The United States is home to an incredible variety of travel destinations, ranging from coastal towns and mountain retreats to bustling cultural cities. While some places like New York, Los Angeles, or Miami are notoriously expensive, there are many destinations that combine culture, history, entertainment, and natural beauty with affordability. Travelers today are actively searching for the cheapest places to travel right now in USA to make the most of their vacations without stretching their budgets.
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Here is in-depth overview of ten U.S. destinations where travelers can enjoy free attractions, inexpensive dining, affordable lodging, and unique local experiences.
Each city has been carefully selected based on cost-effectiveness, cultural richness, and overall accessibility, making them top choices for budget-friendly getaways in 2025.
Top 10 Cheapest Places to Travel Right Now in USA
1. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville sits in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and has developed a reputation as one of the most affordable yet vibrant mountain destinations in the eastern United States.
Nature and Scenic Attractions:
The Blue Ridge Parkway, stretching nearly 469 miles, is entirely free to access and offers unmatched panoramic mountain views, particularly during autumn foliage season. Hiking enthusiasts will find dozens of trails, including Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Many waterfalls, such as Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock, can be reached without any admission fees.
Arts and Culture:
Asheville is also known for its thriving art scene. The River Arts District houses hundreds of studios where visitors can watch artists at work. Walking through downtown, travelers can enjoy street performers and local craft markets without spending much.
Budget Considerations:
Lodging ranges from affordable hostels to rustic cabins outside city limits, costing significantly less than luxury mountain resorts. Dining is also budget-friendly, with a large number of breweries and cafes offering meals and drinks at modest prices.
2. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is one of Texas’s most visited cities, balancing affordability with a wealth of cultural and historical attractions.
Historical Importance:
The Alamo, a historic site pivotal to Texas independence, is free to visit and remains one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S. San Antonio’s Missions National Historical Park, also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides insight into the region’s colonial past at no cost.
Scenic Spots:
The San Antonio River Walk is the city’s centerpiece, featuring walkways lined with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Walking along the river is free, and visitors can enjoy the atmosphere without necessarily dining at the riverside establishments.
Affordability:
Street food vendors, taco trucks, and family-owned Tex-Mex eateries serve flavorful meals at very low prices. Hotels near downtown offer competitive rates, particularly in the off-season. Compared to other large cities in Texas, San Antonio consistently ranks as one of the most cost-effective to visit.
3. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, located on the border of Missouri and Kansas, is an often-overlooked but affordable destination in the Midwest.
Arts and Museums:
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers free admission and houses an extensive collection of artworks ranging from ancient artifacts to modern pieces. The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is another free option.
Music and Culture:
Kansas City is historically tied to jazz music, and many live performances can be enjoyed with little or no cover charge. The American Jazz Museum, located in the historic 18th and Vine District, charges modest entry fees compared to museums in larger cities.
Food and Travel Costs:
Known as the barbecue capital of the U.S., Kansas City offers generous servings of smoked meats at affordable prices. Hotels and motels are generally cheaper than in major metropolitan areas, and the city’s public transportation system provides budget-friendly mobility.
4. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah offers southern charm combined with historical significance and remains one of the most picturesque and affordable destinations in the southeastern U.S.
Historic District:
The city is famous for its 22 historic squares, all free to explore, with cobblestone streets and moss-draped oak trees creating a unique atmosphere. Forsyth Park, with its iconic fountain, provides a free and scenic spot for visitors.
Architecture and Tours:
Many of the city’s historic homes and churches can be viewed from the outside at no cost. Walking tours, whether guided or self-led, provide affordable ways to learn about Savannah’s past, including its Civil War history and haunted landmarks.
Travel Costs:
Hotel prices are significantly cheaper in off-peak months such as late fall and early spring. Dining is budget-friendly, with southern specialties like fried chicken, biscuits, and sweet tea available at family-owned establishments for modest prices.
5. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is a desert city offering a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures at a fraction of the price of many western U.S. destinations.
Cultural Attractions:
Old Town Albuquerque is a historic district with adobe buildings, galleries, and museums that can be explored with minimal spending. The Petroglyph National Monument, which contains over 20,000 ancient rock carvings, is inexpensive to visit.
Events:
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held every October, is the largest hot-air balloon festival in the world. While some activities require tickets, many related cultural events, parades, and public displays are free to attend.
Cost of Living Advantage:
Albuquerque has a relatively low cost of living, meaning accommodations, food, and transportation are cheaper than in many other major cities. Local New Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, tamales, and sopapillas are both affordable and distinctive.
6. Portland, Maine
Portland is a coastal city in New England that combines affordability with maritime charm.
Scenic Attractions:
Portland Head Light, one of the oldest and most famous lighthouses in the U.S., is free to visit and provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The Old Port district features cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and free waterfront views.
Local Food Scene:
Portland is famous for seafood, particularly lobster. While high-end restaurants can be costly, many local markets and food trucks sell lobster rolls and clam chowder at budget-friendly prices.
Outdoor Opportunities:
Activities such as kayaking, biking, and exploring nearby beaches are accessible and low-cost. Affordable guesthouses and hostels add to the city’s appeal as a budget travel destination.
7. St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, established in 1565, is the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the continental United States.
Historic Significance:
Visitors can explore Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish stone fort, with a modest entry fee. Walking through the Historic District, with its colonial-era buildings and cobblestone streets, is free.
