cheapest places to travel each month

A month-by-month guide to the cheapest flights to international destinations

Airfare prices change regularly throughout the year, but if you know where to look, it's possible to find a bargain to even the most popular destinations — especially if you're able to be flexible with your travel dates.

TPG reached out to Skyscanner to trawl through their vast amount of airfare data and give you a comprehensive look at the destinations around the world that typically cost less to fly to. Whether you're looking to depart from the United States or from the United Kingdom, plenty of sweet spots can be found.

Below are destinations that are consistently priced low throughout the year and destinations that regularly pop up with cheaper airfares during specific months.

*All pricing taken from economy class, round-trip bookings made on Skyscanner for travel in 2022.

Related: Best credit cards for booking airfare

Which destinations are the cheapest to fly to year-round?

While certain destinations can be cheaper on average throughout the whole year, others fluctuate, and not always in the ways you might think.

For example, if you're based in the U.S. and dream of flying to Europe for your next vacation, the best prices for most European locations were in April, May and June, according to Skyscanner's data on the average cost of a return economy flight. This is true, according to that data, even though this time is normally considered a peak travel time for the region and coincides with the U.K. school holidays.

However, while you may be able to pick up cheaper airfare during this time, prices for hotels and attractions may be higher during these periods.

Meanwhile, the average return flights to London were at their lowest at the beginning of the year, between January and March. Note this can be a notoriously drizzly and cold time to visit the U.K. capital (though, let's face it, England isn't really known for its great weather at the best of times).

The next cheapest period to visit London from the U.S. was perhaps surprisingly between October and December. Again, this is during the colder months, but still great news for those looking for a potential Christmas escape to take advantage of some of the Thanksgiving and fall breaks in the U.S.

For travelers based in the U.K., we found airfares to destinations in Italy to be consistently among the top 10 cheapest throughout the year. Despite its popularity among British travelers, Greece didn't break the top 10 once for the cheapest average airfares.

Related: These are the best times to book airfare

Cheapest places to fly from January through March

Traveling from the us.

January through March saw the lowest average prices of the year for flights departing the U.S. to London and Paris, with the French capital coming in a smidgen cheaper to get to. If you take advantage of the convenient Eurostar links between these two European cities, you could easily hit both of these destinations during this period for less than you'd pay any other time.

Related: The best hotels in London

If you decide to do both, we suggest returning to the U.S. from Paris to avoid the U.K.'s notoriously high fees and taxes on airfares.

Average airfare prices to Puerto Rico from the U.S. were among the cheapest during these months in 2022. January is also an ideal time to visit Puerto Rico, thanks to the dryer winter months with moderate temperatures and far less rainfall than you'll see during other times in the year.

Closer to home, this period is also a great time to visit Mexico , where you can enjoy much dryer and cooler temperatures.

Traveling from the UK

If you don't mind wrapping up to stay warm, you can bag plenty of great deals to Europe departing the U.K., but be warned that some places can be chilly during the winter months.

For example, Eindhoven, the Netherlands, can see temperatures dropping as low as 34 Fahrenheit (1.3 Celsius) in January and only just peaking over 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius) in March.

Riga, Latvia, sees even lower temperatures, regularly plummetting to around 24 Fahrenheit (-5 Celsius) between January and February and peaking at around 33 Fahrenheit (1 Celsius) in March.

If you're looking for sun, Palma, Mallorca, is your best bet. The first months of the year generally still see days filled with sunshine. It won't necessarily be hot enough to top up your tan and enjoy a beach break, though — temperatures mainly float around the 61 Fahrenheit (16 Celsius) mark.

Cheapest places to fly from April through June

If you're considering a European vacation , these months pulled up cheaper airfares than any other, according to Skyscanner data, with good average prices for Spain, France, Portugal and the U.K. While each of these locations will begin seeing sunnier weather throughout June, you can still expect blues skies and bouts of sunshine during April too.

It is, however, worth doing some research before you book — U.K. schools break for Easter in the first half of April and again at the beginning of June for the summer half-term break. During these times, you can expect many European locations to be busy with family vacations and often see soaring accommodation prices. If you can, we'd recommend booking outside of these weeks to save on both money and time spent queuing due to increased numbers of other tourists.

Looking for something more far-flung? Tokyo has great average airfare prices during the spring, and if you time it properly, you could also witness Japan's beautiful cherry blossom season, which typically peaks in early April.

