15 Cheaper Alternatives To Popular US Cities

From popular ski resort cities to cultural hubs and everything in between, some cities can be too expensive, too touristy, or both. Check out these cheaper and less crowded alternatives to popular cities in the United States to discover new destinations, attractions and gateways to some of your favorite vacation experiences.

Page, Arizona is a more affordable and less crowded option than both Flagstaff and Prescott. Located near the state's border with Utah, it offers close proximity to Glen Canyon, Lake Powell and other stunning outdoor attractions, like the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, which is definitely a photo-worthy attraction that rivals even Arches National Park. Combining lake activities with desert adventures, Page is definitely a second city worth discovering. For a hotel recommendation, try the Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell.

The rugged coastline of Monterey, California offers a cheaper alternative to destinations like San Francisco, offering plenty of family-friendly and outdoor experiences, like whale watching, sea kayaking and surfing. A visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must for families, while adults can enjoy a tour of one of the region's wineries or a round of golf at one of its golf courses. Its Monarch Grove Sanctuary is a must-visit from October through February, when the butterflies migrate to the region to escape the colder weather. Check out The Monterey Hotel for a historic and centrally located accommodation, or the adults-only Hotel 1110.

A wellness and relaxation destination located just outside of the bustling and popular Palm Springs, California, Desert Hot Springs offers an oftentimes cheaper alternative still within close proximity to all of the local attractions, including Joshua Tree National Park. With ample wellness-centric resorts, spas and, like its name suggests, hot springs in a desert, Desert Hot Springs is a wonderful fall or winter destination. For accommodations, try the Azure Palm Desert Hot Springs.

The historic city of Astoria, Oregon lies within rugged seaside forests, offering ample outdoor activities for travelers wanting to stay away from bigger cities like Seattle or Portland. Victorian-era houses have given this seaside town the nickname of "Little San Francisco," while it's been featured in several movies like "Free Willy" and "The Goonies." Historic landmarks, fresh seafood and rainy weather combine to make this a great off-the-beaten-path destination. For accommodations, check out the Norblad Hotel or the Selina Commodore Astoria, both centrally located.

The city of Reno, Nevada offers the best of outdoor adventures and incredible nightlife. You'll find no shortage of affordable hotels with their own casinos, plus with Lake Tahoe within close distance, as well as ample skiing opportunities for the winter, Reno's a place where you won't be bored. For accommodations, check out the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino or the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort & Casino, which even offers private cottages.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, located north of Chicago, offers plenty of activities, outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Home to a revitalized arts and entertainment scene and located in an area that's perfect for day trips to the region's beautiful lakes and historic small towns, it's also home to Bradford Beach, a fully accessible beach along Lake Michigan. For accommodations, check out the historic Knickerbocker on the Lake or the Residence Inn Milwaukee Downtown by Marriott.

The historic city of Albany is also the state of New York's capital city, and is usually overshadowed by the splendor of New York City. Albany, however, offers plenty to enjoy, including wandering through the region's gorgeous fall foliage. Explore the city's craft breweries, check out its historic attractions and hike through the Albany Pine Bush Preserve or underground at Howe Caverns. For accommodations, check out the Renaissance Albany Hotel or the Hotel Trilogy Albany Airport, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest city in North America, founded in the sixteenth century by the Spanish. Home to a historic Spanish fort, an archaeological park and several other Victorian-era historic attractions, this small city offers a different side to a Florida vacation. To stay, try one of the area's historic B&Bs, or the voco St. Augustine Historic Area, an IHG Hotel.

A trip to Yellowstone can be pricey, but Cody, Wyoming offers a more laid-back and affordable option than Jackson Hole or other popular destinations. There are several budget options to be found in Cody, including lodges, B&Bs and RV parks, so you can rest easy knowing you'll spend more of your money on the region's experiences than anything else.

Instead of traveling to the East Coast for a historic vacation or beaching it in another country, check out the nation's oldest city: San Juan, Puerto Rico. Complete with colorful architecture, photo-worthy attractions and delicious food, you'll feel like you're traveling somewhere very far away, but a trip to the 500-year-old city doesn't even require a passport! While hotel prices vary here, the modern AC Hotel by Marriott San Juan Condado and La Capitana Old San Juan can be had for under $200 a night.

Forget Hilton Head Island or one of the other popular East Coast islands: Roanoke, part of the Outer Banks, offers a wilder, more mysterious and definitely more affordable option for your next East Coast island vacation. It was once home to the first British colony in America, and today holds a charm for its historic landmarks, commerical fishing, walkable streets and beautiful coastline. Casa de Pearl - a Pirate's Cove Retreat offers condo-style accommodations within walking distance to the marina and other attractions.

Cheaper than Nashville, its sister city Memphis offers similar music-centric nightlife and entertainment at a more affordable rate. The city where blues, rock & roll and soul were said to be developed, music is the lifeblood of this city, but it's also home to the Memphis Botanic Garden and other outdoor activities, like kayaking along the Mississippi River. For accommodations, try out the Canopy by Hilton Memphis Downtown or the Hotel Napoleon, Ascend Hotel Collection, which can both be had for under $200 a night and are within walking distance to the city's famous Beale Street.

While Oklahoma City might not sound like the most riveting destination on this list, hear us out: it's home to historic landmarks, modern buildings, cultural hubs and a lively arts scene. It's also a great destination to visit in the fall, as the trees turn vibrant reds and oranges. A stroll through the Asian District will teach you about the city's Vietnamese population, while Stockyards City immerses its visitors in Wild West culture, complete with shops selling cowboy hats and boots. To stay, check out the 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City, which collaborates with local artists to host art exhibits in its own gallery, or the glitzy Colcord Hotel.

Corpus Christi offers incredible beaches, food, historic sites and other attractions to its visitors, and often at a cheaper price than its neighbor cities. It's also a great home base for any day trips to Texas' other big cities, like San Antonio or Austin. Shelling, sailing or just lounging on the beach can all be had in this historic Texas port city. To stay, check out the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel.

Travelers looking for a more affordable destination with a close connection to nature can look no further than Anchorage, Alaska. Located nearby the region's best outdoor attractions, travelers here can kayak, bike and hike to their heart's content with close encounters with animals like whales, otters and bald eagles. To stay, check out the Alyeska Resort.