26 CHEAP Places to Travel in the USA

The United States is not known for being a cheap place to travel, and there are not many cheap places to travel in the US. In fact, venturing around the US can become a very costly affair, which is one of the reasons we love to travel abroad.

However, there are some US destinations and cities that are cheaper than others. And if you look hard enough, you’ll be able to find some awesome hidden gems and experiences that won’t break the bank! From hiking in the beautiful US National Parks to enjoying a free museum, or eating a Philly Cheesesteak, there are plenty of inexpensive attractions and sights everywhere you look.

Keep reading for all the best affordable vacation spots in the US, including some tips to travel on a budget in America.

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The Cheapest Places to Travel in the USA

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1. Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is known for its sunny warm weather but it’s also one of the cheapest places to travel to in the United States. Airfare and hotel prices are below average when compared to other major metropolitan areas aroud the U.S. It’s relatively cheap to travel around Phoenix once you’re there too and makes for a great jumping-off point for an Arizona road trip!

Watch for free museum days when certain museums offer free entry. Some museums are free all the time like the Arizona Capitol Museum, and the Phoenix Art Museum offers free admission on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on the first Friday of each month from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Other cheap attractions include Enchanted Island Amusement Park, Papago Park, and the Desert Botanical Garden. Escaping the city is easy too. Just head to the South Mountain Park and Reserve and spend some time hiking the trails. 

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2. Knoxville, Tennessee 

While not one of Tennessee’s biggest or most famous cities, Knoxville is still a great place to visit and one of the most exciting cheap places to travel in the US. One of the things it’s widely known for is affordable lodging and attractions and there are many options to choose from on both fronts! Take in a show at the Tennessee Theater or wander around town searching for some of the colorful murals.  

Be sure to check out some of the amazing free things to do including the Knoxville Botanical Gardens, McClung Collection, Marble Springs State Historic Site, Old Gray Cemetery, and the Knoxville Museum of Art. You can also join a Cradle of Country Music Walking Tour free of cost. 

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3. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Bordered by the scenic Sangre de Cristo Mountains and renowned for its lively atmosphere, vibrant culture, and fascinating history, Santa Fe, New Mexico is a budget traveler’s dream! There’s so much to see and do and you don’t need a lot of cash to enjoy many of the attractions. 

Some of the free and low-cost attractions around the city include the Santa Fe Plaza, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, New Mexico State Capitol, the Nedra Matteucci Galleries, New Mexico History Museum, Santa Fe Farmers Market, and Randall Davey Audubon Center.  

The Longmire Walking Tour is also free but if you prefer to explore the more natural areas of the city on your own, you can go hiking along the Dale Ball Trails. 

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4. San Antonio, Texas

If immersing in culture is your kind of thing while traveling, San Antonio offers up a vibrant mix of American history and Mexican culture and at a cheap price too! Some of the nicest hotels in the city tend to have cheaper prices than the same hotel would have in any of the other major cities in the United States. 

There are also many free things to do including walking the Paseo del Rio, or River Walk as it’s commonly called, and exploring the King William Historic District.  

Free attractions include The Alamo, Institute of Texan Culture, Briscoe Western Art Museum, McNay Art Museum, the Witte Museum, La Villita Historic Arts Village, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and the Japanese Tea Garden. The San Antonio Museum of Art is also free on certain days. 

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5. Salt Lake City, Utah

While it may not be all that cheap to fly to Salt Lake City from certain destinations, it’s certainly cheap to travel around the city! Since it’s a popular destination for skiers coming to enjoy the area’s ski resorts, it’s a great place to go in winter when the prices of car rentals and hotels are even lower.  If you are a holder of an Ikon Pass, you can ski at some of the best Salt Lake City resorts including Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude!

However, if you prefer to go in the summer, you’ll still find great deals and the attractions are open for the high season. Many of these attractions are free or very cheap to enter including the Hill Aerospace Museum, Salt Lake Masonic Temple, Family History Library and Joseph Smith Memorial Building, the Utah State Capitol, City Creek Center and the Governor’s Mansion.

From SLC you can also hike near the city, go mountain biking, or visit the Bonneville Salt Flats which are just a 1.5 hour drive from the city.

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6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Often touted as the ultimate alternative to expensive New York City, Philadelphia is home to some of the top attractions in the northeastern United States. Upon arrival, be sure to acquire a one-day, all-access pass from the Southern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to travel cheaply on local trains, buses, trolleys, and subways. 

As you explore this fascinating city, you’ll find many free attractions including the Liberty Bell Center, Independence National Historical Park, The Rocky Statue and the Rocky Steps, Independence Visitor Center, Valley Forge National Historical Park, and the Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Benches. 

Dining out in Philly is cheap too because many local restaurants have a unique policy that allows guests to bring their own drinks.  That’s right, there are BYOB restaurants in just about every Philly neighborhood – how’s that for cheap destinations in the US?

