Travelling in North America can be a costly experience, but the cheapest cities to visit in the US offer a great alternative for the low-budget wanderer looking for some fun. In fact, if you’re looking to get away for a weekend and explore the diverse city-culture, these destinations might prove more than worthy of your time and money. From the East Coast to the Deep South, each city on this list balances interesting attractions, with cheap accommodations and accessible travel routes.
If you’re planning on switching your living arrangements this year, you might find our previous published article of the 10 cheapest places to live in the world somewhat useful. However, in this case we’ll be staying within national borders, so let’s take a look at the cheapest cities to visit in the US and how much you’ll need to travel there.
6. San Antonio, TX
A popular destination amongst history buffs, San Antonio is home to the Alamo and the Missions National Historic Park, but also harbours several other attractions, like the recently extended River Walk and the King William Historic Area. However, this city also hosts the Tex-Mex Mardi Gras Fiesta in April, where young travellers can go to party and enjoy delicious food. You can reach San Antonio by plane, car, and train, but the cheapest option is a Greyhound bus. The VIA Metropolitan Transit will also allow you cheap travel within the city and for accommodations you can find splendid hotel rooms for $115 and hostels for $20.00 per night.
5. San Diego, CA
With perfect beach weather all year round, this is one of the most frequently visited cities in the country. And the reasons for this are simple: low-cost car rentals, hotel rooms starting at $20 and averaging at around $128 per night, beachside hostels, Coronado Island, Sea World, and much more. The public transit system offers day-passes for $5 that will allow you to easily move around the city’s main attractions and if you have children, they’ll have a blast at LEGOLAND or the San Diego Zoo.
4. Kansas City, MO
Located in the middle of the country, the Kansas City International Airport has some of the most competitive airfare you can find, making it cheap to fly in to this city. To get around, you’ll likely need to rent a car, but it’s worth the money as many of the main attractions, like the Boulevard Brewing Company, the Kaleidoscope, and the Harley-Davidson Plant are free of charge. You’ll also find numerous art galleries, as well as several art fairs and open air events. Average hotel prices are $139 per night, but unfortunately, there aren’t any hostels in Kansas City.
3. Atlanta, GA
If you’re looking for a taste of southern hospitality, you’ll certainly find it here, and at a low price. Fly in to Hartsfield-Jackson airport for a cheap arrival and then rely on the MARTA rail system to get you around town. The hotel prices vary according to city districts, but you can find hostels with private rooms for $95 a night. For the city slickers, Atlanta’s attractions include the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Site, the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, and the Fembank Science Center. However, you can also venture outside the city limits to the Stone Mountain Park for some nature-bonding.
2. Memphis, TN
Music fanatics should definitely consider taking a trip to Memphis, as it is rich with musical history and boasts an exciting night life scene. Getting around the city is best done by car, but there are also buses that will take you to the main destinations. In terms of accommodation, you can chose from pricey hotels like the famous Peabody Hotel, or spend merely $23 per person at a hostel. Graceland is a spot you can’t miss out on, as well as the Mud Island River Park. Beale Street is a must for barbecue and drinks.
1. Philadelphia, PA
Packed with culinary treats and restaurants that hold a BYOB policy, Philly is the next best thing for travellers in search of some East Coast feel, without a New York City budget. The best way to reach the city is by Amtrak train, and the SEPTA transit system will charge you $11 for a daily pass that allows you to use all forms of public transportation. For $130 you’ll likely find a nice hotel in the city center, but you can always save more money by staying at a hostel. Packed with food trucks serving all kinds of food, you can eat affordably and then visit the Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, or the National Constitution Center for less than $15 total. At these prices, Philadelphia is certainly one of the cheapest cities to visit in the US.
