Cheap Places to Visit in the USA for Budget Travelers

Are you sick of admiring America from afar? Won’t you like to visit the USA and immerse yourself in the striking locations it accommodates on its landscape? If your wallet is hindering you from exploring the stunning destinations of the United States, then you must keep reading.

This blog will be your ultimate guide for showing you the way to some of the cheapest places to visit in the USA. At the end of this travelogue, you will also get insights on traveling by keeping your budget in check. Get ready to turn the game of traveling in your favor.

Top 8 Most Affordable Travel Destinations in America

When you think of touring the USA, places like Florida, Miami, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, and more of such names will pop into your mind. However, America is more than these popular destinations. Below will introduce you to some cheapest destinations to travel in US that are worth exploring and are affordable.

Moab City: Your Budget-Friendly Outdoor Fun

Moab, a city in Utah, is one of the cheapest places to visit right now in the US. If you're planning a budget-friendly travel vacation in the US but aren't sure where to go, Moab is the perfect destination for you.

Wherever your eyes go, you will observe gigantic rock formations. Its rugged trails, barren terrains, starlit night skies, and fast-flowing waters make for a trip filled with marvels. This is one of the best vacation destinations in the US for seeking thrill in hiking, rock climbing, biking, jeep rides, and whitewater rafting.

• Notable Attractions: Cosmic Ashtray, Arches National Park, and Moab Giants Dinosaur Park.
• Best Time To Visit: March to May and September to October are considered the best time to visit this place.
• Budget For The Trip: For a single person traveling to Moab for a week, it will cost around $1,000. This amount will cover your transportation, food, accommodation, as well as excursion expenses.

San Antonio on a Shoestring: Budget-Friendly Fun in the US

Visiting San Antonio will feel like living a fairy tale. It is a magnificent location in south central Texas. Touring this city is a vibrant, awe-inspiring, and relaxing experience. The people here are welcoming, allowing you to mix in with the locals comfortably and explore their rich culture in a deeper way. All of these features of this city make it one of the best destinations for having affordable vacations in the US.

• Notable Attractions: San Antonio River, The Alamo, and Brackenridge Park,
• Best Time To Visit: Months from November to April can be an ideal time for a trip to San Antonio.
• Budget For The Trip: On average, it may take you around $400 on a one-week solo trip to San Antonio.

Gatlinburg: Best Inexpensive Trip Vacation for Couples!

A town carved for tourism is a haven situated in the embrace of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Known for being one of the most affordable and popular destinations in the USA, it’s perfect for couples seeking a memorable vacation. This paradise is filled with delightful attractions that will keep you engaged until the end of your trip.

Gatlinburg is an incredible tourism destination from the inside out. You can enjoy activities like ziplines, fishing, bird watching, horse riding, and hiking while outdoors. Do you prefer to explore the indoors, especially when visiting this city in the monsoon? Then, you can try out arts and crafts clubs, visit theatres and live shows, attend concerts, and stop by wineries and breweries.

• Notable Attractions: Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Anakeesta, Moonshine Mountain Coaster.
• Best Time To Visit: Gatlinburg turns gorgeous with colors in the fall season between the months of September and October.
• Budget For The Trip: You can have a great time touring this place for around $600.

Montana: America’s Cost-Effective Glacier Adventure

Next, we have a beautiful yet one of the cheapest states in America to visit , i.e., Montana. It is home to some incredible tourist spots, one of which is the “Glacier National Park.” The name of this destination suggests that you will be going to behold breathtaking glaciers, pleasant lake views, and beautiful elevated grasslands inhabiting abundant wildlife, here. You will also explore wooden houses, creating a fantasy-like experience. Before this magnificent place transformed into a national park and became an attraction for tourists, it was a home to Native Americans. You will find this one of the cheapest places in America to visit in the Montana state.

• Notable Attractions: Logan Pass through Going-to-the-Sun Road, Grinnell Glacier, Saint Mary Falls, Iceberg Lake.
• Best Time To Visit: The duration between July and September is considered best to make the most out of your tours at Glacier National Park.
• Budget For The Trip: It will cost you only around $400 to go on a week-long expedition to this destination.

Oklahoma: Where History Meets Affordability

The capital of Oklahoma is a perfect place for when you wish to dive deep into exploring America’s indigenous culture and history. Visiting this destination will give you a cowboy feel. Savoring the local flavors, having a barbeque, visiting museums, and attending sports tournaments are its key highlights. A 2-day trip will be sufficient for enjoying this destination on a budget.

• Notable Attractions: Myriad Botanical Gardens, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Museum of Osteology, Frontier City.
• Best Time To Visit: It will be a good decision to visit this place in moderate seasons, such as in April and May, or early autumn.
• Budget For The Trip: Spending a week in Oklahoma for a single tourist will cost around $1,000.

