These are the cheapest places to travel in the USA, picked for affordable hotels, free attractions and good value food, without compromising on experience.
The list
1. New Orleans
New Orleans is unlike any other American city: jazz drifting from doorways, Creole and Cajun cooking, historic architecture and festivals almost every week of the year. Why it is good value: hotel rates are moderate and there is plenty to do for free or cheap.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains are America’s most visited national park, with misty ridges, waterfalls, historic cabins and black bears. Why it is good value: free entry to the park is a bonus.
3. Savannah
Savannah is a romantic Southern city of 22 leafy squares, Spanish moss, historic houses and a relaxed riverfront. Why it is good value: hotel rates are moderate and there is plenty to do for free or cheap.
4. Santa Fe
Santa Fe, founded in 1610, is the oldest state capital in the US, known for adobe architecture, art galleries and New Mexican cuisine. Why it is good value: hotel rates are moderate and there is plenty to do for free or cheap.
5. Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is a mile-deep, 277-mile-long gorge carved by the Colorado River, one of the most awe-inspiring sights on Earth. Why it is good value: hotel rates are moderate and there is plenty to do for free or cheap.
6. Washington, DC
Washington, DC combines grand monuments, free Smithsonian museums and the seat of the US government, with lively neighbourhoods and cherry blossoms in spring. Why it is good value: many top sights are free.
7. Asheville
Asheville is an artsy mountain city on the Blue Ridge Parkway, known for the Biltmore Estate, craft breweries and fall colours. Parts of the area were badly damaged by Hurricane Helene in 2024, and recovery continues. Why it is good value: hotel rates are moderate and there is plenty to do for free or cheap.
8. Austin
Austin is the live music capital of the world, a laid-back city of barbecue, swimming holes, food trucks and festivals. Why it is good value: hotel rates are moderate and there is plenty to do for free or cheap.
9. Nashville
Nashville, Music City, is the home of country music, with honky-tonks on Broadway, legendary venues like the Ryman Auditorium and a booming food scene. Why it is good value: hotel rates are moderate and there is plenty to do for free or cheap.
10. Zion National Park
Zion is a canyon of soaring sandstone walls in southern Utah, famous for Angels Landing, The Narrows and its shuttle-only scenic drive. Why it is good value: hotel rates are moderate and there is plenty to do for free or cheap.
11. Chicago
Chicago is a city of bold architecture, a sparkling lakefront, world-class museums and deep-dish pizza, with neighbourhoods full of blues clubs and restaurants. Why it is good value: hotel rates are moderate and there is plenty to do for free or cheap.
12. Moab (Arches and Canyonlands)
Moab is the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands national parks, with red-rock arches, mesas and world-class mountain biking and off-roading. Why it is good value: hotel rates are moderate and there is plenty to do for free or cheap.
Tips to keep costs down
Travel in shoulder season, stay near transit, and cook some meals. Our budget vacation guide has 25 more ideas.
Before you go: gear checklist
- Travel backpacks for weekend trips BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Airline-safe power banks BuyrSkip
Navigation, photos and cold weather drain phones fast; a 20,000 mAh bank keeps you going. - Travel gear picks BuyrSkip
Packing cubes, neck pillows and organisers that make travel days easier.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Also worth considering
Denver
Denver, the Mile High City, combines craft breweries, museums and sports with quick access to the Rocky Mountains. Read our Denver travel guide.
- Best time: June to September; December to March for skiing
- Getting there: About 1.5–2 hours to Estes Park; 2 hours to I-70 ski resorts
- Don’t miss: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Union Station and Denver Art Museum
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is where two deserts meet, with spiky Joshua trees, giant boulders and some of the best stargazing in Southern California. Read our Joshua Tree National Park travel guide.
- Best time: October to April
- Getting there: About 2.5 hours from Los Angeles; 1 hour from Palm Springs
- Don’t miss: Hidden Valley, Cholla Cactus Garden and Keys View
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is an amphitheatre of orange hoodoos at around 8,000–9,000 feet, magical at sunrise and under its exceptionally dark skies. Read our Bryce Canyon National Park travel guide.
- Best time: May to October; winter for snow on the hoodoos
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours from Zion; 4 hours from Las Vegas
- Don’t miss: Sunrise and Sunset Points, Navajo Loop and Queens Garden and Inspiration Point
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Road trip essentials
- Best dash cams for road trips VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - Best budget 12V portable fridges VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Power stations for camping and road trips VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest US city to visit?
Cities with free attractions and moderate hotel prices, such as Washington, DC (free museums) and New Orleans in the off-season.
Are national parks cheap?
Yes. Entry is $30–35 per vehicle for a week, and camping is affordable.
When is the cheapest time to travel?
January–February and late fall.
Is Las Vegas cheap?
Rooms can be cheap midweek, but resort fees and shows add up.
How can I find cheap flights?
Use fare alerts and be flexible with dates.
Plan the rest of your trip
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation in the USA: 25 Money-Saving Tips
- Best Road Trips in the USA
- Best US National Parks to Visit in 2026