Whether you're planning a grand family vacation or are looking for a quick and breezy solo trip to switch up the scenery, finding affordable places to travel in the US can be difficult. There are so many different things to consider when planning a trip, from hotels and flights to food and activities, and it's safe to say that it can all get rather overwhelming. To help, we've compiled a list of 10 fun and affordable US cities perfect for all types of travelers. From Charlotte, North Carolina, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, these are some of the best budget-friendly cities in the country.
To ensure that our picks are all affordable, we've made selections using data from Priceline on the most affordable domestic flights and hotels in the US this summer (based on average round-trip airfare and average rate per night, respectively). We've also included a few quality hotel and vacation rental options, all under $300 a night, for each destination.
Read on for 10 affordable travel destinations in the US, so you can keep your budget in check while still enjoying your next great vacation.
Orlando, Florida
It's not the flights or the hotels in Orlando that will stretch your budget (both can be found at fairly reasonable prices if you plan in advance), but the activities. Since Orlando is home to Disney World, if you plan on attending any of the parks, you'll be designating a large chunk of your travel budget to tickets. But the theme parks aren't the only great thing to do in the city—from visiting some amazing museums to enjoying nature-filled parks, there are tons of other activities that are often overlooked. If you do plan to spend a day or two at Magic Kingdom or Universal Studios, you can rest easy knowing that the rest of your trip was budgeted accordingly.
Where to stay in Orlando:
- For family-friendly fun: Hilton Orlando
- For a great pool: Hyatt Regency Orlando
- For a private home: Cozy three-bedroom near downtown Orlando
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly is home to some amazing attractions, wonderful views, cool hotels, and of course, incredible history. In Philadelphia's Old Town, travelers can walk in the footsteps of America's Founding Fathers—meandering down the same streets and buildings they once did. There are plenty of great free and low-cost activities, including seeing the iconic Liberty Bell, walking past The President's House (the original “White House” before Washington, DC), and exploring Elfreth's Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the US. If you find time to try a Philly cheesesteak while you're there, all the better.
Where to stay in Philadelphia:
- For an escape from downtown: Inn at Whitewing Farm
- For a micro-hotel experience: Pod Philly Hotel
- For the University: The Study at University Circle
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Booking an affordable beach vacation can be quite the feat, but Myrtle Beach is the perfect place to go when you want to balance beachy views with budget-friendly prices. Especially in comparison to other South Carolina vacation hotspots like Charleston and Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach is where you'll get the most bang for your buck. Spend most of your time enjoying the sun and sand on the free beaches, or walk the iconic boardwalk a couple (dozen) times.
Where to stay in Myrtle Beach:
- For direct beach access: Willow Bay Resort
- For golf lovers: Marina Inn at Grand Dunes
- For a balcony: Quaint condo with two double beds
Las Vegas, Nevada
While you may think of Las Vegas as a place meant solely for casinos and clubbing (not exactly high up there on the list of budget-friendly activities), there are tons of fun and affordable things to do in the city and plenty of great hotels and Airbnbs to stay in. Simply walking (and gawking at) The Strip is an activity of its own, or take a hike to the Red Rock Canyon and enjoy the natural scenery. There are some great museums and exhibits to stop into as well, and seeing the Bellagio fountains is well worth a trip. Don't forget to take a picture next to the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.
Where to stay in Vegas:
- For an off-the-strip experience: Golden Nugget
- For old-world luxury on a budget: Nomad Las Vegas
- For a themed resort: The Mirage Las Vegas
Charlotte, North Carolina
From the incredible food to the family-friendly activities, there's plenty to do in Charlotte for travelers of all interests. Whether you're simply looking to enjoy the warm weather and eat all the Southern food your stomach can handle, or hoping to visit museums and the Botanical Gardens, you won't spend a single minute bored in this city. For great food and people-watching, head to 7th Street Public Market; NASCAR fans will want to explore the Charlotte Motor Speedway (kids 12 and under enter most events for free) or the NASCAR Hall of Fame (tickets start at $20).
Where to stay in Charlotte:
- For history: The Dunhill Hotel
- For a low-key place to rest your head: Charlotte Marriott City Center
- For a central location: Omni Charlotte Hotel
Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado
Just a little over an hour apart by car, Denver and Colorado Springs are both great options for families and friends looking for a mountain escape. If you're seeking something a bit more residential and not so hustle-and-bustle, Colorado Springs will be perfect, with its great hiking trails and gorgeous views. For those looking for a taste of city life, stay in downtown Denver, where you'll get all the benefits of the great outdoors alongside the liveliness of a big city. Cut costs by spending most of your time hiking, biking, and enjoying nature.
Where to stay in Colorado Springs and Denver:
- For community in Colorado Springs: Kinship Landing
- For sports fans in Denver: The Rally Hotel
- For a hip scene in a great location in Denver: The Maven Hotel at the Dairy Block
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Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque may not be on the top of your to-do list, but there are many reasons why this New Mexico city is worth a visit. It's a great destination for year-round travel thanks to its incredible hot-air balloon scene (it's home to the world's largest Hot Air Balloon Festival), Southwestern art, tasty food, and desert scenery. Head to the Albuquerque Museum (tickets start at $3) or the National Hispanic Cultural Center (free for guests 16 and under; $6 for adults) for some history and art in the city, or simply walk around the area and enjoy the desert views alongside the many art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Where to stay in Albuquerque:
- For good location: Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
- For retro charm: El Vado Motel
- For a stay near Route 66: Hotel Parq Central
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is another city on this list that is steeped in history, but if you're not much of a history buff, there's still plenty to enjoy about the city. Known for its seafood and beautiful waterfront, (and, of course, for being the setting of the musical Hairspray), you'll certainly want to indulge in crab cakes, oysters, or crab dip, especially if you can do so along the water. There are also tons of budget-friendly activities, including walking through Fell's Point, a great neighborhood filled with restaurants, shops, and entertainment, touring some of the museums, taking a peak inside the Peabody Library, or walking alongside the harbor.
Where to stay in Baltimore:
- For a pop of color: Ulysses
- For a modern boutique property: Hotel Indigo Baltimore Downtown
- For a private townhouse: Colorful two-bedroom in Federal Hill
Phoenix, Arizona
Head to hot, dry Phoenix, Arizona, the perfect destination for pool days, hiking and nature viewing, and museum visits. Phoenix is also just about two hours away from Sedona, making it a great home base for a day trip to see the red rock formations. The Desert Botanical Gardens (tickets start at $15) will be a hit amongst the whole family, while the Hole in the Rock hike (or the more challenging Camelback Mountain hike) offer a chance to take in gorgeous desert views.
Where to stay in Phoenix:
- For retro-cool: Rise Uptown Hotel
- For a desert oasis: Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
- For mountain views: Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Miami, Florida
Miami doesn't always scream affordable, but thanks to the city's large airport with many daily domestic flights and a surprising number of affordable hotel and Airbnb options, travelers can head to this incredible city without having to stretch their budget too far. Where your wallet may take a hit is the food and activities, so plan carefully before you arrive. To keep things affordable, spend most of your time enjoying the free beaches with a picnic you pack yourself, or walking around Miami Beach. You can also take yourself on a personal tour of Wynwood's outdoor murals or enjoy one of the free outdoor yoga classes.
Where to stay in Miami:
- For a “luxury” hostel experience: The Freehand
- For a unique boutique hotel: Esmé Miami Beach
- For a Wynwood escape: Arlo Wynwood Miami