Why Visit Cheap Places in the USA?
Why These Are the Best Cheap Places to Visit in the USA
Budget travel in the United States opens doors to incredible experiences without draining your savings. The best cheap places to visit in the USA allow you to stretch your travel budget further, explore more destinations, and discover both iconic attractions and hidden gems across America. From vibrant cities to stunning natural landscapes, affordable travel is absolutely possible when you know where to go.
Many budget-friendly destinations feature free museums, low-cost local eateries, affordable accommodations, and even complimentary public transportation—perfect for travelers eager to maximize their adventures while minimizing expenses. According to Visit USA, strategic planning can reduce travel costs by 40-60% compared to spontaneous bookings.
15 Top Cheap Places to Visit in the USA for Extended Stays
Charleston, West Virginia
Charleston is one of the lowest-cost places to visit in the whole nation. This is well below the average daily spend on food, lodging, and attractions compared to many of the cities you may find yourself traveling through, which are swarming with tourists. As well, you get a lot more bang for your buck in Charleston as compared to many other places, making it a great destination for families or solo travelers looking to stretch their dollar.
Budget Highlights:
- Low-cost downtown accommodations
- Affordable local restaurants and cafes
- Free outdoor recreation areas
- Minimal transportation costs
Phoenix, Arizona
The average temperature in Phoenix is over 300 sunny days a year, making it the ultimate destination for budget travelers. Airline and hotel deals are competitive year-round, and people can move affordably on public transport throughout the region. With a myriad of free or low-cost attractions, including local parks, hiking trails, and community events, there are plenty of fun things to do for little to no money at all.
Budget Highlights:
- Consistently low hotel rates
- Affordable public transit system
- Complimentary desert parks and hiking paths
- Sunny Weather All Year Long No Weather Surprises
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is known for its dynamic music scene and incredible cultural heritage, but it’s also one of the cheapest cities in the country. Legendary sites such as Beale Street and electric nightlife are within reach without high prices. There are plenty of things to do for free or at very little cost, from live music to riverfront walks and plenty of historic landmarks.
Budget Highlights:
- Beale Street: Free live music
- Low-cost Soul food & BBQ joints
- Low-cost hotel options downtown
- Free riverfront parks and trails
Clarksville, Tennessee
Outdoor-loving folks will find that Clarksville is one of the best budget vacation spots in the U.S. Family friendly fun in the form of nature parks, scenic trails, and local attractions can all be done on a low-budget. Lodging and dining are inexpensive across the city, and Clarksville remains a Tennessee gem, where a little money stretches a long way.
Budget Highlights:
- State parks and nature preserves that are open to the public free of charge
- Budget-friendly family accommodations
- Low-cost outdoor activities
- Affordable local dining options
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale is a hidden gem within a short drive to Florida’s sun and sand and is a great alternative to costly Miami. Host beautiful beaches, city blocks made for walking, public art installations, and inexpensive places to eat. You can hop on a boat and tour art galleries or lounge on white sand beaches for less than you may think at other Florida hotspots.
Budget Highlights:
- Free public beaches
- Cheaper than Miami accommodations
- Mural tours and art walks for free
- Affordable waterfront dining
Bend, Oregon
Bend is an amazing travel destination for those who love incredible scenery, outdoor adventures, and good prices. There are a number of affordable hotels, restaurants, and free hiking trails and river activities in Bend that make it the ideal mix of scenery and savings. That makes it a great home base for venturing out into Oregon’s beautiful central high desert.
Budget Highlights:
- Free hiking and river access
- Affordable local breweries and cafes
- Budget-friendly outdoor gear rentals
- Low-cost camping options nearby
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France Albuquerque—A diverse mix of southwestern culture, tramways on mountains, and the least expensive U.S city to visit on average. Visitors can explore the colorful Old Town, admire breathtaking mountain scenery, and try the local dishes—a great trip that will not break the bank!