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7. Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor, which can be found on Mount Desert Island in Maine, is a fairly cheap destination any time of year but it’s cheapest in the off-season which is pretty much anytime but summer and early fall. The area is known for its many parks which include the stunning Acadia National Park, which is home to beautiful beaches and incredible views, and many smaller green spaces such as Agamont Park. Wander along the many hiking trails, and check out unique attractions such as the Land Bridge to Bar Island and Little Village Gifts and Art Gallery. 

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8. Denver, Colorado

If you’re looking for an affordable destination that combines a city break with outdoor adventure, Denver is definitely a place you should check out for your next vacation. You won’t have to worry about paying a hefty price to get around the downtown area because the MallRide service offers free public transportation. 

Some of the free attractions in Denver include the Colorado State Capitol Building, Colorado Music Hall of Fame, Colorado State Capitol Building, Clyfford Still Museum, The Money Museum, Colorado Governor’s Mansion, the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research, and The Denver Art Museum. 

Free museum days are also hosted throughout the year so be sure to check into it during your visit and remember the beautiful hiking and biking trails around Denver are free to use any time. If you visit Denver in the winter, you’re never that far from some of the best Colorado Ski Resorts (not cheap for day tickets), though if you have the Epic Pass you can certainly make use of it at all Vail Resorts.

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9. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City may not be on your radar for top vacation picks but if you’re looking for a cheap place to visit in the USA where you’ll find many things to see and do, it should be! Many airlines serve Kansas City so airfare tends to be cheaper than you’d expect but that’s not the only way you’ll save money.  

The city is also home to many free attractions including the Harley-Davidson Plant, Kemper Museum, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Loose Park, and the American Jazz Museum. Other free things to do include riding the KC Streetcar, checking out the City Market, and visiting the more than 200 fountains that can be found around the city. 

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10. Glacier National Park, Montana

Located in Montana, Glacier National Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise and one of the cheapest destinations in the United States. Near Whitefish, Montana you can easily enjoy hiking on the many trails in Glacier. In the summer admire spectacular mountain scenery, swim in pristine lakes and rivers and take a scenic drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. 

As you explore the area, you’ll find several picnic areas and nature centers where you can learn about the flora and fauna of the area. The best part about a trip to this park? A seven-day pass only costs $35 and you have access to all this and a variety of ranger-led activities such as guided hikes and stargazing events. 

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11. Houston, Texas

Despite being a large city, Houston is surprisingly cheap, particularly when it comes to booking nice hotels that would cost an arm and a leg in any other major US city! Once there, you can enjoy many other free and inexpensive attractions including the Menil Collection of Art, the Holocaust Museum, Rothko Chapel, Market Square Park, the Art Car Museum, and the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.  

It’s pretty cheap to rent a car too and if you decide to go that route, Galveston Island is a fantastic day trip destination that’s only about an hour away. 

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12. Indianapolis, Indiana

Not typically considered one of the coolest places to visit in the US, but Indy certainly provides great value. Whether you love drinking craft beer, or you love being outdoors, Indianapolis has something for everyone. It also happens to be a super cheap place to travel in the USA! With lower hotel rates, visitors have more money to spend on attractions. 

That being said, many of the city’s attractions are free including the Daily Light Show on Monument Circle, Indianapolis Art Center ArtsPark, and the Lockerbie Square Historic District. It’s also very affordable to get around, especially if you’re a cyclist because the various districts that makeup Indianapolis are connected by bike trails. 

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13. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque is another US city offering cheap hotel rates and fantastic restaurants with reasonably priced menus. There are many affordable things to do around the city including riding the Sandia Peak Tramway to enjoy amazing views of the city and surrounding mountains. 

Some attractions are even free such as the University of New Mexico Museum, the Petroglyph National Monument, and the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology. Of course, hiking on the La Luz Trail and wandering around the beautiful Old Town district is always free, too!

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14.  Grand Canyon, Arizona

For a grand total of $35 per vehicle, you’ll get full access for an entire week to one of North America’s greatest natural attractions, The Grand Canyon. Hotels near the Grand Canyon are decently priced, especially if you base yourself in Page (near the North Rim), but why stay in a hotel when you can have the ultimate outdoor adventure by camping in this amazing place? 

Besides, it’s a great way to cut costs and save money for other things like if you want to take a side trip to Las Vegas or one of the other fabulous national parks in the region. Hiking is the most popular activity in the Grand Canyon and some of the top sites to check out include Cave of the Domes, Grand Canyon Village, and Horseshoe Mesa. 

