Affordable USA Trips: Cheapest USA Travel Spots Right Now

Planning affordable USA trips in 2025 is easier than ever. With savvy planning and up-to-date deals, you can explore America’s top budget-friendly destinations. In this guide, we highlight the cheapest USA travel spots – from historic cities to natural wonders – and share tips for budget travel USA. Learn where to go, when to book, and how to travel the U.S. without overspending. Whether you’re seeking cheap getaways USA, inexpensive US cities, or travel deals USA, we’ve got you covered.

Travel in the U.S. can vary widely in cost. On average, a traveler spends about $324 per day here, but budget travelers often keep it around $121 per day. By choosing the right destinations and following cost-saving strategies, you can enjoy USA travel under $500 (especially for short trips). We’ll show you the best cheap places USA right now and how to make the most of each dollar.

Top Cheap USA Destinations (2025)

Discover our curated list of the USA’s most affordable travel spots, each offering unique attractions and budget-friendly experiences. These destinations often feature free or low-cost activities, inexpensive lodging, and a local culture that won’t break the bank affordable USA trips.

Albuquerque, New Mexico – Affordable Southwestern City

Albuquerque offers a unique high-desert vibe that’s rich in culture and nature. The historic Old Town’s adobe architecture and museums make it one of the best cheap places USA to visit. In Albuquerque, many attractions are free or inexpensive. For example, strolling Old Town Plaza, exploring petroglyphs at the nearby Petroglyph National Monument (free entry), or hiking in the Sandia Mountains are all budget-friendly activities. The world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (in October) is free to watch (hot-air rides are optional) Discover the cheapest USA travel spots right now. Plan affordable USA trips with budget travel tips, top low-cost destinations, and travel deals under $500 affordable USA trips.

• Cheap attractions: Petroglyph National Monument (free), Old Town Plaza (free), Albuquerque museums (many ~$5–10).
• Budget tip: Visit in off-peak months (like late summer) to find hotel rooms starting around $75/night.
• Getting there: Fly into ABQ airport, compare dates (Sunday bookings can save money).

Image: Adobe church in Old Town Albuquerque – an example of an affordable USA travel destination with rich history and low-cost attractions.

Albuquerque’s combination of cultural flair and natural scenery makes it ideal for affordable USA trips. Many locals recommend booking downtown hotels early (or using budget-friendly Airbnb hostels) to stay under $80 per night.

Phoenix, Arizona – Cheap Southwestern Getaway

Phoenix is another sun-soaked city known for cheap outdoor recreation. Surrounded by desert landscapes and iconic red rock formations (like Camelback Mountain and Papago Park), Phoenix offers plenty of free or cheap activities. The city’s extensive trail network and parks mean you can hike beautiful sunsets without spending much. Downtown Phoenix also has affordable attractions: kids’ parks, the Arizona Capitol Museum (free), and vibrant street art of Discover the cheapest USA travel spots right now affordable USA trips.

• Cheap attractions: Echo Canyon & Cholla Trail hikes (free), Japanese Friendship Garden (low fee), Papago Park (free).
• Budget tip: Consider city tours (walking or hop-on/hop-off bus) that combine sights for one price. Many downtown hotels start around $70-$85.
• Nearby: Sedona and the Grand Canyon (South Rim) are a few hours away if you want a scenic detour on a tight budget.

While Phoenix’s summer can be hot, traveling in late spring or fall (or even August, which is surprisingly cheap for flights) can save money. The city’s mix of free outdoor fun and budget-friendly lodging makes it one of the cheap USA destinations to consider.

Salt Lake City, Utah – Affordable Mountain City

Salt Lake City (SLC) is one of the best cheap places USA for a mix of city life and nature. It’s an affordable gateway to Utah’s famous parks. Within city limits, many attractions are free: the Utah State Capitol grounds, Temple Square, and numerous outdoor activities in the nearby Wasatch Range. Remarkably, SLC is a great hub for visiting national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon, often using relatively cheap airfares from Delta or Southwest affordable USA trips.

• Cheap attractions: Great Salt Lake (visit the shore; free), Capitol Building tour (free), Utah Museum of Fine Arts (low cost).
• Budget tip: In SLC, downtown hotels can be found for ~$80–$100 on weekdays. Summer is pleasant and usually cheaper than ski season.
• Nearby: Grand Teton National Park (#1 cheap USA vacation spot) is a few hours away via a scenic drive. Use a National Parks pass for multi-park trips affordable USA trips.

