List of Top Affordable, Budget-Friendly US Cities to Travel in 2025
The United States is a country with one of the most expensive travel experiences, along with different time zones and unique vibes. If you are planning a trip to the US, the first thought that pops into your head is “the expenditure”. To many travellers, it doesn’t seem like an affordable or budget-friendly destination.
Top 6 Affordable Cities in the US: Highlights
- Denver, Colorado – A perfect mix of urban adventure and scenic hiking, with many free and low-cost attractions.
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Rich in American history and culture, offering budget-friendly museums and local eats.
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – A classic beach getaway with miles of free shoreline and affordable entertainment.
- Phoenix, Arizona – Ideal for winter travel, with sunny weather, desert landscapes, and low-cost outdoor experiences.
- Fairbanks, Alaska – A northern gem for budget travellers, especially for aurora viewing and winter adventures.
- Las Vegas, Nevada – Experience the glitz without the expense with free shows, cheap midweek stays, and flight deals.
We are here to bust that myth and want to share the most amazing and affordable US travel destinations of 2025 - just for you! So, go ahead, keep your passports ready and plan a budget-friendly US vacation with the help of our curated list.
Denver, Colorado
Located in Colorado, Denver stands out as one of the most affordable cities in the USA in 2025, offering the perfect mix of urban charm and outdoor adventure without making a hole in your pocket. You can stay in budget-friendly accommodations like boutique hostels, cosy Airbnbs, and reasonably priced hotels around Capitol Hill or Downtown. Why this city is considered cheap or affordable is because of its free or low-cost attractions, including the Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, Denver Art Museum (free on certain days), and scenic hikes in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park.
Foodies can enjoy delicious food from food trucks and breweries without overspending. The best season to visit Denver is April to early June or September to October, when the hotel rates are comparatively lower and there are better flight deals. Whether you're biking through the Cherry Creek Trail, exploring historic Larimer Square, or catching a Rockies game at Coors Field, Denver offers an affordable, unforgettable experience for all kinds of travellers.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Denver is from April to early June or September to October, when the weather is mild, hotel rates are lower, and flight deals are easier to find.
Suggested Duration: 3 to 5 days
Top Attractions: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Art Museum, Rocky Mountain National Park
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Our list for affordable cities would be incomplete without an affordable beach vacation destination! It is an ideal destination in USA for travellers seeking beautiful ocean views without the high price tag. Compared to other South Carolina vacation spots like Charleston or Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach offers unbeatable value along with miles of free public beaches, perfect for swimming, relaxing, and sunbathing. It has the same vibrant beach vibe and is quite a pocket-friendly place. You can take a walk along the iconic boardwalk with shops, arcades, and cafes.
You can also find plenty of affordable stay options and dining options. Myrtle Beach lets you enjoy a classic beach vacation while keeping your wallet happy. It’s the perfect mix of fun, sun, and savings. The best and affordable time to visit Myrtle Beach is during the shoulder seasons, April to early June. Many attractions and restaurants are still open, but without the peak summer pricing.
Best Time to Visit: April to early June is the ideal time to visit Myrtle Beach, with warm weather, open attractions, and lower prices than peak summer.
Duration: Suggested duration is 4 to 6 days
Top Attractions: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Public Beaches, SkyWheel
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia comes second on our ‘Budget Travel USA 2025’ list. It is a fantastic destination for budget travellers who want to experience American history, culture, and tantalising food. Known as the birthplace of American democracy, the city offers ample free or low-cost attractions to enjoy, such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the beautiful grounds of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. They are all rich in American history and take you golden times. You can also stroll through the historic Old City, explore Reading Terminal Market for affordable local eats, or relax in Fairmount Park.
Many museums offer pay-what-you-wish days, and public transportation is cheap and reliable. All this makes this city a great pick for budget-friendly vacations in the US. Spring months, March to May, and fall months, September to November, are the most affordable times to visit Philadelphia. During these months, the weather is mild, there are fewer tourists, and accommodation costs are lower. Whether you're walking through mural-lined streets or grabbing a $5 Philly cheesesteak, Philadelphia proves you don’t need a big budget to enjoy a rich and memorable travel experience.
Best Time to Visit: Visit Philadelphia in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates.