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15. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Hiking, climbing, kayaking, camping, wildlife viewing. Are these activities you like to enjoy on your vacation? If so and if you like to travel on a budget, Grand Teton National Park is the perfect place for your next outdoorsy outing. You’ll be able to participate in a wide range of activities and visit many attractions, including Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center and the scenic Teton Park Road, for the small price of $35.00 for a weekly pass. 

Top tip – stay out of Jackson if you are on a budget, accommodation and restaurants are pretty pricey here. Better to camp in the summer as the fees range from around $15 to $30 per night or check out affordable lodging at Colter Bay Village and Headwaters Lodge & Cabins.

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16. San Diego, California

California is known for its glitzy cities and we all know those cities aren’t cheap to visit. There is one city that has just as much to see and do but a trip there comes with a cheaper price tag. That city is San Diego and if you’re looking for a sunny, warm, beachside destination to take your next getaway, this is the perfect place!  

Almost everything is cheaper here (than other places in California that is) including hotel bookings and car rentals and it’s even cheaper to fly to San Diego than it is to the bigger nearby cities. Mission Bay Park, San Diego Embarcadero, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, and Balboa Park are just some of the free attractions around the city.  

Of course, lying on the beach soaking up the sun is always free.  Head to Moonlight State Beach, La Jolla Shores Beach, or one of the many other sandy stretches situated around the area. Or take a day trip to Coronado, the ferry only costs $10.00 for a round trip. 

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17. Moab, Utah

Located in Utah, Moab is a quiet, small town with big attractions and budget-friendly activities. The town is located close to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park which means there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a range of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and rafting. 

The hotel rooms in the area are reasonably priced but the best accommodation to enjoy Moab’s great outdoors and observe the incredibly clear night skies is to pitch a tent, at one of the town’s campgrounds. If you happen to be there during the summer, be sure to check out the free concert series that takes place on certain days. 

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18. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans can be anything you want it to be. It can be an extravagant, expensive, all-out party or it can be a low-key, affordable vacation. If you want to visit The Big Easy on a budget, it’s certainly doable and your visit can be just as fun and memorable.  

The city is known for its free street performances that take place all year round and just roaming around the city admiring the architecture and people-watching are entertaining as well. 

New Orleans is home to many parks and green spaces so escaping the crowds is easy but if you want to learn about the history and immerse in the local culture, there are many free attractions. 

These include the Lower 9th Ward Living Museum, Sazerac House and the Frenchman Art Market.  Free tours, like the one at Nola Brewing Co., are also available.  

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19. Asheville, NC

Whether you’re into history, nature, outdoor adventure or just relaxing in a pretty destination, there’s something for everyone in Asheville, North Carolina. This is especially true if you’re a budget traveler because there are many free and cheap things to do in and around Asheville. 

Go for a scenic ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway, go hiking in the Pisgah National Forest, visit the Botanical Gardens, check out the Folk Arts Center, and spend time in the great outdoors in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. During the summer, be sure to check out the city’s downtown buskers and free festivals. 

Asheville can be an expensive place to get accommodation in the summer. So if you’re on a budget check into Sweet Peas Hostel or Bon Paul & Sharky’s Hostel – you can always book private rooms if you don’t want to share.

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20. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is a major hub for both domestic and international flights which makes it a fairly cheap city to fly into compared to some of the other major cities. The city is also home to many amazing attractions, many of which are cheap or free to access. 

Try the Fernbank Science Center, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, the Atlanta Monetary Museum, the Center for Puppetry Arts, the Georgia Capitol Museum, and the High Museum of Art.

If you love the great outdoors, you can reach the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area and the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve in under an hour and enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, and many other outdoor pursuits. 

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21. Destin, Florida

Florida is one of the most popular destinations in North America but there’s one city in the state that often gets overlooked in favor of well-known destinations, such as Orlando and the Florida Keys, and that’s Destin.  The best thing about Destin, besides the amazing attractions, is it’s very cheap to visit. The most popular attraction is the white, sandy beaches.

It’s always free to lie in the sun all day long if that’s your kind of thing! Other free and nearly free attractions include Henderson Beach State Park, Destin Harbor Boardwalk, HarborWalk Village, Destin Commons, Jolee Island Nature Park, Crab Island, and the alligator show at Gator Beach. Many of the five-star hotels offer rooms for less than $200 depending on the season but there are also many other accommodations available that cost even less.  

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22. Memphis, Tennessee

Culture, history, lively parties, and world-class attractions. Memphis has it all! It also has many free things to do which makes it a super cheap place to visit in the USA. Many of the bars and clubs don’t charge cover so there are opportunities to check out that live music scene the city is known for. 

Mud Island River Park, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, the Pink Palace Museum, and the Art Museum of the University of Memphis are just some of the places that offer free admission. Even Elvis Presley’s home at Graceland is pretty cheap to visit!