This is one of the prime times to visit Italy and take in the sights before its summer hits full throttle in July, bringing with it almost prohibitively high temperatures. Visits between April and June are perfect for soaking up the sun, alfresco dining and diving into this country's rich history.

Sicily, in particular, is excellent at this time of the year. However, note that it might get a little too hot for some as June approaches, especially if this year's wildfires and extreme weather are anything to go by.

If Dubrovnik, Croatia, has been on your list for some time but now feels a little too in vogue and expensive, you could also get good prices on flights to Zadar . This charming seaside city is situated on the Dalmatian Coast and is known for its fantastic restaurant and dining scene, with an array of stunning nearby national parks.

Related: 13 of the most beautiful villages and towns in Sicily

Cheapest places to fly from July through September

For those yearning to visit Canada outside of its harsh winter periods, July through September can be an ideal time to enjoy a summer vacation. Toronto bursts to life during the Toronto Jazz Festival and Toronto Fringe Festival in July — perfect for culture vultures.

You can get good prices on flights to Mexico between July and September. While these months bring slightly cooler and more comfortable temperatures, they also mark Mexico's rainy season, typically from late August to September.

Conversely, if you've always had Peru on your bucket list, this can be a great time to visit.

It's the country's driest season — fantastic conditions if you plan to hike to Machu Picchu. According to Skyscanner's data, you can typically find good prices on flights to Peru during these months. However, note that if you plan to travel to Machu Picchu from Lima, you must either get a connecting flight to Cusco or take a long bus ride.

September can be one of the best periods to visit Ireland during its shoulder season. Along with good deals on airfare, you'll also typically see cheaper accommodation costs and fewer crowds. The weather can also be fairly mild during these months with good dry spells, though it likely won't be shorts and T-shirt weather.

Mid-August through to September also sees much milder weather in Italy and can be a preferable month to visit than July and August, which are the hottest months of the year and the most crowded with tourists.

Elsewhere in Europe, July onward is a great time to take advantage of good weather in France.

According to Skyscanner data, Rodez, France, is one of the cheapest places on average to fly to from the U.K. during these months. It also sees high temperatures and lots of sunshine. The mercury is typically around 77 Fahrenheit (25 Celsius) in July and August before dropping off to a more manageable 69.8 Fahrenheit (21 Celsius) average in September.

Cheapest places to fly from October through December

There are great prices on airfares to Mexico from October through December, and these months are also a particularly intriguing time to visit.

Mexico's Day of the Dead celebrations typically take place Nov. 1-2. The festival is an opportunity to honor deceased family members, and there is a wide array of celebrations throughout Mexico, making this a memorable and enlightening time to visit and learn about Mexican traditions.

If you keep your eyes peeled, it's also possible to get low-priced airfares to Iceland, allowing for a festive visit to Reykavik to take in the snow alongside a healthy jolt of Christmas spirit.

Visit London to see the city decorated for the festivities as it gears up for the holidays and New Year celebrations. Sure, it'll be cold and the weather occasionally unwieldy, but it's a magical time to visit the U.K. capital.

Related: These are the best Christmas markets in Europe

For U.K. travelers looking for an affordable winter getaway, cast your eyes toward Italy, where the weather, though much milder than in the earlier months of the year, is still quite the contrast to the climate at home if you pick the right destination.

For example, Sicily will feel much closer to the U.K. spring weather. Other areas, such as Milan or Venice, won't be quite as warm but still make for great locations for romantic winter getaways on the continent.

Bottom line

While airfare prices fluctuate, they don't always follow the expected patterns you might guess. Based on Skyscanner's data from last year, you might be surprised by how much cheaper certain destinations in some months compared to others — especially airfares to Europe from the United States during summer when one might expect higher costs.

Similarly, from the U.K., Italy is generally fairly cheap to fly to if you look in the right places. By looking further afield to places like Rodez, France, or Zadar in Croatia, you might even visit somewhere that's commonly overlooked by other tourists wishing to visit better-known cities such as Paris or Dubrovnik.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

Budget trips: 20 of the cheapest places to travel

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• budget-trips-cheapest-places-to-travel-around-the-world

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 25.04.2024

That ever-growing travel wish list might be putting pressure on your pocket – but there are plenty of destinations where you'll get more bang for your buck. From Greece to Guatemala , here are 20 of the cheapest places to travel.

