackers – it's got idyllic islands , a rich culture, beach-huts aplenty, tantalising cuisine and adventures galore , and all available at often staggeringly low prices. ... . South Africa. ... . Vietnam. ... . Uruguay. ... . Cuba. ... . Prague, Czech Republic. ... . Greece. ... . Guatemala.. How can I travel cheaply within the US?25 Cheapest Ways to Travel in The USA on a Budget. Consider renting a car instead of driving on your own or go for a driveway.. Try investing in a train pass. ... . Consider traveling by bus. ... . Try signing up for discounts. ... . Use a travel credit card. ... . Consider dining downstairs. ... . Buy your own groceries. ... . Get food to go.. How do I vacation on a tight budget?5 Tips To Travel On A Shoestring Budget. Plan ahead. This is perhaps the cardinal rule in every travel escapade - planning. ... . Search for discounts. When you have already planned ahead, then you have the leverage of finding discounts to save on your expenses. ... . Look for secondary destinations. ... . Hotel vs. ... . Secure travel insurance.. |