15 Best and Cheapest Places to Travel in the US for Every Budget: Travelling right now feels like a luxury sport. Between predatory flight pricing and the $18 airport sandwich, the dream of a getaway often hits a wall of reality.
But here is what the pros know: you don’t need a massive inheritance to see the best of America.
Finding the cheapest places to travel in the US is about looking past the over-hyped coastal giants like New York or San Francisco and finding cities where your money actually has some leverage.
From the neon grit of the desert to the mossy, slow-moving charm of the South, the U.S. is packed with destinations where a hundred dollars still goes a long way.
Whether you’re flying solo or dragging a family of four along, these spots deliver world-class culture without the financial hangover. Here are the most affordable gems in the states right now.
15 Best and Cheapest Places to Travel in the US for Every Budget:
Why Exploring the Cheapest Places to Travel in the US Makes Sense. Now Opting for a budget-friendly city isn’t about settling for less; it’s about tactical spending.
When your hotel room doesn’t eat 70% of your daily budget, you can actually afford that legendary three-course meal or the weird local tour that makes the trip memorable.
This isn’t just about “cheap US trips”—it’s about maximising your experience per dollar.
1. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is arguably the best value in the South. While the River Walk is the famous draw, the secret is that most of it is free to explore on foot.
The Alamo is a zero-cost historic site, and the city’s Tex-Mex scene is legendary for being both high-quality and low-cost.
Pro Tip:
Skip the tourist traps directly on the water and walk two blocks inland to find family-run taquerias where a five-star lunch costs less than a coffee in Seattle.
2. Memphis, Tennessee
If your soul runs on rhythm and smoked meat, Memphis is your spot. While Graceland has become a premium attraction, the energy of Beale Street costs nothing to soak in.
You can catch world-class blues for the price of a single beer. The city’s dry-rub ribs offer a masterclass in flavour at a fraction of what you’d pay for a steakhouse dinner in any other metro.
3. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is the high-desert alternative for those who find Santa Fe too pricey. The Sandia Peak Tramway is worth the splurge for the view, but the real magic is the green chile.
It’s a local religion here, and you can find massive, soul-warming burritos for under $10 at almost any corner shop.
4. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is a hidden heavyweight for frugal travel tips. Known for having more fountains than almost any city on earth, it’s a remarkably scenic place to wander.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a world-class institution that offers free general admission. If you don’t leave with a face covered in BBQ sauce from a local shack, you haven’t done KC right.
5. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is the sleeper hit of the Midwest. It’s incredibly walkable, and the White River State Park offers miles of greenery in the heart of the city for free.
It consistently ranks as one of the most affordable cities for mid-range hotels, making it a perfect hub for a long weekend.
6. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
OKC has shed its quiet image for a vibrant, modernised vibe. The Bricktown District is perfect for an afternoon stroll, and the Myriad Botanical Gardens provide a lush, free escape.
For a deep dive into American history, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is worth every penny of its modest entry fee.
7. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is a walking museum. The historic district, with its 22 iconic squares and Spanish moss, is free to enjoy.
While the riverfront hotels can be pricey, the trick is to stay in the Midtown area and use the savings for a high-end dinner at The Grey or one of the city’s famous gastropubs.
8. Daytona Beach, Florida
Daytona is the antidote to the $500-a-night Miami lifestyle. It’s one of the few places where you can still drive your car onto the sand for a small fee, turning your vehicle into your personal beach cabana. The boardwalk offers classic Americana vibes that won’t drain your savings account.
9. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is surprisingly accessible if you avoid the peak of Mardi Gras. Skip the overpriced cocktails on Bourbon Street and head to Frenchmen Street for the real jazz.
Share a muffuletta from Central Grocery, ride the historic St. Charles streetcar for a couple of bucks, and admire the Garden District’s architecture for free.
10. Glacier National Park, Montana
National Parks are the ultimate hack for affordable vacations. A vehicle pass covers everyone in your car for a week.
If you’re willing to camp under the Big Sky stars instead of booking a lodge, Glacier offers a million-dollar view for the price of a tank of gas.
11. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
As the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a budget traveller’s playground. The national park itself has no entrance fee, which is a rarity.
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You can hike to Alum Cave or drive the Cades Cove loop without spending a cent, leaving more money for the city’s famous pancake houses.
12. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. You have world-class canyons within a 20-minute drive.
Within the city, Temple Square offers stunning architecture and history at no cost, and the TRAX light rail system makes it easy to navigate without the expense of a rental car.
13. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly is the most affordable “big city” on the East Coast. You can see the Liberty Bell and the exterior of Independence Hall for free.
Walk the cobblestone streets of Old City, grab a real cheesesteak from a neighbourhood spot, and enjoy some of the best public art in the country without spending a dime.
14. Phoenix, Arizona
In the winter and shoulder seasons, Phoenix is a budget paradise. The hiking at Camelback Mountain or Papago Park is free and offers incredible desert vistas.
The city’s Mexican food scene is top-tier and priced for locals, not tourists, making it a staple for frugal travel tips.
15. Asheville, North Carolina
While the Biltmore Estate is expensive, everything else in Asheville is built for the budget-conscious nature lover.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is free to drive and offers endless trailheads. The River Arts District is a great place to see creators at work without an admission fee.
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Essential Frugal Travel Tips for Your US Trip:
Embrace the Shoulder Season:
Visit in May or September. The weather is better, and the prices drop by 30%.
Public Transit is Your Friend:
Use light rails in cities like SLC or Phoenix to save on parking and rentals.
The “Three Block” Rule:
Never eat within three blocks of a major tourist attraction. Walk further out to find where the locals eat for half the price.
Final Thoughts:
Travel isn’t just for those with deep pockets. By targeting the cheapest places to travel in the US, you’re choosing to spend your money on experiences rather than just high overhead.
Whether you’re eating ribs in Memphis or hiking the Smokies, the memories are the same—the only difference is the balance in your bank account when you get home.
