21 Hidden Gems for Affordable US Travel

Hey fellow traveler, let’s get real for a sec. Dreaming of a US adventure without emptying your wallet? I’ve been there, counting pennies and craving the open road. So, I hit the pavement, seeking spots where the price of a coffee doesn’t require a double-take and you can snag a bed without selling a kidney. From the cozy corners of coffee shops to the wild, free campsites—here’s the lowdown on 21 US destinations where your dollar stretches, but your experience doesn’t shrink.

1. Albuquerque, NM: Float High, Spend Low

shutterstock 2108412542 1 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wirestock Creators

Caught the sunrise at the International Balloon Fiesta for the price of a decent brunch back home. And guess what? A good cup of Joe here might just be under $2. Camping? Oh, you can find spots for $15 a night, leaving you plenty to splurge on green chili everything.

2. Salt Lake City, UT: Budget-Friendly Basecamp

shutterstock 547092055 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / David A Litman

This city’s more than just a pretty face—it’s your affordable gateway to the great outdoors. Scooped an Airbnb for $60 a night and spent my mornings with $3 lattes. The real steal? The $5 day-passes to breathtaking national parks nearby.

3. Memphis, TN: Soulful & Spare Change-Friendly

shutterstock 705893698 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

Where else can you soak in the soulful vibes of Beale Street without breaking the bank? Found a funky hostel for $30 a night. And the best part: feasting on world-class BBQ for less than $10. Don’t even get me started on the free music gigs!

4. Asheville, NC: Artsy and Affordable

shutterstock 434850118 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / aceshot1

This mountain haven is a dream, with craft beers that won’t cost your firstborn—think $5 a pint. Snagged a bed in a charming B&B for $65. Spent my days wandering galleries and nights around fire pits, coffee in hand, which, by the way, costs less than $2.

5. San Antonio, TX: Remember the Bargains

shutterstock 422217199 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

Walked the River Walk for free and caught a history lesson at the Alamo without spending a dime. Tacos? Big, bold, and under $8. Found a sweet spot to stay near the heart of it all for just $50 a night.

6. Louisville, KY: Derby Dreams on a Dime

shutterstock 265169132 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Brent Hofacker

You might come for the Derby but stay for the $6 bourbon tours. My cozy corner in a vintage guesthouse? A cool $55 a night. Brunching here is an art form that won’t leave you penniless, with lavish spreads under $15.

7. Kansas City, MO: BBQ and Budget Bliss

shutterstock 544847566 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tupungato

BBQ that will change your life and only dent your wallet for about $12. Free art museums and jazz heritage sites were the cherries on top. And a stylish, centrally-located hostel? Just $35 a night.

8. Tucson, AZ: Desert Dreams for Less

shutterstock 1072532069 1 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

Picture this: waking up in a hacienda-style inn for $60, then hitting the local cafe for a $1.75 coffee. Desert landscapes for hiking? Free. The vibrant street food? A delicious bargain at around $7.

9. Omaha, NE: Small City, Big Deals

shutterstock 1205655229 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kristopher Kettner

Landed a boutique hotel deal for $70 a night right in the Old Market district. Splurged on a steak dinner for $20 and felt like royalty. Morning cappuccinos? Only $3.

10. Chattanooga, TN: Scenery and Savings

shutterstock 1685707018

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Roni Ben Ishay

Overlooked by many, but not by your wallet. Enjoyed a riverfront stay for $65 and dug into a hearty brunch for just $10. Don’t skip the $15 scenic railway ride—it’s a steal.

11. Richmond, VA: History Buff’s Bargain

shutterstock 661239940 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

Steeped in history and light on fees. Nabbed a quaint Airbnb for $55 and indulged in craft brews for $6. The Edgar Allan Poe Museum? An eerie $8 entry fee.

12. Spokane, WA: Outdoorsy on a Shoestring

shutterstock 284792666 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jon Bilous

Rustic charm without the price tag. Bagged a lodge room for $70 and spent my mornings with $2 pastries. The best part? The endless trails and parks, all gloriously free.

13. Corpus Christi, TX: Seaside without the Surge

shutterstock 1314503774

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

Beachside hotel for $65? Yes, please. Devoured seafood platters for $15 and soaked up the sun without spending a cent on beach fees.

14. Cedar Rapids, IA: Culture without Cost

shutterstock 311105459 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / wisit wongba

Lodged in a historic inn for $60 and hit the town for a $4 craft beer. Art museums? Free. The local vibe? Priceless.

15. Erie, PA: Lake Views, Low Costs

shutterstock 2179082523 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

Lake Erie’s charm without the lakeside pricing. Scored a room with a view for $55, and found plenty of picnic spots where the scenery (and parking) was absolutely free.

16. Fargo, ND: Far from Ordinary, Close to Free

shutterstock 1931272385 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jacob Boomsma

Unexpectedly cool, and kind to your wallet. Stayed in a boutique hostel for $40 and roamed the art scene without spending a dime. Bagels and brews? Both under $5.

17. Greensboro, NC: Pocket-Friendly Pastoral

shutterstock 368531324

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

Historical sites galore, and I barely had to spend. Enjoyed southern hospitality in a B&B for $60 and treated myself to a lavish diner breakfast for $8.

18. Mobile, AL: Gulf Coast on a Budget

shutterstock 417347164 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

Gulf shrimp for $10 and a cozy spot downtown for $55 a night. Wandered the historic streets, indulged in the Mardi Gras Museum for a laughable $5.

19. Springfield, IL: Honest Abe and Honest Prices

shutterstock 1931272385 1 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / FranciscoMarques

Lincoln’s legacy without the fiscal sacrifice. A hotel near all the historic sites set me back $65, and I filled up on diner delights for $9.

20. Toledo, OH: An Artistic Find

shutterstock 1804128394 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Patricia Elaine Thomas

Stayed next to the art museum for $60 a night—admission was free. Evening outings? Craft cocktails for $6 and endless memories for exactly $0.

21. Des Moines, IA: Midwest’s Best-Kept Secret

shutterstock 322586720 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Henryk Sadura

Chic accommodations for $65 in the heart of the city, with artisan coffee for $2 and the capitol’s grandeur for free.

Pack Light, Travel Right

shutterstock 2154383801 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sorapop Udomsri

There you have it, folks. Proof that wandering the US doesn’t have to mean washing dishes to pay for your next meal. Each of these places holds its own kind of magic, without casting a spell on your wallet. From the smell of fresh coffee to the thrill of new sights, it’s all within reach. Now, where to first?

Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs

shutterstock 2346225623 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Carles Iturbe

Traveling solo as a woman? It’s an adventure with its own set of challenges. From street safety to discrimination, some spots are riskier than others. We’ve used the Women’s Danger Index and other resources to craft a guide that helps you choose your destinations wisely. Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs

Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

shutterstock 144997492 1 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / donvictorio

Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

pexels adrian newell 14177239 1

Image Credit: Pexels / Adrian Newell

American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept

shutterstock 2270504427 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nicoleta Ionescu

Canadians often find American customs ranging from amusing to astonishing. From the quirky to the confounding, let’s explore the U.S. through a Canadian lens—maple syrup and poutine in hand. Get ready for a journey that’s both odd and insightful, seen from the Great White North. 20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept

22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

shutterstock 284980904 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nejdet Duzen

Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

The post 21 Hidden Gems for Affordable US Travel republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / chayanuphol.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Tripimage 9133145 14418597

PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.

03a9a9872ea4140f9e8c4d7fd9ee74b3?s=150&d=mp&r=g
+ posts