This city has a low cost of living relative to other mountain towns, so dining and gas are also cheaper. Salt Lake City earned a reputation as an “interesting and cheap place to visit in the USA”. It’s especially attractive for outdoor lovers who want a base with urban amenities affordable USA trips.

Kansas City, Missouri – Underrated Budget City

Kansas City isn’t on most travelers’ radar, which means it’s surprisingly affordable. The city offers a laid-back cheap getaway vibe with plenty of things to do. Historic Union Station, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (free), and jazz clubs on 18th & Vine can fill a weekend inexpensively. KC is famous for barbecue and has many budget-friendly restaurants. The city also hosts sports at Arrowhead (Chiefs) and Kaufman (Royals), and a game can be a fun low-cost evening.

• Cheap attractions: Nelson-Atkins Art Museum (free), City Market, parks like Loose Park (free).
• Budget tip: Hotel prices from about $95/night (City Market area or near stadiums often have deals).
• Local perk: Many hotels and restaurants offer free breakfast or happy hours.

Kansas City is a truly inexpensive U.S. city, earning praise as one of the most affordable places to vacation in the USA. A guided trolley tour (~$20) can help you see main sights in one afternoon affordable USA trips.

Memphis, Tennessee – Affordable Music City

Memphis is a budget traveler’s delight, especially for music lovers. It’s often cheaper than nearby Nashville but packed with culture. The city’s main draws – Graceland, the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Stax Museum – offer combo tickets and discounts if booked together. Walking Beale Street and the National Civil Rights Museum can be done on a modest budget. Memphis also boasts cheap attractions like Mud Island Park and a vibrant downtown affordable USA trips.

• Cheap attractions: Elvis’s Graceland
• Budget tip: Memphis often has hotel deals around $90/night, and airport shuttles are efficient (avoid car rental costs).
• Eat cheap: Try famous Memphis BBQ or live music venues; many bars have no cover charge on certain nights.

Memphis offers affordable USA trips through its free parks and low-cost museums. In fact, one travel guide calls it “an inexpensive place to travel in the U.S.”. The combination of free outdoor music and low museum fees means you can see a lot for little money.

New Orleans, Louisiana – Budget-Friendly Big Easy

New Orleans is famous for nightlife and culture, yet it’s remarkably affordable for travelers. The French Quarter and Garden District offer plenty of free entertainment: vibrant street music, historic architecture, and famous beignets from Café du Monde. NOLA’s free perks include strolling Jackson Square, listening to buskers, and enjoying Mardi Gras parades (free to watch). Even many tours and museums have low admission. A two-hour riverfront jazz cruise is great value at around $20 affordable USA trips.

• Cheap attractions: French Quarter wandering, Garden District, free jazz on Bourbon Street at night. Markers and parks (e.g., Lafayette Square).
• Budget tip: NOLA has hostels and guesthouses starting ~$70–$90. Weekday rates are lower; avoid big festivals for best deals.
• Dining: Cajun and Creole street food (gumbo, po’ boys) are delicious and cheap; raw bar oysters from vendors.

New Orleans is consistently ranked one of the cheapest and most vibrant USA travel spots. Travel stats even call it “the most affordable city for backpackers” in the U.S. (≈$94.70/day). Between free music and low-cost tours, NOLA lets you experience rich culture on a tight budget affordable USA trips.

Image: Historic building in the French Quarter, New Orleans – a vibrant, affordable tourist spot in the USA.

Washington, D.C. – Cheap Capital Adventure

Believe it or not, Washington, D.C. is a top budget destination. This might seem surprising, but most of its attractions are free: from world-class Smithsonian museums to national memorials along the Mall. Guided tours of the Capitol or White House can be booked for free or very low cost. The city’s efficient Metro means you can avoid rental cars and still reach sites quickly.

• Cheap attractions: Smithsonian museums (Air & Space, Natural History, etc.; all free), National Mall monuments (free), Capitol tours ($0–$1).
• Budget tip: Hotels can be found ~$70/night outside downtown (Rosslyn, Crystal City). Share rides or use Metro to save on transport affordable USA trips.
• Extras: Enjoy free kayak rentals on the Potomac (seasonal) or a picnic in Rock Creek Park (free) affordable USA trips.

