Traveling to the United States is usually very expensive, so it’s quite difficult to have an unforgettable trip to the US on a limited budget. In fact, the key to achieving a wonderful and cost-effective adventure is to choose the right destination. The most affordable places to travel in US can make the most of every penny you spend. This guide aims to answer the most important questions that savvy explorers care about: What are the cheapest cities to visit in US? We no longer limit ourselves to those expensive tourist destinations, but have carefully selected a series of destinations that are both economical and charming. Please read on.
List 10 most affordable places to travel in US
There are several cities in the United States that are highly cost-effective as tourist destinations. They can combine low costs with high-quality experiences. Now, let’s explore these 10 cheapest cities to visit in US. They can offer you unforgettable travel experiences.
1. Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Estimated Daily Cost: $90 – $120
- Why it’s affordable?
The cost of living in New Mexico is already lower than the average level in the United States. And Albuquerque, as the largest city in the state, has relatively affordable prices. When tourists visit here, they can spend less money on dining, accommodation and transportation.
Albuquerque also has a wealth of free or low-cost attractions. The old town here is full of Spanish charm. Walking around it feels like being in a foreign country. The International Hot Air Balloon Festival held every October is also very attractive. You just need to buy an admission ticket to witness the spectacular scene of hundreds of hot air balloons taking off. This place combines Native American, Spanish and Mexican cultures. The tickets for many cultural attractions, such as the Indian Pueblo Village, are not expensive. The surrounding deserts, mountains and volcanic sites also provide low-cost exploration opportunities for outdoor activity lovers.
2. Tucson, Arizona
- Estimated Daily Cost: $95 – $130
- Why it’s affordable?
The reason why Tucson is one of the cheap travel spots in the US is mainly because the overall living cost here is lower than that in many major cities in USA. This means that tourists can find reasonably priced accommodation in Tucson.
There are also many free or low-cost natural attractions here, including Saguaro National Park, the Giant Column Cactus, and the Tucson Mountains, etc. Although Saguaro National Park requires a ticket, one ticket can be used for 7 consecutive days and allows visitors to explore both the eastern and western separate sections of the Tucson area, making it highly cost-effective. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is also worth visiting. Although it is called a museum, it is more like a combination of zoo, botanical garden and natural history museum. Therefore, the ticket is very cost-effective and is regarded as one of the best museums in the United States.
3. San Antonio, Texas
- Estimated Daily Cost: $100 – $140
- Why it’s affordable?
San Antonio is definitely one of the cheapest places in America to visit. It has abundant tourism resources but at low prices.
When visiting here, you must take a walk along the riverwalk, which is free of charge. The Alamo, as the most important historical site in Texas, is also free to visit. Besides the Alamo, there are four other Spanish missions in the city (collectively known as the “San Antonio Mission Group”) that together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ticket prices for visiting these historical buildings are very low, even free. The city also holds various cultural and festival events throughout the year, such as the Fiesta San Antonio in April. Many of these events are open to the public for free.
4. Memphis, Tennessee
- Estimated Daily Cost: $95 – $135
- Why it’s affordable?
As one of the cheapest places to travel right now in USA, the ticket prices for the most famous attractions in Memphis are relatively reasonable. The cost of visiting Graceland – Elvis Presley’s former residence or the Memphis Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is much lower than that of similar top music museums in other major cities.
Moreover, Memphis is known as the home of rock music and the capital of blues. The entire city is filled with a strong musical atmosphere and historical charm. This cultural atmosphere that can be felt on the streets and alleys is itself a kind of free enjoyment. Strolling along Beale Street, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, enjoy street music, and experience the history of blues music.
5. Cleveland, Ohio
- Estimated Daily Cost: $90 – $125
- Why it’s affordable?
Cleveland is one of the often-overlooked low cost vacations in the US. It boasts world-class museums, yet their admission fees are extremely low. The Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the top art museums in the country, with a rich collection and is permanently open to the public for free. The city also has the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Although admission ticket is required, the ticket price is very reasonable compared to other similar halls of fame or museums, making it a great value for music fans.
6. Kansas City, Missouri
- Estimated Daily Cost: $95 – $130
- Why it’s affordable?
As the largest city in Missouri, you must have heard of Kansas City. But did you know that it is also one of affordable places to travel in the US? This city boasts amazing free cultural resources, with the most famous being the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. This richly endowed museum is permanently open to the public for free, allowing visitors to enjoy art treasures ranging from ancient Asian artifacts to European impressionist works without spending a penny.
Meanwhile, Kansas City is also renowned as the barbecue capital of the world. The barbecue here is not only of high quality but also very affordable. The price of a genuine slow-cooked brisket or pork ribs here is much lower than in other tourist cities. In addition, the city’s scenic spots and entertainment consumption are also very budget-friendly. Kansas City is known as the “City of Fountains”, and exploring the over 200 fountains of various designs scattered throughout the city is completely free.
7. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Estimated Daily Cost: $100 – $150 (Outside of Mardi Gras & Jazz Fest)
- Why it’s affordable?
As one of cheap American vacation destinations, New Orleans is not just about grilled chicken! When coming here, you must visit the most attractive part of this city: the French Quarter. Tourists can stroll along the cobblestone streets, admire the Spanish colonial-style buildings, and listen to street jazz performances. All these exotic experiences are free of charge.
In addition, the city is filled with free festivals and events throughout the year. Besides the large free float parades during the famous Carnival, you can also enjoy outdoor concerts at Washington Square Park on weekdays, or take a walk along the Moon Walkway along the Mississippi River. The developed public transportation and lower accommodation prices than the national average make it possible for tourists to deeply experience this unique city with a limited budget.
