10 Cheap Travel Destinations In the United States

A collage of three images labeled Cheap Travel Destinations: a city plaza with a tall monument, the Golden Gate Bridge over water, and the Statue of Liberty against a blue sky.

Many times, it’s a good idea to stay at home to save a travel to cheap travel destinations in 2025 USA. But the domestic journey in the United States is not inferior by any stretch of the imagination as long as you know where to go. 

Which is the least expensive US territory to visit? Everyone, Puerto Rico has more people living in it than all other territories combined. It is also the cheapest of all territories for travelers. So, it is preferable for people who would rather spend their money on adventures.

Sharing 10 Cheap Travel Destinations in the US

We are going to explore 10 of the cheapest travel destinations around the United States for tourists.

1. Augustine, Florida

Augustine Florida 1

Did you know that Augustine is the oldest city in the USA? It is the oldest city, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain founded it in 1565. It is shown with beautiful colonial European architecture and a rich historical background.

This makes it the cheapest destination in November for couples and anyone who may otherwise pay a pretty penny to cross the pond for a taste of Europe. 

While shopping around the historic Old Town, the cobblestone streets provide clues to its origin. Don’t miss landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos. It is interesting. Also, visit St. George Street, which is lined with many shops.

  • Best Time to Visit: March to May, when the weather is warm but not overly humid, perfect for walking tours.
  • Popular Landmarks To Explore: Castillo de San Marcos, St. George Street, and the Lightner Museum.

Traveler’s Tip: Wear comfortable shoes — many streets are cobblestone, and guided walking tours reveal hidden history.

2. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

A vibrant cityscape at night featuring tall, illuminated skyscrapers and various buildings along well-lit streets. The tallest building, glowing brightly, stands out against the dark sky. The streets below are busy with light trails from moving vehicles.

Oklahoma City is the top city of your dreams if you want to travel cheaply in the United States. Often nicknamed OKC by locals, Oklahoma City has been ranked as the cheapest city to reside in on a budget of at least $500,000 for people.

So why are you coming here to the state capital? Oklahoma City is where cowboys come back and get some midwestern hospitality.

As the Cheap travel destinations in the USA of living draw more people, there is a corresponding demand for food and beverage services. There are also many different kinds of restaurants that serve steamed meats alongside chicken, as well as cafes and bars where you can go out with friends and buy shots for them without breaking the bank.

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) for mild weather and outdoor festivals.
  • Popular Landmarks To Explore: Oklahoma City National Memorial, Bricktown, and Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Traveler’s Tip: Hop on a water taxi in Bricktown for a unique perspective of the city.

3. The Poconos, Pennsylvania

Aerial view of a large building complex surrounded by dense trees displaying vibrant fall foliage in shades of green, yellow, orange, and red. The complex includes several buildings, parking areas, and a few small structures scattered around the wooded area.

It is generally true that the most valuable things in life are not bought and paid for, and this holds even when we speak of nature. For budget-conscious, Affordable destination travelers, a great way to save money is to see the world’s beauty without spending their earnings. They are also known as cheaper than other national recreation areas.

The Poconos contain many parks, such as Hickory Run State Park and Tobyhanna State Park. Travel is cheap in winter. Tourism peaks then. In summer, visitors can enjoy low-cost water slides and zip lines at amusement parks.

  • Best Time to Visit: Fall (September–October) for colorful foliage and cozy cabin stays.
  • Popular Landmarks To Explore: Bushkill Falls, Camelback Mountain, and Lake Wallenpaupack.

Traveler’s Tip: Many resorts offer bundled activities (skiing, spa, hiking) — book early to get discounts.

4. Augusta, Maine

Scenic view of a charming town alongside a serene river at sunset. Historic buildings with red brick facades and a prominent church steeple are illuminated by street lights, surrounded by lush greenery. A calm sky with warm hues adds to the picturesque setting.

Augusta has developed a reputation as an affordable place to live. Augusta is the capital city of Maine, where the cost of houses seems to be reasonable, leaving tourists with change in their pockets. But is it worth visiting? We think so if you’re on a budget. You are looking for the cheapest places to travel in the USA.

For one thing, this place has the typical Maine scenic beauty one might expect from the state. Explore beautiful landscapes by walking slowly along the Kennebec River Rail Trail, with views towards riverside parks, for cycling, hiking, and picnicking opportunities. So go kayaking or fishing on any river or lake, and close by golf enthusiasts will be thrilled. 

In Augusta, which has incredible golf courses that are also very affordable, surrounded by rich greenery, where they can relax while playing a round. Afterward, enjoy some nice seafood restaurants around town when you get hungry.

  • Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–August) for pleasant temperatures and outdoor dining.
  • Popular Landmarks To Explore: Maine State House, Old Fort Western, and Viles Arboretum.

Traveler’s Tip: Try local lobster rolls at riverside eateries — fresher and cheaper than coastal cities.

5. Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tucson

A vibrant city street scene at night, with cars parked along the sides and others driving by, leaving light trails. Tall buildings with illuminated tops stand in the background under a dark blue sky. Neon street decorations adorn the sidewalks.

For cheap travel destinations, Albuquerque is worth a visit. In general, Albuquerque is 53% cheaper than its neighboring cities, for those who want to explore what New Mexico has to offer. Beyond being cost-effective, there are several reasons why you should visit this desert city. The Petroglyph National Monument can be considered one of the cheapest places to travel in the US. 

We suggest that you begin by riding the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, which provides a nice view of the city from above it all. Fabulous shopping spots, adobe buildings, and art shops abound in historic Old Town. Instead, the Balloon Fiesta is where hundreds of colorful hot air balloons take off into the sky for an experience like no other.

  • Best Time to Visit: October during the International Balloon Fiesta for breathtaking skies.
  • Popular Landmarks To Explore: Old Town, Sandia Peak Tramway, and Petroglyph National Monument.

Traveler’s Tip: Stay hydrated — the desert climate can sneak up on you, especially in summer.

6. Salt Lake City, Utah

Aerial view of Salt Lake City during sunset. Prominently visible is the Salt Lake Temple with its illuminated spires. Surrounding buildings and streets are lit up as night falls, and distant mountains are outlined against the colorful sky.

Salt Lake City has much offer than its resorts; this city has a very strong historical background. It holds special religious importance in the Mormon faith because it served as the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ. Every year, multitudes of people cross continents to reach and visit the giant Salt Lake Temple.

Salt Lake City has several main reasons that make it appealing in terms of Inexpensive Vacation Places. First and foremost, for smaller cities like Salt Lake City, this place boasts a highly developed, affordable public transportation system. Secondly, there are numerous free or cheap travel destinations and beautiful attractions to enjoy here.

One example is admission-free access to the buildings and gardens around the famous temple here. Visitors are admitted into this local Museum of Fine Arts free of charge and can enjoy art from all over the world exhibited there.

  • Best Time to Visit: Winter for skiing or summer (June–August) for hiking in the Wasatch Mountains.
  • Popular Landmarks To Explore: Temple Square, Utah State Capitol, and Great Salt Lake.

Traveler’s Tip: Public transport (TRAX light rail) is cheap and convenient for exploring downtown.

7. Tucson, Arizona

A vibrant cityscape of Tucson, Arizona, at sunset. The sky displays dramatic hues of orange, yellow, and purple. Modern buildings are seen in the foreground, with the "A" Mountain and surrounding hills in the background.

To discover more desert oases that don’t empty your pockets, go to Tucson. The overall cost of living in Tucson is lower than the national average, and this reflects on airfare and making it one of the cheapest places to visit with lots of attractions in America. 

For natural wonders, check out the iconic Saguaro National Park, where tall cacti are found all over, and hike the trails in the nearby Catalina Mountains and Mount Lemmon. Go to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which has interactive displays and thrilling encounters.

  • Best Time to Visit: November to March for sunny, mild days and cooler desert nights.
  • Popular Landmarks To Explore: Saguaro National Park, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and Mission San Xavier del Bac.

Traveler’s Tip: Bring layers — desert temperatures drop sharply after sunset.

8. Portland, Oregon

A cityscape at dusk featuring illuminated skyscrapers and buildings reflecting on the calm water of a river. A bridge spans the river, connecting both sides of the city, under a cloud-laden sky tinged with the glow of the setting sun.

Portland is a great West Coast city to stay for a cheap travel destinations in the USA, which will only cost you a fraction of places like San Francisco or Seattle. It costs more to live in Portland than the national average, but it is still one of the cheapest places to visit in America if compared with the Bay Area and Seattle, whose prices have gone up significantly. Portland’s cheaper living standards imply that you don’t have to compromise on what you do.

There is everything you could ever want from a metropolis, a lively downtown area filled with excellent restaurants, bars, and shops. The trendy Pearl District is one of them. Indeed, there is no more environmentally friendly urban getaway than this.

  • Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for festivals, farmers markets, and hiking.
  • Popular Landmarks To Explore: Powell’s City of Books, Portland Japanese Garden, and International Rose Test Garden.

