With a bit of planning, visiting the USA can be fun and done on a tight budget.

Abundant with mountains, canyons, rivers, and beaches, the great outdoors is one of America’s finest treasures, and much of our natural splendor is free. Camping costs are minimal, too. Small towns are typically quite affordable, with mom-and-pop motels and restaurants keeping their prices low.

However, popular metropolitan areas like New York City, Washington, DC, and San Francisco are famously pricey, and hotels, restaurants, and museums work hard to lighten your bank account. But even in big cities, there are deals to be found.

Two things to consider for your trip — the USA is enormous and the dollar is stronger than most other currencies. Given that, I suggest being very realistic about your budget and time. 

There is a great article about some basic information everyone should know before they land in the US. Make sure to read up on essentials like this before coming to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Seek out cheap domestic flights and onward travel options

If you’re booking domestic flights, consider using smaller regional airports near major cities. For example, Long Island MacArthur Airport in Islip, New York, or Hollywood Burbank Airport near Los Angeles. These airports are often served by smaller carriers that offer very affordable fares. 

Flying might be your best option for covering long distances since Amtrak, the US rail network, doesn’t offer comprehensive routes and can often be inconvenient.

Additionally, if you’re sure about your travel plans, pre-paying for your rental car can save you money. You can also use Autoslash for a quick comparison to find discounts you might not have discovered otherwise.

Save money on hotels and motels

Budget hotel chains like Travelodge and Super 8 offer clean rooms at low prices, though you shouldn’t expect brand-new furniture or many amenities. Many larger chains are now opening trendy budget brands, featuring small rooms, minimalist designs, and vibrant colors. 

For a bit more money, which often include hearty complimentary breakfasts and happy-hour spreads (sometimes with beer and wine), or Best Western. Most cities, towns, and resort areas will also have good independently owned motels.

Third-party booking sites can offer great rates but check the actual hotel website too. By booking directly, you can earn points in hotel loyalty programs for future stays. You might also have more flexibility in room choice, and cancellations may be easier. If the hotel isn’t busy, you can often get a discount by mentioning your travel plans or simply asking for a lower rate.

Airbnb and  VRBO rentals can be economical, but cleaning fees and hidden costs often raise the rate above what was initially advertised. Also, check rates for guesthouses and B&Bs, where you’ll likely get good local insights from the proprietors. Hostels are another budget-friendly option, though not as abundant in the US as in other countries. However, you will find at least one or two hostels in most larger cities and near major national parks.

Average Daily Costs in the USA

• Hostel dorm room: $32–75

• Basic motel room: $75–150

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from $100 

• Camping: free to $50

• Public transport: $2-5 (occasionally free)

• Rental car: $45-80 per day

• Coffee: $3

• Sandwich to-go: $9

• Mid-range dinner for two: $30-50

• Beer at a bar: $5-8

Total average daily cost per person: $150-300

Eat well for less at diners and food trucks

Eating out has become increasingly pricey due to ongoing inflation, but diners are still a good place to find a deal. Characterized by long counters with stools, booths, and maybe a few freestanding tables, diners are an American classic, known for their breakfasts and simple, filling lunches and dinners. 

You can still find a good meal for under $12 per person, especially if you drink water instead of soda. Most diners are independently owned, open early, and offer free coffee refills.

Some restaurants, especially those serving pizza and takeout meals, offer midweek specials. Look for buy-one-get-one-half-off deals and combo meal specials. Slices of pizza are usually large, with prices around $3 per slice.

Food trucks can also be a great source of cheap eats, with hot dogs and tacos reliably inexpensive. 

However, gourmet food trucks, which sell everything from lobster rolls to pork belly sandwiches, aren’t usually a great deal. Many US grocery stores sell premade sandwiches and salads in their deli areas, typically costing less than $10. You may find slightly lower food prices at Aldi, Lidl, and Trader Joe’s.

Make the most of sightseeing passes

If you’re planning to visit more than one national park, consider buying an America the Beautiful (Interagency) Pass. The pass costs $80 and covers admission at all sites managed by the National Park Service and other federal agencies for one year.

In many cities, you can purchase sightseeing passes that include admission to numerous attractions at a reduced overall rate. If you plan to visit several museums and tourist attractions, the pass will likely save you money. Look for them at visitor centers or on city tourism websites.

Consider Visiting in May or September

The high season across most of the US is summer (June through August) when schools are out and families are on vacation, leading to peak lodging prices. To save money and avoid crowds, consider visiting national parks and resort destinations in May, just before summer vacation begins, or in September, right after the kids go back to school. During these months, prices tend to be lower, the weather is still pleasant, and you’ll miss the peak crowds.

In May, waterfalls are often at their fullest due to spring showers and melting snowpack, and wildflowers are abundant. However, avoid arriving too early in spring (March/April) in upper New England, as many inns and attractions are closed during “mud season” when frozen roads and landscapes begin their messy thaw.

September offers warm weather and is typically too early for foliage hunters, who converge on forested areas as leaves begin to turn color, keeping lodging prices high.

Don’t Say No to Camping – Sometimes It’s Barely Camping!

Pitching a tent remains a popular budget option, though it’s not for everyone. But don’t rule it out just yet – you might be surprised by the many “camping” options available. At large commercial campgrounds like KOA, you’ll often find sturdy canvas tents, yurts, and wooden cabins. 

These come with cots or bunk beds, while sinks, showers, and toilets are in shared facilities. Prices are typically under $150 per night unless you rent a larger cabin with more amenities.

You can also find intriguing budget options on private property through Hipcamp and Tentrr. Amenities vary, but sites as low as $25 are common, although the cheaper ones may lack showers or potable water. Glamping resorts offer canvas tents and yurts furnished with cots, comfy linens, wood stoves, and basic furniture – but don’t expect budget prices for these!

Developed campgrounds are common in national and state parks, with campsites often costing under $40 per night. RV campgrounds in larger parks are closer to $80-90 per night. Also, check for inexpensive primitive campgrounds in national forests.

You can sleep for free in many national forests and on vast swaths of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), mostly in the West. Just check the rules on regional BLM websites about dispersed camping  – which means no hookups or amenities. 

There are usually restrictions on the length of your stay and the location, which should be a certain distance from water sources and the road. If you’re traveling in an RV, you may be able to park for free – called boondocking – in a Walmart parking lot, though you won’t have any electrical hookups. Check with management at individual stores to confirm you can stay.

Take yourself on a walking tour

Most cities and larger small towns have a historic downtown core. Stop by the local visitor center or chamber of commerce to pick up a free, self-guided walking tour map of historic sites, usually just a short walk away. You can often download these maps, and some include an audio component.

Get a free education

College campuses can be great places to soak up culture for free, especially during the school year (September to May). State universities and many private colleges often have free art and cultural museums, and it’s worth checking a college’s online calendars for talks, panels, and movie screenings that are open to the public at no charge.

Take advantage of free admission to national, state, and city parks

Most of the well-known national parks charge an entrance fee ($30-35), which covers a vehicle and all of its occupants for seven days. You can save about $15 if you hike or bike into the park.