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Prices are high, salaries are low, but you still want to go on vacation. I get it. I love traveling. There are so many beautiful and exciting places to see in this world and let’s be honest, the break from your daily life is a much-needed reset. That’s why I created this list of places to stay in the U.S. on a budget!
Disney World is out of the question, cruises can be cheap depending on the season, but flights may not be. So many cities are costly to visit. Here’s a few great places you may not have thought of.
1. Hartford, Connecticut
In 2021 the average price of an AirBNB in Connecticut was $189/night, and if you look right now, it’s not much different. There are parks, hikes, museums and more to explore for decent prices, or even nothing!
Here are some cheap things to do in Hartford:
- The Mark Twain House and Museum
- Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
- Connecticut Science Center
- Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
- Cemetery Brook Nature Trail
- Hartford African American Heritage Trail
Among these and many other things, there are a ton of restaurants and entertainment venues. This city truly has something for everyone.
2. Montpelier, Vermont
As the capital of Vermont, Montpelier is packed with things to do! Check out local hiking, visit breweries, and check out our favorite, the Ben and Jerry’s factory. Most inns and hotels are less than $230 a night, and the AirBNB’s are even cheaper. The scenery is amazing, especially in the fall. A little trip to this town will not disappoint.
Here are some cheap things to do in Montpelier:
- Vermont Historical Society Museum
- Hubbard Park
- Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
- Vermont State House
- Camel’s Hump Mountain
- And the Ben and Jerry’s Factory Tour
3. Indianapolis, Indiana
Another capital city, this town is packed with things to do. And as one of the cheapest places in the United States to live, staying there is incredibly cost efficient. One of the priciest hotels is $159 a night. Yes, only $159. If you cannot find somewhere cheap to stay here, you’re not really looking.
Here are some cheap things to do in Indianapolis:
- Eagle Creek Park
- Historic Irvington
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
- Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
- Central Canal
- Indiana State Museum
There is so much rich history in Indianapolis. It has an energetic downtown, is known for it’s racing scene, and has miles of bike paths and green space. We highly recommend you check out this underrated city.
4. St. Augustine, Florida
Let’s face it, a majority of Americans love going to Florida. With it’s consistently warm weather, multitude of beaches, and diversity of culture, Florida is a warm, relaxing destination hotspot. St. Augustine, Florida, known as the oldest city in the United States, can be stayed at for $160 per night or less. It has all the perks of more well known Florida cities, without the hefty price tag.
Here are some great things to do in St. Augustine for cheap:
- Castillo de San Marcos
- St. Augustine Beach
- Anastasia State Park
- Lightner Museum
- St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum
- Old Jail Museum
- Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
- St. Augustine Distillery
Seeped in history and home to pristine beaches, St. Augustine is a top destination for a great, cheap getaway. Relax on the beach, or immerse yourself in centuries of history. The choice is up to you.
5. Kansas City, Missouri
Straddling the border with Kansas, this Missouri town has a lot to offer. Known for jazz, art and barbeque, Kansas City is a top choice for a short and cheap getaway. The average AirBNB rate is under $200 for a regular sized house. If you’re traveling with a group, you can easily find one that holds more. Hotel’s average $100 or less.
Here are some great, cheap options for things to do:
- The Nelson-Atkins Museum
- National WWI Museum and Memorial
- Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
- Science City
- Arabia Steamboat Museum
- American Jazz Museum
- Country Club Plaza
- Jazz Museum
Immerse yourself in barbeque and hop around the city to explore its multitude of museums. Deep dive into history, and learn like never before in this one of a kind city, and all with a cheap price tag!
6. Des Moines, Iowa
We’ve got another capital city here, are you catching a trend? Des Moines is a smaller city, but it’s packed with a lot to do. You can easily spend a short trip here, and absorb all the best that it has to offer. Most places to stay are $130 or less per night, and if you’re willing to take a short drive, there are some really nice wineries to visit.
Here are some of the best cheap things to do in Des Moines:
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Center
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market
- Grey’s Lake
- Iowa State Capitol
- East Village
- Blank Park Zoo
- Clive Greenbelt Trail
Des Moines is a nice, simple place to stay. There’s plenty to do to fill up your day, without being overwhelmed by the size of some bigger cities. Try something different, and check out this capital city for a nice, cheap vacation.
7. Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is a historical focal point for our country. Its involvement in the Revolutionary war, and as a capital for the colony of Virginia, makes it a wonderful travel destination, especially for history buffs. Even better, nightly stays tend to be under $100 per night.
Here are some cheap things to do in this historic town:
- Historic Jamestowne
- Jamestown Settlement
- Governor’s Palace
- Ghost Tours
- Colonial National Historic Park
- Freedom Park
Williamsburg, is an overlooked, historic city, with importance to the founding of our country. With it’s cheap nightly rates, we highly recommend you check it out and learn a little more about our past, while seeing some cool sites.
8. Flagstaff, Arizona
Surrounded by mountains, desert, and forests, Flagstaff is an amazing, scenic destination for adventure lovers. Although it can be hot in the summer months, as all of Arizona is, we highly recommend it at under $150 per night for a hotel, and under $250 per night per AirBNB.
Here are some cheap things to do in Flagstaff:
- Lowell Observatory
- Museum of Northern Arizona
- Rioardan Mansion State Historic Park
- Coconino National Forest
- Lava River Cave
- Mother Road Brewing Company
- Buffalo Park
The truth is, Flagstaff Arizona has so many more places we could list for hiking adventures. Especially if you will have access to a car, you could spend your entire trip here, adventuring your way through beautiful sites and amazing scenery. Stay for cheap and enjoy some of the best sites our country has to offer.
What do you think of our list? There are so many amazing places to stay in the United States. We wanted to give you a short, comprehensive breakdown of some of our favorite budget friendly places to stay. Let us know if you agree or disagree in the comments below and offer up some of your own suggestions for future travelers.