Budget Highlights:
- Free Old Town walking tours
- Affordable New Mexican cuisine
- Low-cost accommodations
- Free petroglyph viewing areas
More Affordable Cities Worth Considering
Here are additional cheap places to visit in the USA that consistently rank among the most budget-friendly:
- Rochester, New York: Affordable museums, diverse food scene, and comfortable budget stays
- Salt Lake City, Utah: Excellent hotel rates and free downtown attractions near Temple Square
- Concord, North Carolina: Recently topped lists for lowest overall travel costs in the US
- Denver, Colorado: Free downtown transit and abundant public parks
- Portland, Oregon: Low-cost public gardens and artistic atmosphere
10 Best Cheap Places to Visit in the USA for Weekend Trips
- Rochester, New York: Affordable museums, diverse food scene, and comfortable budget stays
- Salt Lake City, Utah: Excellent hotel rates and free downtown attractions
- Concord, North Carolina: Recently topped lists for lowest overall travel costs in the US
- Denver, Colorado: Free downtown transit and abundant public parks
- Portland, Oregon: Low-cost public gardens and artistic atmosphere
Best Budget Cities for Weekend Trips
Planning a quick getaway? Weekend-friendly budget cities with cheap or free attractions and a local food scene that’s kind to your wallet.
Denver, Colorado
Denver offers the best of both worlds with urban sights and sounds and close proximity to nature; hence, it is one of the best affordable weekend getaways. With a free MallRide transit system in the city, affordable lodging, and inexpensive attractions such as the Denver Botanic Gardens and nearby breweries, the city won’t break the bank for travelers.
Weekend Total: $200-300 / person, including lodging, food, and transit.
Internal Resource: Check out our complete Denver budget travel guide for more money-saving tips.
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville does have wide-open sandy beaches and a bustling downtown. It’s also one of the cheapest cities for short visits, with inexpensive lodging, convenient access to the ocean, and a number of parks and museums that are either free or relatively inexpensive.
Weekend Budget: $180-280 per person
Charleston, South Carolina
You get beautiful history and coastal charm with Charleston. With affordable hotel prices, cheap flights from major hubs and all the free or low-cost outdoor things to do — beaches, parks, historic districts — it continues to be a budget-minded traveler’s top pick year after year.
Weekend Budget: $220-320 per person
Portland, Oregon
And Portland has long served as an oasis for urbanites with a healthy appetite for the strange and visitors looking for a combination of rugged outdoors and neoteric city bustle. Many of the city’s public gardens, iconic food trucks, art galleries, and weekend markets provide low-cost entertainment options, and convenient public transit makes transportation affordable too.
Weekend Budget: $210-310 per person
Chicago, Illinois
There are a number of free things to do in the Windy City (hello, Millennium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the miles of lakefront beaches along Lake Michigan) that make Chicago very affordable to visit. Public transportation: The city’s public transportation system is very extensive.
Weekend Budget: $250-350 per person
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh, NC: Raleigh is one of the cheapest spots in the Southeast, boasting free museums, live music venues, and nearby parks. And it is far cheaper than other popular Southern cities such as Charleston or Savannah.
Weekend Budget: $190-270 per person
Weekend Budget City Comparison
| City | Key Attractions | Why It’s Affordable | Avg. Weekend Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | Gardens, Museums, Mountain Trails | Free public transit, budget hotels | $200-300 |
| Fort Lauderdale | Beaches, Arts District, Food Scene | Cheaper than Miami, low-cost activities | $220-310 |
| Albuquerque | Old Town, Sandia Peak Tramway | Cheap hotels, free parks | $180-260 |
| Jacksonville | Beaches, Parks, Museums | Low lodging and dining costs | $180-280 |
| Phoenix | Desert Parks, Local Events | Low airfare, budget hotels | $190-280 |
| Charleston, SC | Historic Sites, Beaches | Good flight deals, free attractions | $220-320 |
| Portland | Gardens, Markets, Art Galleries | Food trucks, free festivals | $210-310 |
| Chicago | Parks, Museums, Lakefront | Lots of free attractions | $250-350 |
| Raleigh | Museums, Food, Parks | Free museum entry, cheap eats | $190-270 |
Free Attractions in Budget-Friendly Cities
Finding cities with great free attractions is one of the best ways to save on travel. From local parks to high-end museums, these free-to-visit sites contain abundant culture and excitement. The best strategy to save money while travelling is to experience the incredible free attractions of these cheap cities. From public parks to internationally-acclaimed museums, these free things to do provide local culture and unforgettable experiences.
