Let's be honest: a cheap vacation in the USA sounds like an oxymoron. Between pricey hotels, rental cars, and restaurant meals, the costs add up fast. But here's the secret I've learned after a decade of budget travel across all 50 states: "cheap" isn't about finding the absolute rock-bottom destination (those often lack things to do). It's about finding spots with a high concentration of free attractions, affordable local food scenes, and reasonable accommodation options. You're looking for value, not just a low price tag.

How to Define "Cheap" for Your USA Trip

Forget just looking at average hotel rates. A truly budget-friendly destination has a structure that lets you keep daily costs low. I look for three things:

• Walkability or Great Public Transit: Needing a rental car instantly adds $50-$100+ per day. Cities with compact downtowns or reliable buses save a fortune.
• An Array of Free Major Attractions: Think museums with free admission days, expansive public parks, historic neighborhoods perfect for wandering, and scenic overlooks.
• Local, Non-Touristy Food Options: Areas where you can eat well for under $15 a meal, thanks to food trucks, markets, and casual local diners.

With that framework, let's look at places that deliver.

Top Affordable City Destinations

These cities punch far above their weight in experiences per dollar.

1. St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis is the undisputed champion of free major attractions. The iconic Gateway Arch grounds are free to explore (riding to the top costs money, but the museum underneath is now free). The St. Louis Zoo, consistently ranked among the nation's best, has free general admission. The St. Louis Art Museum and the Missouri History Museum are also free. You can spend days here without paying an entry fee.

EAT Go to the historic Soulard neighborhood for affordable Cajun-inspired food and a famous farmers' market. Don't miss St. Louis-style pizza (try Imo's Pizza)—it's a unique, budget-friendly experience.

STAY Look for hotels in the Downtown West or near Forest Park. You can find perfectly clean chain hotels for $80-$120/night, much less than coastal cities.

2. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis oozes culture, and much of it is accessible on a budget. While Beale Street has its touristy spots, you can soak in the live blues music filtering out of clubs for the price of a drink. The National Civil Rights Museum (at the Lorraine Motel) is a profound, must-visit experience and is reasonably priced for its quality. Sunset at Mud Island River Park, with its scale model of the Mississippi River, is free and stunning.

EAT This is BBQ heaven. Skip the fancy spots and head to Payne's Bar-B-Q or The Bar-B-Q Shop for a life-changing pulled pork sandwich under $10. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken is also a legendary, affordable meal.

STAY Accommodation is cheaper than in Nashville. Look for hotels in the Medical District or near the University of Memphis for better value.

3. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque offers a stunning landscape and rich culture at Southwest prices. The Sandia Peak Tramway is a splurge, but you can drive to the top of the Sandia Mountains via the scenic Sandia Crest Byway for just a small parking fee. The Petroglyph National Monument is a $2 parking fee to see ancient rock carvings. Strolling through Old Town Albuquerque is free and feels like stepping back in time.

EAT New Mexican cuisine is your friend. Get a massive stuffed sopapilla or a plate of enchiladas with Christmas chile (red and green) for around $12 at local staples like Frontier Restaurant or Duran's Central Pharmacy (yes, a pharmacy with a legendary restaurant).

Timing is key: Visit in October for the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. While the event itself is a draw, the city is vibrant, and you can watch hundreds of balloons launch for free from public parks nearby.

Cheap Outdoor & Nature Getaways

If cities aren't your style, America's natural beauty offers the best budget value.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This is the most visited national park for a reason—and it's also completely free to enter, unlike most others. Stay in Gatlinburg, TN or Cherokee, NC for a range of motels and cabins. Your days are filled with free hiking to waterfalls (Laurel Falls, Grotto Falls), driving the breathtaking Newfound Gap Road, and wildlife spotting. The only costs are lodging, food (stock up at a grocery store), and maybe a paid attraction like Ober Gatlinburg if you choose.

The Oregon Coast

For a West Coast trip, the entire Oregon coastline is public land. Every beach is free. Drive the Historic Highway 101 and stop at endless pull-offs for dramatic views. Towns like Astoria, Newport, and Florence have charming, affordable mom-and-pop motels. Watch sea lions, tour lighthouses (some have small fees), and hike in state parks like Ecola or Cape Perpetua for a minimal day-use fee.

I once spent a week on the Oregon Coast and my biggest expense was the fresh Dungeness crab I indulged in—and even that was cheaper at a local fish market than any restaurant back home.

How to Save Money on Transport, Food & Stays

Destination is half the battle. Your habits are the other half.

Transportation: Ditch the Rental Car If You Can

This is the single biggest lever. Cities like Chicago, Washington D.C., New York, Boston, and San Francisco have robust public transit that makes a rental car a liability. Use tools like Rome2Rio to compare bus, train, and flight options between cities. For national parks, yes, you'll likely need a car—but consider flying into a smaller, closer airport to reduce rental days and costs.

Accommodation: Think Beyond Hotels

• Hostels: Not just for backpackers. USA Hostels in San Diego or HI NYC offer private rooms at half the hotel price, often with free breakfast and tours.
• Vacation Rentals with Kitchens: A game-changer for families or groups. Saving $100/day on meals by cooking breakfast and simple dinners pays for the rental upgrade.
• University Towns: Visit college towns like Ann Arbor, MI or Madison, WI in the summer. Hotels are cheap, the towns are lively, and there are tons of affordable eats.

Food: Eat Like a Local, Not a Tourist

Lunch is your best friend. Many great restaurants have significantly cheaper lunch menus. Have your big meal at 2 PM. Hit up happy hours for discounted apps and drinks. Never underestimate the joy and savings of a grocery store picnic in a beautiful park. It's not just cheap; it's often a more memorable experience.

The idea of a cheap USA vacation isn't a fantasy. It's a strategy. Choose a destination built for value—where the landscapes, neighborhoods, and culture are the main event—and be smart about your daily spending. You'll come back with incredible memories and a bank account that isn't screaming for mercy. Start with St. Louis, Memphis, or the Smokies, and you'll see exactly what I mean.