25 Budget-Friendly US Cities

by Alex Temblador
Last updated:: 7:00 AM ET, Thu June 25, 2020

Travelers with suitcases at the airport. (Photo via Tzido / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Cityscape of Fort Worth Texas. (photo via leekris / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Downtown Kansas City. (photo via Josh_Weinstock/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (Josh_Weinstock /iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Downtown Tucson, Arizona with Sentinel Peak at dusk. (Photo via Sean Pavone/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Louisville, Kentucky skyline (Photo via Davel5957 / iStock / Getty Images Plus) (Davel5957/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Raleigh, North Carolina downtown skyline. (photo via SeanPavonePhoto/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (SeanPavonePhoto / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Hayden Run Falls is near Dublin, Ohio. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / Mshake) (iStock / Getty Images Plus / Mshake)

Syracuse, New York in the morning. (Photo via DebraMillet/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (DebraMillet / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Aerial view of Oklahoma City (Photo via Majestic_Aerials / iStock / Getty Images Plus) (Majestic_Aerials/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Buttermilk Falls near Ithaca, New York. (photo via lightphoto/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

St George, Utah. (Photo via alpenarts/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Baltimore, MD Harbor at dusk. (Photo via Vito Palmisano / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Tupelo, Mississippi is the birthplace of Elvis Presley. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / DenisTangneyJr)

Estes Park with a lovely view of the mountains in the distance. (photo via Darrell Spangler / Visit Estes Park)

Kalahari Indoor Waterpark - Wisconsin Dells (Photo via anjanettew / flickr)

Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan skyline at night (Photo via Sean Pavone / iStock / Getty Images Plus) (Sean Pavone/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Downtown El Paso (photo via DenisTangneyJr / GettyImages / E+)

PHOTO: Oakland, California's Uptown neighborhood. (photo via EddieHernandezPhotography/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)

Shreveport, Louisiana, USA downtown skyline on the Red River. (Photo via SeanPavonePhoto / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Davenport skyline along the banks of the Mississippi River. (photo via E+ / DenisTangneyJr)

Indianapolis, Indiana over Monument Circle (Photo via Sean Pavone / iStock / Getty Images Plus) (Sean Pavone/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Huntsville, Alabama downtown cityscape at twilight. (Photo via Sean Pavone/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: The beach pier in Melbourne, Florida. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / Thomas_Kelley)

View of historic downtown Cheyenne, Wyoming with boot sculpture (Photo via littleny / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus) (littleny/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)

Augusta, Georgia skyline. (Photo via c_live_lee / Flickr)

Aerial view of downtown Eugene, Oregon. (Photo via DianeBentleyRaymond/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Budget Getaways

1/26

Some travelers save their money for big trips abroad or lengthy adventures, not leaving much extra money for smaller trips and weekend getaways. With that in mind, we've put together a list of U.S. cities where your dollar goes a long way, allowing you a chance to have multiple vacations in a year.

Fort Worth, Texas

2/26

Fort Worth is on the rise to compete with its Texas counterparts like Dallas or Austin, but it still retains some old charm and affordability travelers will love. The Fort Worth Stockyards is a must-visit and free if you go window shopping among the retail outlets of Mule Alley or watch the twice-daily longhorn cattle shows. Downtown Fort Worth is an area to explore and Sundance Square tends to offer free events like concerts or film screenings. Don't overlook the city's phenomenal art museums and outdoor offerings like Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge.

Kansas City, Missouri

3/26

Put Kansas City on your list of weekend getaways. With a free streetcar, you can ride to the River Market district and explore the City Market, a large farmers market with shops and restaurants. A brewery tour of the Boulevard Brewing Company is just $5 and a fun night at a Kansas City T-Bones game can cost as little as $6.50. With a zoo and tons of museums, you won't be at a loss for things to do. Top it all off with a stay at 21c Museum Hotel Kansas City, which has an interesting art gallery you're sure to enjoy.

Tucson, Arizona

4/26

With 350 days of sunshine in Tucson, budget travelers can enjoy hikes in nearby nature areas like the Turquoise Trail, which takes visitors to Tucson's historical landmarks, and the 131-mile Loop biking trail. Art lovers will find as much to do in Tucson as adventure travelers, such as taking pictures with fantastic murals or staying in Hotel McCoy, a 93-room motor lodge turned art hotel.

Louisville, Kentucky

5/26

Picture yourself in Louisville, Kentucky, visiting the famed Kentucky Derby Museum and the Speed Art Museum. It doesn't cost a thing to hang out in Cherokee Park, a nearly 400-acre park designed by the same landscape architect who designed Central Park in NYC. Those who stay in the art-centric 21c Museum Hotel Louisville can easily access all that Downtown Louisville has to offer like shopping on Fourth Street and museums on Historic West Main Street. On the first Friday of every month, you can hop on a free electric bus to the art galleries in Nulu from downtown's Republic Bank.