Free Attractions in Denver, Colorado
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
On non-concert days this iconic venue has free admission and is home to a number of hiking trails, breathtaking natural sights, and the Colorado Music Hall of Fame museum. Even the geo-formation is a good enough reason to go there. The geological formations alone make it worth the visit. Learn more at Red Rocks Online.
Colorado State Capitol Tour
Explore this beautiful government building on a free guided tour, and climb to the dome for stunning views of Denver and the Rocky Mountains. The tours are offered weekdays and absolutely free
Denver Union Station
This carefully restored historic property is now a vibrant center of activity and life. Chill in the great hall to do some people watching, have cheap eats, or take in the architecture—no purchase necessary.
16th Street Mall
A mile-long pedestrian-only street with free outdoor art installations, street performers, and plenty of people watching. Riding the free MallRide shuttle makes it easy to get around.
Confluence Park
Gaze at the delectable Cherry Creek where it meets the South Platte River. This urban green space features a beach, walking paths, and great picnic spots, all for free.
Cheap or Free Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Public Beaches
Public beaches, including Fort Lauderdale Beach and Las Olas Beach, are miles and miles long and open to all at no charge. If you bring your own towel and umbrella, you can save even further.
Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District
Walk along the waterfront, see boats traveling the Intracoastal, and catch concerts or festivals for free when they occur. It links different museums, parks, and restaurants!
Las Olas Boulevard
Stroll down this landmark street, elevating your window-shopping (and free people-watching) game, as upscale boutiques juxtapose quirky public art installations and colorful street performers galore.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Free pedestrian access offers shaded nature trails, a peaceful lagoon, and excellent picnic areas. It’s an oasis of nature just steps from the beach. Visit Florida State Parks for more information.
Secret Woods Nature Center
Stroll high above the ground on mangrove boardwalks, watching for turtles, fish, birds, and more, at no cost.
Internal Link: Discover more affordable Florida destinations in our complete state guide.
Free Attractions in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Petroglyph National Monument
Explore beautiful pathways lined with thousands of ancient Native American and Spanish settler rock carvings. Visiting the trails and seeing petroglyphs is free, except for a small parking fee.
Old Town Albuquerque
Stroll through its historic adobe plazas, enjoy the free-entrance art galleries, and shop for handmade local arts and crafts in this walkable district bursting with tradition and Southwestern character.
Museum of Art at the University of New Mexico
Here you can see rotating collections of contemporary and historical art. Even better, admission is free of charge, which is making it perfect for an art lover with a tight budget! Visit the UNM Art Museum to see current exhibitions.
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
Ri—Birdwatchwalk, Climb Educational Exhibits, Walk Along the Schuylkill River, FEMA Historic Architecture to Roads, Bridges, & Waterways, Collapse Lodged WALKS Scenic Trails There’s a small parking fee, but the trails and nature viewing are free.
Albuquerque Museum Sculpture Garden
Take a walk in this open-air venue boasting of dozens of sculptures by local artists. Admission is free and open even when the museum is closed.
Free Attractions in Phoenix, Arizona
Desert Botanical Garden Free Days
The garden is ticketed most of the year but has free admission days throughout the year; see their calendar for dates.
Papago Park
This sprawling city park is free, with no-cost parking, hiking to Hole-in-the-Rock for stunning city views, and desert trails and picnic areas to explore.