Washington, D.C. truly lives up to being “one of the cheapest cities to visit in the U.S.” because of these no-cost attractions. Even food can be affordable if you picnic on the Mall or eat at local markets (Eastern Market has budget vendors).

Kansas City, Missouri – (See above)

(Kansas City was covered above.)

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Affordable Big Friendly City

Oklahoma City rounds out our top cheap destinations. OKC is “underrated, but affordable”. Highlights include the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (free on certain days), the Oklahoma City National Memorial (free outdoor memorial, museum has low entry fee), and extensive public parks along the canal. The downtown Bricktown area has cheap hotels starting around $70.

• Cheap attractions: Myriad Botanical Gardens (free exterior), science museum days (free family times), free monthly events at Scissortail Park.
• Budget tip: Rent a bike or scooter to explore Bricktown and the canal instead of pricey taxis.
• Local flavor: Try chicken-fried steak or at Tucker’s Onion Burgers – very affordable local eats affordable USA trips.

Oklahoma City’s friendly vibe and free attractions make it a “cheapest city to visit in the U.S.”. A weekend trip here can easily stay under $500 including flight, hotel, and meals, thanks to low prices affordable USA trips.

Bonus: Other Cheap USA Getaways

While the above cities are well-known budget destinations, other spots deserve mention:

• Cleveland, Ohio: Research shows Cleveland is the cheapest city to visit in the U.S.. Attractions like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and West Side Market can be enjoyed on a budget.
• Gulf Shores, Alabama: For beach lovers, Gulf Shores offers free public beaches and modest accommodation rates (U.S. News ranked it a top cheap vacation spot) affordable USA trips.
• Grand Canyon & National Parks: Grand Canyon NP (Arizona) and Grand Teton NP (Wyoming) top lists of cheap vacations USA. Camping is very affordable (or stay in nearby towns), and vast natural scenery costs little beyond park entry (Grand Canyon fee is ~$35/car, good for multiple days).
• Portland, Maine: The New England coast can be pricey, but Portland provides coastal charm with budget-friendly inns and free waterfront parks – a cheap vacation alternative affordable USA trips.

These destinations reinforce that cheap USA travel isn’t limited to big cities. National parks, small coastal towns, and lesser-known cities often offer low-cost vacations USA where the scenery or culture is the main draw affordable USA trips.

Budget Travel USA: Tips & Strategies

Traveling on a budget in the USA is all about timing, booking smart, and knowing where to cut costs. Use these strategies to stretch your dollar on affordable USA trips:

• Book Smart: Surprisingly, August is often the cheapest month to travel in the U.S.. Summer is usually high season, but data show airfare and hotels dip in August. Also, booking flights on Sunday can save around 6–17% compared to other days. Use fare trackers or apps (Expedia’s new Flight Deals tool surfaces >20% discounts) affordable USA trips.
• Travel in Shoulder Seasons: Late spring or early fall often have lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. For example, visiting D.C. just before cherry blossom season, or Arizona in late September, can yield cheaper flights and rooms.
• Bundle Flights + Hotels: Sites like Expedia, Orbitz, and TravelPirates offer vacation packages under $500. For instance, Expedia highlights budget-friendly packages in San Antonio (TX) and Myrtle Beach (SC) where the room and flight together are < $500. Bundling also helps families find cheap Orlando theme park or Vegas deals affordable USA trips.
• Use Deal Alerts: Sign up for fare alerts (Hopper, Google Flights, etc.) to snag error fares or last-minute sales. Join airline/miles programs to leverage points. Also consider credit card travel rewards if you pay off the balance each month – these can essentially make flights free affordable USA trips.
• Eat & Stay Cheap: Choose budget accommodations (hostels, budget motels, Airbnb). Look for free hotel breakfasts or kitchenettes. In cities, use public transit cards (a weekly pass can be < $30 in many cities). Dine like a local – street food, markets, and happy hours stretch your food budget. Many cities have mobile apps (e.g., food truck apps, Discount CityPASS) for deals.
• Free & Low-Cost Attractions: Focus on parks, free museums, and city walking tours. In D.C., NYC, Chicago, and many cities, tons of museums are donation-based or free certain days. In Florida, public beaches are free if you avoid gated resorts.
• Pack Light: Fly with carry-on only to avoid baggage fees. In winter, carry a jacket onboard (so you don’t overpack). Using free Wi-Fi at lodging or a local SIM card (some eSIM deals are affordable) can save roaming fees on your under-$500 trip.