Raleigh, North Carolina

6/26

Raleigh, North Carolina, offers the best of outdoors and city exploring. Hike trails at Jordan Lake and Umstead State Park or walk around the Warehouse District stopping in art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Origin Hotel Raleigh is the newest hotel in the Warehouse District and could offer some good deals for a traveler who wants to save money but stay in style. Tack on some time at CAM Raleigh or the North Carolina Museum of Art and you're sure to have a great time.

Dublin, Ohio

7/26

Dublin, Ohio, is an up-and-coming city that still has that under-the-radar feel travelers love. Book a stay at AC Hotel Columbus Dublin, which has nightly rates of $124 and a great rooftop restaurant and cocktail factory. From the hotel, guests can walk to Historic Dublin, which has Irish restaurants and pubs, or stay closer and explore the Bridge Park development, home to a retro arcade called 16-Bit Bar + Arcade and a bowling spot called Pins Mechanical Company. If all that wasn't enough, visitors can visit two waterfalls close to the city.

Syracuse, New York

8/26

Foodies will delight in a budget-friendly visit to Syracuse, New York. The city invented salt potatoes, of which you can buy at local stores (try Hinerwadel's Famous Original Salt Potatoes) or taste at restaurants like Dinosaur BBQ. Funk N' Waffles, XO Taco, Creole Soul Cafe, and Kasai Ramen are other must-visit restaurants on your foodie tour around Syracuse. Other things to note on your cheap escape are the lakes and state parks for fishing, the LGBT-owned shops of Hawley-Green, and tons of museums. Stay at Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbor where you can find rates as low as $109/night.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

9/26

Oklahoma City doesn't get enough love, but a weekend here will prove its worthiness. Bricktown is the main hub for hotels, shopping and nightlife. It's also home to beautiful canals where you can take a boat ride. From Bricktown, you can walk to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum or the Myriad Botanical Gardens. For something fun, visit the Wheeler Ferris Wheel on the riverfront or go whitewater rafting on the Oklahoma River at Riversport Adventure Park.

Ithaca, New York

10/26

Ithaca, New York, is heaven for those who love hiking, biking, boating and swimming. There are 28,000 acres of public forestland for you to enjoy. Stay at La Tourelle Resort & Spa, located along the Buttermilk Falls' famed waterfall gorges, and be surrounded by outdoor opportunities. It's a short drive from this affordable property to downtown Ithaca, where you could spend a day shopping or experience a night on the town. Don't forget to stop in a local ice cream parlor like Purity, as Ithaca claims to be the birthplace of the ice cream sundae.

St. George, Utah

11/26

Located in southwestern Utah, St. George is the jumping-off point for breathtaking destinations like Zion National Park. Yet, don't overlook equally worthy hiking adventures that are much closer in Snow Canyon State Park, Gunlock State Park and Quail Creek State Park. When visiting, see if The Tuacahn Center for the Arts is hosting a show in the outdoor amphitheater or take a trip to the Coyote Gulch Art Village to check out imaginative artwork.

Baltimore, Maryland

12/26

Comparable to its East Coast neighbors, Baltimore is far less expensive and equally as delightful. Hotel Revival is Baltimore's only art hotel and with a location in Mount Vernon, travelers will find it easy to explore all parts of the city. In terms of affordable activities, stop by the free Baltimore Art Museum or take a brewery tour at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery. And when it comes to dining cheaply, check out Baltimore's many food halls like the Broadway Market or Cross Street Market.

Tupelo, Mississippi

13/26

Tupelo, Mississippi, offers a budget-friendly and quirky getaway. As the birthplace of Elvis, fans of the King of Rock and Roll can take a free self-guided bike tour of Elvis' favorite hangout spots in town from his birthplace to the spot he bought his first guitar. With a stay at Hilton Garden Inn Tupelo and delectable restaurants like King's Chicken Fillin' Station and Clay's House of Pig, you can save your cash to shop in downtown Tupelo, see a Civil War battlefield site or go hiking in Natchez Trace Parkway.

Estes Park, Colorado

14/26

Colorado mountain towns have become a little expensive, but not Estes Park. Just 90-minutes from Denver, Estes Park's most affordable stay can be found at the YMCA of the Rockies, which has activities like archery and rock climbing. Next door to the town is the Rocky Mountain National Park, though if you're in search of wildlife, you won't have to go too far as Estes Park is known for large populations of elk (which they celebrate each year with a festival!). All that plus art galleries, a brewery scene and an aerial tramway will make for a phenomenal trip.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

15/26

Families will have a blast in Wisconsin Dells, a place known for their numerous waterparks like the indoor waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge and the Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park. Don't be afraid to mix up your waterpark fun with outdoor adventures such as a boat tour on the Dells of the Wisconsin River or feeding the deer at the Wisconsin Dells Deer Park. Other fun kid-friendly spots include the Wizard Quest and Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

16/26

Grand Rapids offers lovely experiences in the spring and summertime, especially in the 6.5-acre Ah-Nab-Awen Park next to the river. After time in the park, grab a quick meal from Downtown Market, before spending a few hours at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Set aside a day to do a brewery crawl on the Beer City Ale Trail, and if you're still going strong into the evening, stop by The B.O.B. for a meal and a live show or the Blue Bridge for a cool Insta-worthy photo.