Beach Access:
St. Augustine offers public access to several beaches, providing low-cost recreational options for travelers seeking sun and sand.
Affordability:
Compared to other Florida destinations such as Miami, Orlando, or Tampa, St. Augustine’s hotel and restaurant prices are considerably lower, making it attractive for families and solo travelers alike.
8. Boise, Idaho
Boise is known for its strong connection to outdoor recreation while maintaining affordability.
Natural Attractions:
The Boise River Greenbelt provides 25 miles of trails for biking, jogging, and walking. Camel’s Back Park and the surrounding foothills offer free hiking with panoramic city views.
Cultural Opportunities:
Boise has a growing arts scene, including museums and galleries that are either free or low-cost. The Basque Block, a cultural district, offers insight into the city’s unique Basque heritage without expensive admission fees.
Cost Factors:
Affordable lodging options such as motels and budget hotels are widely available. Dining is also inexpensive, with many farm-to-table restaurants offering meals at reasonable prices.
9. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is globally recognized as the birthplace of blues and rock ‘n’ roll, and it remains one of the cheapest places to travel right now in USA.
Music and Heritage:
Beale Street, the city’s most famous entertainment district, offers free or inexpensive live blues performances almost nightly. Landmarks such as Sun Studio and Graceland (Elvis Presley’s estate) charge entry fees, but many cultural events in the city are free.
Food Scene:
Memphis barbecue is world-renowned, with budget-friendly options across the city. Many restaurants provide generous portions at affordable prices.
Accommodation:
Hotels near downtown and the Mississippi Riverfront are cheaper compared to other music-centered cities such as Nashville or New Orleans, making Memphis a strong budget option.
10. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs is a mountain city offering natural beauty and recreation at significantly lower costs than nearby resort towns.
Natural Attractions:
The Garden of the Gods, a registered National Natural Landmark featuring red sandstone rock formations, is free to enter. Additional attractions such as Seven Falls and Pikes Peak provide outdoor activities at relatively low admission costs.
Affordability:
Compared to Aspen, Vail, or Breckenridge, lodging in Colorado Springs is far more budget-friendly. Visitors can find motels, hostels, and family-run inns at modest prices.
Dining and Transportation:
Dining is affordable, with locally owned restaurants and cafes offering hearty meals. The city is also more drivable and less expensive for visitors compared to more commercialized Colorado destinations.
These destinations prove that with careful planning, a U.S. getaway can be both cost-effective and memorable.
FAQs
1. What are the cheapest places to travel right now in USA?
Some of the most affordable destinations include Asheville (North Carolina), San Antonio (Texas), Kansas City (Missouri), Savannah (Georgia), Albuquerque (New Mexico), Portland (Maine), St. Augustine (Florida), Boise (Idaho), Memphis (Tennessee), and Colorado Springs (Colorado). These cities provide budget-friendly accommodations, free attractions, and inexpensive dining options.
2. Which U.S. city offers the best mix of culture and affordability?
San Antonio, Texas stands out because of its rich cultural heritage, free attractions like the Alamo, and the scenic River Walk. Its affordable Tex-Mex food and reasonably priced hotels make it a top choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking both history and modern entertainment.
3. What is the cheapest coastal destination in the USA?
Portland, Maine is one of the most affordable coastal destinations. Visitors can explore Portland Head Light for free, walk along the Old Port waterfront, and enjoy budget-friendly seafood, such as lobster rolls and clam chowder, from local markets and food trucks.
4. Which U.S. city is best for affordable outdoor adventures?
Colorado Springs, Colorado offers numerous free outdoor attractions such as the Garden of the Gods. Hiking trails, mountain drives, and public parks provide low-cost recreation compared to expensive ski towns like Aspen or Vail.
5. What southern city is the most affordable for travel right now?
Savannah, Georgia is one of the cheapest southern cities to visit. It offers free walking tours through its historic squares, public access to Forsyth Park, and affordable southern dining. Traveling during off-peak seasons further reduces costs.
6. Where can I experience U.S. history on a budget?
St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest European-established city in the U.S., provides budget-friendly access to centuries of history. Attractions like the Castillo de San Marcos are inexpensive, while the Historic District can be explored free of charge.
7. Which U.S. destination is the most affordable for music lovers?
Memphis, Tennessee is highly affordable for music enthusiasts. Beale Street offers free live blues performances, and many museums and cultural attractions have low admission fees. Dining and accommodations are also more budget-friendly compared to Nashville or New Orleans.
8. What is the best cheap destination for families in the USA?
Albuquerque, New Mexico is family-friendly and affordable. Attractions like the Petroglyph National Monument, Old Town, and cultural festivals provide inexpensive entertainment. The annual Balloon Fiesta offers unique family experiences with reasonable ticket prices.
9. How can travelers save even more when visiting these destinations?
Travelers can save money by visiting during off-peak seasons, using budget booking apps like Skyscanner or Hopper, opting for public transportation instead of rental cars, and prioritizing free attractions such as museums, parks, and cultural festivals.
10. Are these cheapest places to travel right now in USA safe for tourists?
Yes, most of these destinations are considered safe for tourists. However, as with any travel, visitors should take standard precautions such as staying in well-reviewed accommodations, avoiding poorly lit areas at night, and keeping valuables secure. Local tourism boards often provide updated safety guidelines.