By combining these tips, even a trip around inexpensive US cities can stay under a tight budget. For example, a long weekend in San Antonio (TX) or Baltimore might cost under $500 total if you fly midweek and use discount accommodations affordable USA trips.

Travel Deals USA: Finding Bargains

Scoring travel deals USA is key for budget trips. Here are specific ways to find cheap flights, hotels, and packages:

• Expedia & Bundle Sites: As noted, Expedia offers tools and filters for vacations under $500. Orbitz similarly promotes under-$499 packages. Always check the “Vacation Packages” section and set your filters to sort by price.
• Travel Aggregators: Sites like TravelPirates aggregate error fares and flash sales. Some are flight-only (e.g. SecretFlying, Scott’s Cheap Flights), others package hotels. Follow deal blogs or subreddits (like r/TravelHacks) but verify before booking.
• Off-Peak Day Travel: On average, flying on Tuesdays or Saturdays can be cheaper, while Monday/Friday are pricier. Expedia research confirms Saturday departures save 6–17% (compared to Sunday).
• Alerts & Memberships: Sign up for airline newsletters and join loyalty clubs (most are free) for members-only discounts. Even Netflix-like “flash sale” alerts can help. If you travel with a partner or family, combine points.
• Student/Youth Discounts: If eligible, use STA Travel or StudentUniverse for discounted fares. Many attractions offer youth rates.

Always compare at least 3 booking sites, and consider splitting bookings (sometimes flight + hotel separately is cheaper than a bundle, or vice versa). Use flight-finding tools that allow calendar view to spot the cheapest dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which cities are cheapest to visit in the USA?
A: According to tourism statistics, Cleveland, Ohio is the cheapest major city to visit. Close behind is New Orleans, the most affordable city for backpackers. Other budget-friendly cities include San Antonio, Oklahoma City, and Kansas City, all noted for low hotel rates and many free attractions.

Q2: What are some top affordable tourist spots in the USA?
A: Natural parks and smaller towns often top cheap lists. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming) was ranked the #1 cheap U.S. vacation spot, followed by Moab, Utah and Gulf Shores, Alabama. In the West, Grand Canyon and Zion/Canyonlands (near Moab) offer stunning scenery mostly for park pass fees. For cities, Albuquerque, Phoenix, and Philadelphia each have lots of free or low-cost sights affordable USA trips.

Q3: How can I travel the USA under $500?
A: Short trips (3-4 days) are doable for under $500 if you book wisely. Follow Expedia’s advice: use off-season dates, bundle flights+hotel, and look for packages under $500. For example, a 3-night stay in San Antonio or Myrtle Beach (flight+hotel) can be ≈$400 total. Use public transport, stay in hostels/Airbnbs, and eat street food. On average, keeping daily costs ≲$100 will let you spend ~$300 on travel (flights), plus $200 on lodging/food.

Q4: What month is cheapest to travel in the USA?
A: Surprisingly, August is often the cheapest month for U.S. travel. Despite summer crowds, airlines and hotels lower prices that month. The peak expensive months tend to be February/March and Thanksgiving/Christmas periods. Also, flying on certain days (Tuesdays/Saturdays) and booking on Sundays can save you up to ~17%.

Q5: What are some budget travel tips for USA trips?
A: Key tips: book flights 1–3 months in advance, pack carry-on, and use rewards programs. Check out free city passes (e.g. CityPASS) or combination tickets for discounts. Use travel apps for local deals (HappyCow for cheap eats, hotel Wi-Fi vs. eSIM for internet). Travel insurance can protect your small budget, since healthcare costs are high affordable USA trips.

Conclusion

Planning cheap USA destinations is totally achievable with a bit of research and flexibility. By traveling in the right months, booking deals, and choosing budget-friendly cities, you can enjoy amazing low-cost vacations USA. Remember: affordable USA trips often mean focusing on free attractions (like national parks or city memorials) and prioritizing experiences over luxury.

From Albuquerque’s sunsets to New Orleans’ music, America has countless inexpensive places to explore. Use this guide and the cited tips to find the best cheap places USA that match your interests. We hope these insights help you score great travel deals USA and make the most of every travel dollar affordable USA trips.

Enjoy your budget adventure, and don’t forget to share your favorite affordable USA travel spots in the comments below. Safe travels and happy savings affordable USA trips.