Heritage Square
Explore the original townsite of Phoenix with preserved homes and museums, especially Victorian. Some buildings have an admission fee, but walking the grounds is free.
Free Attractions in Memphis, Tennessee
Beale Street
Feel the blues legendarily streaming out of clubs and street performers. Although inside the venues you pay for drinks, the street vibe is free.
Mississippi Riverfront
You can walk concrete trails along the Mississippi River, watching the sunset, and visit riverside parks for free.
Free Days At Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
Occasionally free days (check their website out before you go!) at this Smithsonian museum.
Charleston, SC Free Things to Do
Historic Downtown Walking Tour
Wander through old facades, cobbled pavements, and traditional temples at your own pace. Self-guided tours are completely free.
Waterfront Park
Lounge by the Pineapple Fountain, which is a must-see, take in water views, and let kids run around the splash fountain that operates from the end of spring to the beginning of autumn.
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Cross this beautiful cable-stayed bridge on foot or by bike to take in stunning views of the Charleston Harbor and the city skyline.
Free Attractions in Portland, Oregon
International Rose Test Garden
More than 10,000 rose bushes will bloom for your enjoyment, with spectacular views of Mount Hood, and it is free year-round.
Powell’s City of Books
Explore the biggest independent bookstore in the world that covers a whole city block. You can browse around without having to purchase.
Saturday Market
For this outdoor arts and crafts market (March-December), check out free street performers, local artisans, and food vendors.
Expert Money-Saving Tips for These Cheap Places to Visit in the USA
You can actually have good-quality experiences while traveling on a budget. Here are some tried-and-true tips to maximize your dollars:
Before You Go
Book Flights Strategically
- Use price comparison tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner
- Fly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for lower fares
- Book 6-8 weeks in advance for domestic flights
- Consider nearby airports for better deals
- Sign up for airline fare alerts through Scott’s Cheap Flights
Choose Accommodations Wisely
- Stay in neighborhoods just outside downtown areas
- Consider hostels like Hostelworld properties, which now offer private rooms
- Book hotels that include free breakfast
- Use hotel comparison sites like Booking.com and book directly for best rates
- Look for properties with free parking if driving
Internal Link: Read our guide on finding the cheapest hotels in America for more tips.
Travel Off-Peak
- Summer and summer holidays, weeks of school vacation—avoid.
- Travel to popular locations in the shoulder seasons
- Seize the pricing difference between weekdays and weekends
During Your Trip
Transportation Savings
- If possible, avoid using taxis or rideshare cars and use public transport instead
- Stroll or bicycle around cities
- Utilize free transit (Denver’s MallRide, etc.)
- Leave your car outside downtown and catch transit in
- Think about city tourism passes that also include transit
Dining on a Budget
- If breakfast is part of your hotel stay, eat it there
- Opt for lunch specials instead of dinner pricing
- Go to food trucks and local markets
- Pack snacks for day trips
- Look for “happy hour” deals
- Find cheap local joints using apps such as Yelp
Free Entertainment
- Prioritize free attractions and museums
- Take advantage of free festivals and events happening in the community
- Explore state and city parks
- Take self-guided walking tours
- Visit beaches and natural areas
- Local calendars of events for free concerts
Smart Planning
- You can also save money on data charges by downloading maps for offline use.
- Keep away from getting drinks by bringing drink bottles
- Get free maps and tips at tourist information centers
- Search for combination tickets or city passes.
- Book Experiences Directly, not through 3rd parties
Best Times to Visit These Cheap Places in the USA
The key to getting the best deals is understanding seasonal pricing:
Shoulder Season (Best Value)
- Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November)
- 20-40% cheaper than peak season
- Better weather than winter
- Fewer crowds than summer
- Off-Peak Season (Biggest Savings)
The rest of winter (outside of holidays) in most cities
- Up to 50% savings on hotels
- Shorter lines at attractions
- A few attractions might be open but with limited hours
- Peak Season (Most Expensive)
Summer (June-August) nationwide
- Florida and Arizona Spring Break
- Major holidays everywhere
- School vacation periods
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What states in the USA are the least expensive to visit?