Duration: Suggested duration is 3 to 4 days
Top Attractions: Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art
HACK: Use the SEPTA Key Card for unlimited bus and subway rides to save even more on transportation.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Enjoy the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas without draining your funds. Las Vegas is one of the most affordable and cheap travel options in the US, especially if planned carefully. It offers affordable stay options on midweek or off the Strip, and they can go surprisingly low.
There are also many free attractions visitors can enjoy, such as the Bellagio Fountain, Fremont Street, or the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat. Before visiting, you can check out online deals and offers to save big money on entertainment and dining. Flights to Vegas are also often inexpensive due to its popularity as a travel hub. So yes, Las Vegas can definitely be a budget-friendly U.S. getaway.
Best Time to Visit: Visit Las Vegas between March to May or September to November for the best combination of affordable hotel rates and pleasant temperatures.
Duration: Suggested duration is 3 to 4 days
Top Attractions: Bellagio Fountain, Fremont Street, Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Fairbanks, Alaska
Hands-down, one of the cheapest cities to visit in the US, and a beautiful one, is Fairbanks in Alaska. It is an affordable and unforgettable destination for travellers seeking natural wonders, especially the northern lights. Unlike expensive trips to Norway or Iceland, Fairbanks offers prime aurora viewing without the high costs.
Apart from the dreamy Northern Lights, visitors can explore Pioneer Park for free, try a $50 kicksled tour through downtown with Borealis Sparks & Kicksleds. Many budget-friendly accommodations like Pikes Waterfront Lodge even offer northern lights wake-up calls. Fairbanks blends affordable adventure, breathtaking nature, and local charm, making it a top winter budget-travel option in the U.S.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Fairbanks for affordable aurora viewing and winter experiences is from late November to March.
Duration: Suggested duration is 4 to 6 days
Top Attractions: Northern Lights, Pioneer Park, Downtown Kicksled Tours
Phoenix, Arizona
Looking for a warm and sunny winter getaway? Phoenix city in Arizona, is where you should head. It is the perfect winter escape for those seeking sunshine and warmth. While many of the US cities face freezing temperatures during winter, Phoenix dwells between pleasant and mild winters, offering sunny days, ideal for travellers who do not like cold weather. You can enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking in the Sonoran Desert or exploring Papago Park. Apart from the warmth,
Phoenix is also a great choice for budget-conscious travellers. With affordable accommodations, dining, and low-cost attractions such as Desert Botanical Garden (tickets start at $15), the Hole in the Rock hike offering desert views, and Roosevelt Row’s street art is a gem to explore, Phoenix delivers value without compromising experience.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Phoenix is during the winter months, from November to March, when the weather is warm and sunny but not overly hot.
Duration: Suggested duration is 3 to 5 Days
Top Attractions: Papago Park, Desert Botanical Garden, Roosevelt Row
HACK: Buy a multi-attraction pass or check for combo tickets that include places like the Desert Botanical Garden and nearby parks to save on entry fees.
Looking for an affordable flight booking website for your budget-friendly getaway? Look no further and jump to TriWize, the easiest and most affordable flight booking website, just like the destinations in our list of budget-friendly cities. The website offers ample deals and discounts, which help you save a good amount of money and make your trip more fun and enjoyable.
FAQs
1. Is it cheaper to travel in off-peak seasons?
Yes, off-peak seasons offer lower flight and hotel rates, fewer crowds, and better deals on attractions, making it ideal for budget-conscious travellers looking to save money.
2. Are budget-friendly cities less exciting than popular ones?
Not at all. Budget-friendly cities often offer rich cultural experiences, vibrant local food scenes, and unique attractions, just without the hefty price tags of major tourist hotspots.
3. Can I explore these cities without renting a car?
Many budget-friendly cities offer excellent public transportation, walking-friendly zones, or bike rentals, so you can explore comfortably without needing to rent a car.
4. What’s a good daily budget for affordable U.S. cities?
A typical daily budget ranges from $70 to $120, covering meals, local transport, accommodation, and a few attractions, depending on the city and your travel style.
5. What is more budget-friendly, a taxi or a metro in the US?
Public transport is more budget-friendly than taxis in the U.S. Most city buses or metros cost $2–$3 per ride, while taxis charge higher base fares and per-mile rates.