8. Louisville, Kentucky
- Estimated Daily Cost: $90 – $120
- Why it’s affordable?
Louisville in Kentucky can provide you with one of inexpensive trips in the US. The affordability of the trip mainly stems from the following aspects.
Firstly, the core cultural experiences in this city are often free or have very low prices. Tourists can stroll freely along the Whiskey Row to experience the historical atmosphere of bourbon culture, or enjoy the scenery of the Ohio River and the iconic bridge designed by I.M. Pei in the Riverfront Park. Secondly, the accommodation and overall price level in Louisville are significantly lower than those in major cities on the east and west coasts of the United States. Tourists can stay in hotels or well-equipped apartments in the city center at relatively low prices and allocate more of their budget to the tourism experience. Additionally, the compact layout of the city allows many attractions to be reached on foot, further reducing transportation expenses.
9. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Estimated Daily Cost: $85 – $115
- Why it’s affordable?
When you arrive in Oklahoma City, you can enjoy a leisurely lifestyle in the Riverside District. There are several miles of hiking and cycling paths, as well as public artworks. Similarly, in the Historical Area of Livestock Breeding Farms, visitors can freely experience the cowboy-themed street and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the western history.
The admission prices of the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum and the Western Heritage Museum are much lower than those of many similar museums, yet they offer profound and rich visiting experiences. In addition, the Murrah Federal Building Ruins, as an outdoor memorial park, is completely free to visit. As a center of the livestock industry, you can also enjoy high-quality beef at very affordable prices here.
10. Atlanta, Georgia
- Estimated Daily Cost: $100 – $140
- Why it’s affordable?
Atlanta stands out as one of cheapest vacation cities in US due to its unique advantages. Tourists can visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park for free, including his birthplace and Ebenezer Church, experiencing the rich history of the civil rights movement. The Atlanta Loop, a greenway and art corridor transformed from abandoned railways, offers a completely free and unique way for pedestrians and cyclists to explore the city.
The public facilities and transportation costs in Atlanta are also very low. It has one of the busiest airports in the United States, which often offers discounts on flights to this city. The MARTA subway system within the city enables convenient and affordable access to most core areas, effectively saving the costs of renting a car or taking a taxi.
Tips for saving money while traveling in the USA
Choosing cheap places in USA to visit can indeed allow you to enjoy a wonderful trip to the United States while also controlling your budget. However, apart from choosing cheap places to travel in US, you can also adopt some smart strategies to save even more money. Here are a few suggestions we have for you.
1. Embrace alternative accommodation
The hotels in the city center are usually very expensive and your budget will soon run out. Choosing apartments on uhomes.com might be more cost-effective. The nightly price of their apartments is often cheaper than that of hotels, especially suitable for longer stays. The apartments we offer not only have complete facilities but also offer certain security guarantees. As a newcomer to this city, safety has always been an important factor that you have to take into account.
2. Travel during the off-season or shoulder season
Timing is crucial. During the peak season and major holidays, the prices of air tickets and accommodation can increase by several times. Moreover, at that time, the destinations tend to be very crowded. Your travel experience will also be very poor. Please schedule your trip during the off-season, namely spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). At this time, the weather is still pleasant, there are fewer tourists, and the prices are lower. Visiting the destination during its official off-season might allow you to enjoy the most favorable prices, but you need to be prepared for the characteristics of that season.
3. Utilize public transportation or walk
If you choose to travel by taxi or rent a car, the costs such as fuel and parking might be quite high. Most major cities in the United States have well-developed and reasonably priced public transportation systems, including buses, subways and trams. Additionally, if you want to thoroughly explore a city, the best way is often to walk. This is not only free but also allows you to discover the unique aspects of the city that might otherwise be missed.
4. Seek out free and low-cost attractions
There are numerous wonderful activities available in the United States that don’t require much spending. You can freely explore expansive suburban parks, scenic public trails, vibrant neighborhoods, and visit museums on their free open days. You need to do some researches in advance to find free walking tours, public festivals. You will find that many memorable moments can be obtained without spending any money.
Key takeaways
To find the most affordable places to travel in US, it is not only necessary to ensure low prices, but more importantly, to obtain an unforgettable travel experience. As discussed in this article, the cheapest cities to visit in US is a perfect combination of high-quality accommodation, low-cost activities, and affordable dining. When you start planning your next trip, we recommend that you consult uhomes.com first. We focus on providing comfortable and affordable accommodations for your travels, ensuring that you have a nice place to rest without exceeding your budget. Hope you have a great time in the US.
FAQ
Here are some of cheap places in USA to visit.
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Tucson, Arizona
- San Antonio, Texas
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Kansas City, Missouri
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Atlanta, Georgia
New Orleans, Louisiana might be the best answer to the cheapest fun city to visit in US.
What makes it fun?
- Artistic atmosphere: Jazz music in the French Quarter, nightlife on Bourbon Street, unique architecture and historical charm
- Food paradise: This is the birthplace of Creole and Cajun cuisine. Enjoy Benetton pies, drink Hurricane cocktails, and taste shrimp bibimbap at affordable prices in street-side cafes.
- Lots of free activities: Watch street performances, visit the Mississippi Riverfront, and stroll through the grand old houses in the flower district are all free.
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Lisbon, Portugal
- San José, Costa Rica
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Budapest, Hungary
- Bali, Indonesia
- Athens, Greece
- Cusco, Peru
- Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Almaty, Kazakhstan
Here are some inexpensive but safe cities to visit in the US.
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Virginia Beach, Virginia State
- San Antonio, Texas
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Portland, Maine
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Austin, Texas
- Boise, Idaho