Traveler’s Tip: Use the city’s bike-friendly streets to explore — locals swear by cycling here.

9. Idyllwild, California

A woman with long hair, wearing a plaid shirt and shorts, walks along a gravel path holding a small dog. The sun is setting in the background, casting a warm glow over the mountainous landscape with dry grass and trees.

California is a very expensive state, but if you’re not on the coast or off the popular routes. Then there are quite a few cheap US Trip destinations worth visiting for travelers. The town of Idyllwild is famous for its idyllic mountain and scenic natural beauty. If you want to see mountains in this country, you should go to Idyllwild.

Idyllwild is vibrant, and it is also commonly referred to as an “artsy mountain town”. This place also hosts numerous exhibitions every year, as well as music and film festivals. The area surrounding it is well for hiking, camping sites, rock climbing, or even participating in mountain biking activities, among others. 

A large number of people visit cheap travel destinations because they offer a rare atmosphere and a calm environment. With a slower pace of life embraced by the locals, this town serves as an excellent destination for relaxation purposes during one’s vacation and connecting with nature.

  • Best Time to Visit: Summer for hiking and winter for cozy cabin getaways in the San Jacinto Mountains.
  • Popular Landmarks To Explore: Tahquitz Peak, Idyllwild Nature Center, and Humber Park trails.

Traveler’s Tip: Many shops and restaurants are dog-friendly — a bonus for travelers with pets.

10. Temecula, California

A street scene showcasing an arched sign reading "TEMECULA EST. 1859" supported by two stone pillars. The sign features decorative elements and silhouettes of horses. Trees and traditional buildings line the street under a bright blue sky.

In Riverside County, not too far from Idyllwild, is Temecula, another one of the Cheap Travel Destinations in the US for wine enthusiasts and gamblers. For those on a budget, this town has been accurately described as a cross between Napa Valley and Vegas. 

With all that spare change, you’ll have plenty left over to take your chances at the local Native American-owned casino, Pechanga Resort Casino, which is also a big attraction in the area. The local golf offering is also great, so don’t miss the chance to not go to the desert. Old Town Temecula is as cute as can be with shops and art galleries.

Pack a picnic and enjoy one of the many outdoor recreational areas surrounded by desert scenery. We are here at night and admire the incredible tapestry of celestial bodies. The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival is also an event that you should never miss.

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for wine tours and hot air balloon rides in mild weather.
  • Popular Landmarks To Explore: Temecula Valley Wine Country, Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga Resort Casino.

Traveler’s Tip: Book balloon rides at sunrise — it’s the calmest and most scenic time.

Final Thoughts

When on a tight budget, going out home for travelers is the best option for solo travel groups in the world, including the US. Out of all aspects of traveling, accommodation is the most expensive. Thus, it is reasonable to find a place to stay through family members, friends, places, or housing exchanges. 

For instance, Home Exchange can assist you in finding cheap travel destinations across the USA for a taste of Europe. It’s not only that, but they are a chance to meet other travelers with similar interests and get some advice from the local populace on how to survive here.

People Also Ask (FAQ’s)

1. Where is the cheapest place to fly to in America?

The cheapest place to fly to in America is Boston Logan International.

2. What are the cheapest international destinations?

Mexico, Canada, Italy, the UK, Spain, and France are the cheapest international Travel Spots for travelers.

3. Which country is the cheapest to book flights from?

Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Hong Kong are the cheapest countries.

4. Which day flight rate is the cheapest?

Tuesday and Friday flight rates are cheaper and help people to avoid the rush earlier.

5. What is the cheapest US city to visit?

Albuquerque, New Mexico, is often ranked among the cheapest cities, with low hotel rates and inexpensive dining. It also offers rich culture and scenic beauty.

6. Where is the cheapest place to travel out of the US?

Mexico is one of the cheapest international destinations from the US, especially cities like Cancun or Mexico City. It’s close, affordable, and full of attractions.

7. How to travel cheaply in the USA?

Travel cheaply by using budget airlines, staying in hostels or motels, and exploring free attractions like national parks and city walking tours.

8. What is the most expensive city in the USA to visit?

New York City is the most expensive, with high hotel rates, pricey dining, and costly attractions, though budget-friendly options exist if planned well.

9. What is the most visited tourist attraction in the US?

Times Square in New York City is the most visited attraction, drawing over 40 million tourists each year with its bright lights and energy.

10. Where do most Americans go on a vacation?

Most Americans vacation in Florida, especially Orlando and Miami, thanks to theme parks, beaches, and year-round warm weather.

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