The states with the cheapest travel rates year after year are typically Tennessee, West Virginia, Arizona, and New Mexico, where you’ll find more affordable prices on lodging, food, and activities. In terms of budget value, southern states as a whole offer more than coastal areas do.
Q: What American Cities Have the Least Expensive Travel?
Affordable cities for budget tourists include Memphis, Charleston (WV), Phoenix, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, and Albuquerque. These cities have many free or inexpensive attractions and inexpensive places to stay and to eat!
Q: Where to vacation for cheap as a family?
Absolutely! Affordable family fun in cities such as Charleston, Clarksville, and Jacksonville. National parks and state parks provide great opportunities for family activities as well, with entrance fees for campsites under $35 per vehicle and kids free of charge at many parks around the country.
Q: How can I save the most money taking a trip in the US?
To make travel affordable, plan ahead, take the train/bus, look for local sites that are free or inexpensive, visit in non-peak times, and pick lesser-known smaller cities or towns. Also, lodgings that have kitchens allow you to make some of your food.
Q: Budget for a weekend in a cheap US city: 1,050—1,800 exp.
A weekend trip to a budget-friendly city will cost around $180-350 per person and includes accommodations, food, local transportation, and activities. Albuquerque and Jacksonville rank near the bottom, while Denver and Chicago rank higher.
Q: Can I travel to pricey cities such as NY or SF for cheap?
The Short Answer: Sort of, but it involves additional planning. Weigh Free Attractions (Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Golden Gate Park); Public Transit, Outermost Neighborhoods, Food Trucks or Ethnic Restaurants (October 2023) Put aside 400-500+ per person for weekends in pricier cities.
Q: She was wondering, which are the cheapest national parks?
Most national parks cost $20-35 per vehicle for a 7-day visit. Nothing is as free as Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Buy an America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) if you are seeing multiple parks—it will be paid off within 3-4 visits.
Q: Is it cheaper to fly or drive to low-cost hotspots?
And that varies both with distance and size of group. In general, flying is less expensive than any other mode of transportation for solo travelers traveling long distances. In fact, when you consider the cost of any potential rental car at your destination, driving is much more economical for families or groups over journeys of 300-400 miles.
Now Start Planning Your Affordable USA Trip
America is a country of many landscapes, and travelers can find something for any budget. Whether that be the sunny deserts of Phoenix, the musical streets of Memphis, the historic charm of Charleston, or the outdoor paradise of Bend—great and affordable adventures await everywhere in America.
With smart choices such as visiting inexpensive locales, utilizing free sites, and utilizing economical techniques, it is possible to build long-lasting traveling thoughts, all without overspending your budget. The trick is knowing where to point your feet and how to stretch your dollars.
So, are you ready to kick-start your low-cost voyage?
Pick one of those affordable destinations and begin planning your next escape as soon as possible. Remember to:
- Book early for the best deals
- When Swift Travel as Soon as You can
- Prioritize free and low-cost attractions
- Use public transportation
- Embrace local food scenes
Pass this guide along to your fellow budget travelers and let them in on the secret that great American adventures don’t have to be expensive. Bookmark this page—we will update with more frugalicious travel tips, destination stories, and US travel finds.
Happy budget travels!
Additional Resources
- National Park Service—Plan visits to America’s natural treasures
- Roadtrippers—Plan scenic road trip routes
- The Points Guy—Maximize travel rewards and points
- Budget Travel Communities on Reddit—Connect with fellow budget travelers
- Visit your destination’s official tourism board website for free events and current deals
Disclaimer:
Prices and recommendations are based on hypothetical data for travel during the year 2025 and are subject to seasonal differences. Before finalizing your travel plans, please confirm current prices, availability, and local conditions. Everyone has a different experience depending on what days they go, the size of their group, and how they would like to experience it.
Last Updated: November 2025
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