Traveling in the United States can be expensive, especially when it comes to accommodations. But not all trips have to be expensive. Several American cities offer affordable lodging options, from budget hotels and motels to hostels, vacation rentals, and extended-stay accommodations, without sacrificing attractions or comfort.
This article highlights some of the best American cities for budget-friendly stays, ideal for travelers who want to explore more while spending less.
What Makes a City “Budget-Friendly”
Before listing specific places, here are factors that help a city be affordable:
- Inexpensive lodging: motels, hostels, budget hotels, guesthouses, or Airbnbs at reasonable rates.
- Low or free attractions: parks, museums with free admission, city walks.
- Affordable food: lots of casual/local options rather than expensive tourist restaurants.
- Good public transport or walkability: this cuts down on taxi/Uber costs.
- Lower cost of living more generally—for goods, services, etc.—which translates into cheaper experiences.
Top U.S. Cities for Budget-Friendly Stays
| City | Average Hotel Price (per night) | Why It’s Budget-Friendly | Main Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio, TX | $70 – $110 | Wide range of motels and budget hotels below national average | The Alamo, River Walk, Mission Trail, Tex-Mex cuisine |
| Las Vegas, NV | $50 – $120 | Fierce competition keeps room prices low, even at resorts | The Strip, Fremont Street, free shows, Red Rock Canyon |
| Albuquerque, NM | $60 – $100 | Family-run inns and motels are affordable | Old Town, Sandia Peak Tramway, hot air balloons, Route 66 |
| Orlando, FL | $65 – $120 | Budget hotels and rentals near theme parks | Disney, Universal, ICON Park, nature reserves |
| San Diego, CA | $85 – $140 | Cheaper than other CA cities with many hostels and motels | Balboa Park, beaches, Old Town, San Diego Zoo |
| Memphis, TN | $60 – $110 | Many low-cost hotels and affordable attractions | Beale Street, Graceland, Sun Studio, Civil Rights Museum |
| Denver, CO | $80 – $130 | Competitive hotel market, suburban motels cheaper | Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Union Station, hiking trails |
| New Orleans, LA | $75 – $130 | Guesthouses and hostels are cheap outside French Quarter | Bourbon Street, French Quarter, street music, Mardi Gras |
| Kansas City, MO | $65 – $110 | Lower lodging costs than most large U.S. cities | Jazz District, BBQ restaurants, Nelson-Atkins Museum |
| Phoenix, AZ | $70 – $120 | Plenty of budget motels, especially in off-season | Camelback Mountain, Desert Botanical Garden, Scottsdale |
Quick Takeaways
- Cheapest overall: Las Vegas (as low as $50 a night with deals).
- Best for families: Orlando (theme parks + budget stays nearby).
- Best for culture & music: New Orleans and Memphis.
- Best outdoor gateways: Denver and Phoenix.
- Best history & charm: San Antonio and Albuquerque.
Top Cities to Consider
Here are U.S. cities frequently cited as being among the best for budget travel, with what makes them affordable and appealing.
| City | Why It’s Affordable & What to Do |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Often cited as one of the cheapest large cities to visit. Hotel stays run modest, food is affordable. Key sights include the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the Bricktown canal district, and free or low-cost galleries. |
| Albuquerque, New Mexico | Low lodging costs, especially outside peak festival times. Rich cultural history, Old Town, markets, hiking nearby. Often many free or inexpensive outdoor activities. |
| San Antonio, Texas | Lots of free or very affordable attractions: Forest Park, zoo, and museums. The food scene includes barbecue and local eats. Lodging deals in certain neighborhoods make longer stays doable. |
| St. Louis, Missouri | Historic missions, the Alamo (affordable), the beautiful River Walk, and plentiful local food at good prices. Many free or low-fee parks and cultural spots. |
| Tucson, Arizona | Warm weather, many casual/local restaurants, relatively low hotel rates compared to other large U.S. cities. Good for those wanting urban + desert landscapes. |
| Jacksonville, Florida | Beaches, parks, and many outdoor activities keep things cheaper. Good lodging options. Less tourist-price inflation than places like Miami. |
| Salt Lake City, Utah | Great access to nature, affordable stays outside of ski season, and lower lodging costs. Also, many free or cheap attractions. |
| Phoenix, Arizona | While not ultra-cheap, Portland offers value, especially for those who like nature, food trucks, inexpensive eats, and outdoors. More affordable than some West Coast hubs. |
| Savannah, Georgia | Historic town charm, free walking tours, public squares, inexpensive dining, and comfortable accommodations. |
| Portland, Oregon | Often cited as one of the cheapest large cities to visit. Hotel stays run modestly, food is affordable. Key sights include the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the Bricktown canal district, and free or low-cost galleries. |
Tips to Stretch Your Dollar More
To make any destination more affordable, here are tips:
- Travel off-peak: Avoid major holidays, weekends, and peak tourist seasons.
- Stay slightly outside the city centre: If public transport is good, staying a bit further out often saves on lodging.
- Use free / “pay what you like” attractions: Many museums have free days; parks, gardens, and walking tours are often free.
- Eat like a local: Food trucks, small diners, and markets are usually cheaper than tourist restaurants.
- Use public transportation / walk: Saves on car rental, parking, and gas.
- Book in advance: Hotels and flights often are cheaper well ahead of time.
Example Comparisons
- Hotel lodging: In cities like Albuquerque or Oklahoma City, average nightly hotel rates can be significantly lower than in major hubs like New York or San Francisco.
- Meals: Local diners, casual restaurants, or street food in many of these cities can offer full meal options at much lower cost.
- Attractions: Cities like St. Louis give great value via free museums and parks. Savannah and San Antonio give historic and scenic charm without premium prices.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to the U.S. and want to stay on a budget, you have many excellent options. Cities like Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, San Antonio, St. Louis, and Savannah offer a good blend of culture, scenery, local food, and affordable essentials. With a bit of planning (off-season travel, smart lodging choices, using local transit, eating locally), you can enjoy rich experiences without spending a fortune.