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23. St. Augustine, Florida

Cheap accommodations and attractions are not all St. Augustine is known for. The city is considered to be the oldest in the country so you can bet there are some fascinating attractions to visit! Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, The Old Jail, Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, Fort Matanzas, and the St. Augustine Distillery are just a few of the top attractions that don’t cost an arm and a leg to visit. If you want to spend a day outdoors, beautiful St. Augustine Beach is only five miles away. 

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24. Washington DC

Many people assume that Washington DC is an expensive destination because it is, after all, the capital city. However, it’s quite cheap to visit if you plan ahead and know where to go and what to do. There are several free Smithsonian Museums to visit around the city and the National Mall is a fun place to explore.  

You can also see the world’s biggest library at the Library of Congress and the U.S. Capitol Building is a must-see attraction that’s also free to visit. Would you like to see the inside of the White House while you’re in town?  

This can be arranged through your State representative in advance and you won’t have to pay a cent! There are also several free tours you can join including the Old Town Alexandria Walking Tour and the Historic Georgetown Town Tour. Washington DC is also known for its many parks and green spaces so you can spend some time exploring the more natural side of the city. 

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25. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale is only 30 miles away from Miami but the two cities are like night and day when it comes to affordability! Miami is known for its high-end lifestyle but that doesn’t mean quieter Fort Lauderdale lacks amazing things to see and do!  

The best part is many of these things are free to access such as The Anne Kolb Nature Center and the Buehler Planetarium & Observatory. Las Olas Boulevard is a lively place to explore and as you walk around this city, you’ll see beautiful murals and street art.  

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26. Saugatuck, Michigan

Saugatuck is one of the best places to visit in Michigan and one of the best cheap places to travel in the US. Initially known as a port and lumber town, gained prominence as a prominent artistic center and a popular tourist spot by the late 1800s. Today it’s where Michiganders head to relax at a scenic setting along Lake Michigan.

It’s a relaxing place to visit year-round, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy the beauty of Saugatuck – in fact, most of the best things to do are free! Enjoy Oval Beach, walk to the Kalamazoo River Light, stroll around downtown, and walk into the numerous art galleries before having a cheap bite to eat at one of the best Saugatuck restaurants.

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How To Save Money When Traveling the USA

Traveling on a budget is all about how you travel

Share your expenses

Find travel buddies, bring the family, do a friend’s road trip, and plan a girl’s weekend! Most things will work out cheaper if you travel as a group and can share expenses. Book a hotel room with two beds, and fit up to 4 people in it. Split a car rental, share a park pass, split a pizza. Travel is best shared with others!

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Camp

If you are traveling the US in the summer, or where the weather is typically agreeable, one of the best ways to save money is to camp. Depending on where campgrounds charge anywhere from $15-$30 per night.

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Consider a Campervan

Booking a campervan may seem expensive initially, but when you consider it is your rental car and accommodation, and that you can cook meals out of them they actually can work out to be quite budget-friendly. We like to check Outdoorsy for campervan rentals.

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Cook Your Meals

Eating out in the US is a costly affair. Most meals cost at least $15 per plate, not including a 20% tip added on. To save money, shop at the grocery stores and cook your meals when you have a kitchen.

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Travel in the Off-season

High-season travel means high season prices. The high season in the US is not just “summer.” It all depends on where you are traveling. For example high season in the American Southwest is between December and April because in the summer the temperatures soar to over 100°F.

In the Carolinas, the high season is during the summer and many people want to enjoy the beach. In the Northeast, the high season is the summer, and in the fall visitors from around the country flock to chase the fall colors. Do your research to find out when high season is where you are traveling and book your trip outside of those months.

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Travel Slower

The slower you travel the less you move around. Moving around, especially by plane or by road tripping increases costs. Stick to just one or two destinations or regions to save on costs.

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Get a Travel Credit Card

If you travel often it’s imperative you have a travel credit card. Travel credit cards offer lucrative sign-up bonuses which result in free or heavily discounted travel. Plus there are many perks to travel credit cards like having lounge access, trip delay insurance, and even free rental car upgrades (which allowed us to get a Mustang convertible when we traveled to Tucson last year). See our favorite travel credit cards here.

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Sign Up For Going

Get an account with Going, which searches the internet for the best possible flight deals and “error fares.”

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Get An America The Beautiful Pass

If you plan to visit several US National Parks, purchase an America the Beautiful annual pass for $80. This will save you money on park entrance fees in the long run, and it helps support our stunning National Parks.

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TRAVEL THE USA

We hope this list of the cheapest places to travel in the USA helps you plan your perfect trip. For more travel around America, check out these articles:

• 21 Best Things To Do In Marquette, Michigan
• 26 Best Things To Do In Sedona, Arizona
• Hiking Angels Landing Zion – 20 Helpful Things to Know
• 50 Best Small Towns in America (Best From Each State)
• 21 Amazing Things To Do In Petoskey, Michigan