El Paso, Texas

17/26

El Paso is coming into its own as a destination while still remaining affordable to most. Make your way to Franklin Mountains State Park or Hueco Tanks Historic Site for a hiking adventure. The El Paso Mission Trail is a must for those who want to learn more about the city's historic past. The city is known for its amazing art murals in various neighborhoods, as well as tasty Mexican cuisine on either side of the border.

Oakland, California

18/26

The Bay Area is notoriously expensive but Oakland offers a more affordable alternative to San Francisco. Visitors will want to stop in Chinatown to take photos with great murals and to taste authentic Bay Area Chinese food. Families will find fun activities around Lake Merritt like Children's Fairyland, though those with older kids might want to hit the trails in the nearby Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. The Oakland Museum of California is a fun and quirky spot with interactive art, science and history exhibits.

Shreveport, Louisiana

19/26

Shreveport is a great option for those looking for a place to gamble in casinos while also taking advantage of delectable Cajun and Creole cuisine the state is known for. Spend the day shopping in the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets and nights dancing or listening to live music in downtown. Adults and kids both love Gator and Friends Alligator Park, a place you can zipline over gators! If all that wasn't enough, rent a bike and explore Shreveport's murals and art galleries, stopping on occasion for Louisiana-style snacks like crab cakes.

Davenport, Iowa

20/26

Davenport is a hidden gem in eastern Iowa. Travelers will discover an array of art and history museums, as well as great shopping in The Village, which stretches along the Mississippi River. With a large German community, visitors can easily find German restaurants and German-style beer halls on the riverfront. Get some fresh air hiking on the trails of the Nahant Marsh or a day spent on Credit Island, located in the Mississippi River.

Indianapolis

21/26

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway may not come cheap, but there are plenty of other affordable experiences in Indianapolis. Take a walk through Holliday Park or along the Downtown Indy Canal. Art fans will discover amazing art at Newfields. Indy City Market is a must-visit for snacks and beer, and the catacombs beneath the market are worth a tour. Don't forget to rent a bike and explore Indianapolis's hottest spots on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

Huntsville, Alabama

22/26

Set in the Appalachian region of north Alabama, Huntsville offers more than the budget-traveler might imagine. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center should definitely be on your list as it is sometimes called Earth's largest space museum. Time spent hiking through Monte Sano's nature preserve will be time well-spent as you'll discover great views, caves and waterfalls. Despite its love for space, visitors can also enjoy art at the Huntsville Museum of Art, live music at various bars and a fun mix of breweries and dining spots in downtown Huntsville.

Melbourne, Florida

23/26

Visitors will have a grand time in Melbourne, Florida. This charming coastal town has some great beaches where you can sunbathe, surf, snorkel or swim. When you tire of the beach, check out the historic downtown area. Here you can shop, dine and mingle with locals. They'll have the scoop on all the hidden gems around the area, like Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands, home to lots of wildlife.

Cheyenne, Wyoming

24/26

Celebrate Western culture in Cheyenne, Wyoming, by first stopping by the Cheyenne Depot Museum to learn about the city's railroad history. Take the kids to Terry Bison Ranch where you can board a train that takes passengers through a pasture of bison. As far as outdoor experiences, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is free, and while the Curt Gowdy State Park does have a small fee, it's well worth the cost to hike and bike through the natural beauty of Wyoming. Besides, you'll save enough when you stay at the brand new Staybridge Suites.

Augusta, Georgia

25/26

Travelers will have a charming time in Augusta, Georgia. Explore the Riverwalk, home to two museums and a great market on Saturdays. It's located in Downtown Augusta, where many of the city's best local shops and restaurants can be found. Join cyclists and hikers on the trails of the Augusta Canal Heritage Area or rent a kayak and enjoy a paddling trip with urban and nature views. As for the nightlife, you'll find a mix of bars, nightclubs, breweries and dancehalls in town.

Eugene, Oregon

26/26

Eugene won't disappoint when it comes to an affordable getaway. In addition to being a hot spot for vineyards and wineries, Eugene offers quaint experiences like shopping in Fifth Street Public Market and a multitude of fantastic art galleries in downtown. Like many places in Oregon, Eugene is surrounded by a plethora of natural areas ready to be explored. It's also just an hour and a half from the coast, making for a great base for a day-long beach escape.

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