Philadelphia: The Ultimate Value Vacation Spot

Philadelphia is a vibrant city in Pennsylvania filled with creative energy. This place is adorned with magnificent landmarks. Its streets are decorated with mural art and there are some gems hidden in its alleyways that are worth the exploration. The enthusiastic spirits of its neighborhoods are what add up to its charm. By visiting this destination, you can immerse yourself in a therapeutic experience by sightseeing its natural wonders and historic spots.

• Notable Attractions: Philadelphia Museum of Art, Longwood Gardens, Fairmount Park, Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary.
• Best Time To Visit: The spring season blooms Philadelphia to reveal its utmost charm, alluring tourists to this place between March and May.
• Budget For The Trip: You must carry around $600 to enjoy your solo budget trip to Philadelphia to the fullest.

Asheville: Hidden Gem for Budget Travelers

Choosing Asheville for your trips won’t just save your wallets but will give you an unforgettable experience. As soon as you enter this city in North Carolina, you will immediately pick up on the energy it exudes. This place is all about music, art, and incredible gourmet. The backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains makes touring this destination even more appealing and fun.

• Notable Attractions: The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville Pinball Museum, Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center.
• Best Time To Visit: Choose Autumn or early winter from September to November to visit Asheville as the landscape turns cozy and comforting around these seasons.
• Budget For The Trip: You can go on a solo tour of this city for around $400, making it one of the most affordable places to travel in the US.

Greenville: More Bang for Your Buck

If you visit Greenville, the one word that will come out of your mouth in its appreciation will be ‘picturesque.’ Its breathtaking mountains and river views will enchant you. A visit to Greenville is like having a fairy tale adventure. Even a stroll across its main streets will give you a pleasant experience as you walk on the cobblestone sidewalks. Exploring this place will reveal to you beautiful alleys where you will hear music notes from a street artist, smell freshly brewed coffee, and find fanciful stores.

• Notable Attractions: Swamp Rabbit Trail, Alchemy Comedy at Coffee Underground, Conestee Nature Preserve, Upcountry History Museum.
• Best Time To Visit: Summers from March to May and Autumn from September to November will be great for touring Greenville.
• Budget For The Trip: You can have one of the inexpensive trips in the US by touring Greenville at around $200 for a single day.

Tips for Traveling the U.S Spots on a Budget

The United States is popularly known as the origin of a myriad of awe-inspiring tourist attractions that are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. However, the cost of traveling is as spectacular as the destinations are. But it doesn’t imply that you have to be deprived of beholding the magnificent beauty of America. By keeping the insightful guiding tips in mind, you won’t lose a penny more from the budget you have set.

• Travel off-season: The best way to save up your money for traveling is by choosing the off-season. It is because, around this time, tourism is unlikely thus flight and accommodation prices are relatively low.
• Enjoy local markets: Before you book a seat at a restaurant, consider having your meals from the local market. It won’t just save up dollars, but this way, you will get to taste the authentic food of the destination while experiencing the life of locals.
• Move With Public Transport: Use buses and other local transport to move around and explore the city to prevent spending too much on private transportation and guides. This way, you can save your expenses while touring the destination from the perspective of a local.
• Use FarePorto to plan your tour: FarePorto is an online travel booking platform that assists you in planning your journey from beginning to finish. We offer the choicest of flight options at the best deals that will set the tone for a budget venture.
• Purchase Federal Recreation Passes: Investing in a federal recreation pass will open doors to a multitude of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Hence, you don’t have to buy passes for individual visits to these attractions, thus saving lots of money on sightseeing.

Now, you don’t need to get intimidated by the idea of touring the United States. If you were careful enough in reading this guide, you must have got the clues for planning a perfect vacation in America.

It covers some of the inexpensive places to travel in the US from which you can pick one destination. Following the above travel tips will help ensure you are mindful of your expenses. With that said, you can begin an expedition that maintains the thrill of a real adventure without losing your pockets.

FAQs Related to Cheap Places to Visit in the USA

What are some cheapest vacation cities in the US?

You can have a great time vacationing in San Antonio, Florida, Greenville, Moab, Philadelphia, and Gatlinburg at an affordable cost.

How much would it cost to visit Moab?

You must keep at least around $1000 if you want to have a good time touring Moab while staying within budget.

What is the most famous part of Glacier National Park?

The Going-to-the-Sun road is the most famous portion of Glacier National Park. Some other attractions include Logan Pass, Saint Mary Falls, and Grinnell Glacier.

What is the best season to visit Oklahoma?

Visiting Oklahoma in the autumn season from September to October and in the spring season in May will be ideal for traveling.

Where is the cheapest place to fly in the US right now in 2024?

Moab is, at present, the cheapest place where you can travel in the US right now.