Best Cheap Places to Visit in the USA: Top Budget Destinations

Let's be honest. The idea of a cheap vacation in the USA often feels like a myth, sandwiched between stories of $20 sandwiches in New York and $40 parking in San Francisco. But it's not a myth. You just need to know where to look—and more importantly, how to think. A truly affordable trip isn't just about finding a destination with a low hotel tax. It's about finding places where the free and low-cost experiences are so good, you don't feel like you're missing out. I've spent a decade road-tripping and city-hopping on a budget, and the biggest mistake I see is people choosing the wrong type of cheap destination. Picking a random small town because it's "low cost" can backfire if there's nothing to do, forcing you to drive hours and spend gas money to find entertainment. The sweet spot is a city or region with a critical mass of free public assets: parks, museums, historic districts, and vibrant street life.

Forget the coast. Let's talk about the heartland, the southwest, and the underrated mountain towns. These are places where your dollar has room to breathe, where community pride manifests in well-kept public spaces, and where the most memorable moments often don't have a ticket price. Here’s a deep dive into five destinations that get it right.

St. Louis, Missouri: The Gateway to Free Fun

St. Louis is the undisputed champion of free major attractions. It's built its tourism identity around accessibility.

The Can't-Miss Freebies

The Gateway Arch grounds and museum are completely free. You only pay if you take the tram to the top (which is worth it, but you can have a fantastic day without it). The St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park is world-class and free every day. Not "cheap"—free. Forest Park itself is larger than Central Park and houses the free St. Louis Art Museum and Missouri History Museum. Spend a whole day here and your only cost might be lunch.

Where to Eat & Stay on a Budget

Skip the downtown hotel towers. Look for neighborhoods like The Grove or South Grand for more affordable boutique hotels or Airbnbs. For food, you have to try St. Louis-style pizza (thin crust, provel cheese) at a local joint like Imo's Pizza. Gooey butter cake for breakfast? Don't knock it till you've tried it. A pro tip: The Soulard Farmers Market is one of the oldest in the country. Grab fresh produce, local bread, and cheese for incredible picnic spreads in Forest Park.

San Antonio, Texas: History on a Budget

San Antonio understands that its history is its greatest asset, and it makes it remarkably accessible.

Walking the River Walk (Paseo del Río) is free and endlessly entertaining. Ditch the crowded restaurant strip and explore the Museum Reach or Mission Reach stretches for a quieter, art-filled experience. The Alamo is free to enter (though you should reserve a timed ticket online). The real historical treasure is the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. These four other missions are active parishes and UNESCO sites. You can bike to them along the river trail or take a cheap VIA bus. Admission? Free.

Asheville, North Carolina: Mountain Magic Without the Madness

Asheville has a reputation for hip (and pricey) food, but its natural surroundings are the ultimate budget equalizer.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, America's favorite scenic drive, has no toll. Access it right from town. Hikes like Craggy Gardens or Looking Glass Rock offer breathtaking views for the cost of a little sweat. In town, wander the River Arts District to watch artists work in their studios—browsing is free and fascinating. Yes, the Biltmore Estate is expensive. But you can get a taste of the Vanderbilt legacy for free by admiring the architecture of downtown buildings they funded, like the Basilica of St. Lawrence.

Affordable Eats in a Foodie Town

You don't need a reservation at a famed tasting menu spot. Hit the WNC Farmers Market for incredible local produce. Then, grab a legendary biscuit at Biscuit Head (under $10 for a massive, creative biscuit plate) or a slice of pizza at All Souls Pizza in the RAD. The brewery scene is huge; many have food trucks and live music with no cover charge.

Albuquerque, New Mexico: Desert Culture & Color

Albuquerque gives you the iconic Southwest experience without the premium price of Santa Fe.

Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway for a splurge, or drive the back way up the Sandia Mountains for free panoramic views. The Petroglyph National Monument on the city's west side costs just $2 per car on weekends ($1 on weekdays) to see ancient rock carvings. Strolling through Old Town Albuquerque is free, full of historic adobe architecture, galleries, and the San Felipe de Neri Church.

The secret weapon? The city's amazing network of multi-use paths along the Rio Grande. Rent a bike or just walk for miles through cottonwood forests, feeling miles away from the city.

Cleveland, Ohio: The Rust Belt Gem

Cleveland's revival has been fueled by massive investments in public cultural institutions, many of which are surprisingly affordable.

The Cleveland Museum of Art is not just free, it's one of the best art museums in the country. The West Side Market is a feast for the senses—a historic market hall where you can sample everything from Polish pierogi to Middle Eastern pastries for a few dollars. The lakefront Edgewater Park has a beach, trails, and skyline views. For a low-cost thrill, catch an indie baseball game with the Lake County Captains (a Cleveland Guardians affiliate) for a fraction of a major league ticket.

Beyond the Destination: Budget Travel Hacks That Actually Work

Choosing the right place is half the battle. The other half is how you travel.

Transportation is the budget killer. If you're flying, be flexible. Use Google Flights' explore map. Sometimes flying into a smaller airport near your target (like flying into Milwaukee for Chicago) is cheaper. Once there, seriously consider if you need a rental car. Cities like St. Louis, San Antonio, and Cleveland have decent downtown cores you can navigate with transit, rideshares, and your own two feet. A $30/day rental car plus $25/day parking plus gas adds up fast.

Timing is everything. Travel in shoulder seasons (May, September, October). Not only are flights and hotels cheaper, but the destinations are more pleasant. I made the mistake of visiting San Antonio in peak August once. The River Walk was a sweaty sauna. Fall or spring is divine.

Rethink dining. Have one nice meal out per day. For the others, hit a grocery store or local market. Breakfast and lunch from a market are easy, healthy, and cheap. Many hotels now have microwaves and fridges—use them.

Look for city tourist passes, but do the math. If a pass includes 3 attractions you already want to see, it might save 20%. If it's pushing you to visit 7 places in two days just to "get value," it's adding stress, not savings.

Your Affordable Travel Questions Answered

Affordable travel in the US isn't about deprivation. It's about smart allocation. It's spending less on the generic stuff (chain hotels, rental car upgrades, three restaurant meals a day) so you have more for the unique experiences that actually define your trip—whether that's a tram ride to the top of a mountain, a memorable local feast, or simply the freedom to extend your stay an extra day because you managed your budget wisely. Start with these destinations and these principles, and you'll discover that America's best adventures don't require a gold card.