1. Thailand — for fantastic local food and more

2. south africa for safari adventures at an incredible value, 3. vietnam for an affordable country with a lot to offer, 4. uruguay — for a budget destination with beaches, 5. cuba: a cheap destination with very few tourists.

• 6. Prague, Czech Republic — one of Europe's most affordable destinations

7. Greece for popular tourist destinations on a budget

8. guatemala: one of the cheapest countries to learn spanish, 9. bulgaria for an underrated tourist destination, 10. india: an all-time favourite for budget travellers, 11. portugal for a cheap country in western europe, 12. bolivia for natural beauty on a budget, 13. mexico: one of the cheapest places to travel, 14. new orleans — one of the cheapest major cities in the usa, 15. laos for national parks and more, 16. the gambia for a cheap destination with nature, 17. shanghai, china for delicious street food, 18. save money in istanbul, turkey, 19. london — for free things to do in a capital city, 20. egypt for one of the most memorable cheap travel destinations, plan your perfect trip.

This article is inspired by our Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget — your essential guide to making the most of this great region without breaking the bank. You might also want to discover how to explore the world's most expensive city without breaking the bank — find out how to visit Tel Aviv on a budget .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Greece, created by local experts

10 days  / from 2657 USD

The Historical and Mythological Cyclades islands

The Cyclades islands include two of the most famous Greek Islands: Mykonos and Santorini. Visit these and some of the smaller, quieter, islands. With white washed houses, narrow cobbled streets, blue domed roofs and stunning beaches, they are what Greece is all about.

9 days  / from 2246 USD

A secluded villa stay on Mainland Greece

Stay in a secluded private villa with magnificent views to the sea and explore this beautiful corner of Mainland Greece with your own rental car. Under the impressive Mt Taygetos in Southern Peloponnese, the region of Mani will give you a snapshot of authentic Greece.

10 days  / from 2030 USD

Along the Coast of Crete: from Heraklion to Platanias

As Greece's largest island, Crete's culture and atmosphere is distinctly different from mainland Greece. Thousands of years of unique culture and rich history complement the island's untamed natural beauty. Explore Crete at your own pace with this unique self-drive trip!

There’s a reason why Thailand remains so popular with backpackers. It’s got idyllic islands , a rich culture, beach huts aplenty, tantalising local food and adventures galore , and all are available at often staggeringly low prices.

Despite the well-trodden routes through the country, it’s not hard to get away from the crowds. Check out Nakhon Si Thammarat for some of the very best food the country has to offer or hire a motorbike to make the 600km trip along the Mae Hong Son Loop through the forested northern mountains. See why Thailand made our list of the best places to travel alone.

Find budget places to stay in Thailand

The Great Holy Relics Pagoda Nabhapolbhumisiri, Chiang Mai, Thailand - still one of the cheapest places to travel © Shutterstock

One of the great things about travelling in South Africa next to the beautiful landscapes is that it’s possible to have a safari experience here – complete with the Big Five – without encountering a budget-breaking bill. Head to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi to see a white rhino and avoid the crowds of Kruger .

Head to the Drakensberg for superlative hiking. Don’t forget to factor in at least a few days in the amazing Cape Town or Johannesburg to experience the nightlife in South Africa .

Start planning your trip with the best time to visit South Africa and our collection of the best South Africa itineraries .

Find budget places to stay in South Africa

Cape Town — popular with budget travellers © Mark Van Overmeire/Shutterstock

Vietnam is one of the best and cheapest places to travel. The country’s greatest attraction is its sublime countryside, from the limestone karsts of the north to the waterways and paddy fields of the Mekong Delta , with blissful beaches and frenetic cities crammed in between - see our reader's vote for the most beautiful places in Vietnam .

Then there’s the cuisine – pull up a stool at a pho stall and for just a few dollars you’ll eat some of the best food on offer, shoulder to shoulder with the locals. Check out our 9 tips for backpacking Vietnam and the best time to visit Vietnam , plus discover how to get off the tourist trail before you go.

Street Pho - Vietnam street food options make it a great cheap place to travel © JNEZAM/Shutterstock

If you’ve already visited Brazil and Argentina , or are just looking for a better value destination in South America, head instead to neighbouring Uruguay. You’ll be relieved to hear you can still find excellent steak here and some amazing restaurants .

Plus, there are plenty of lovely beaches to choose from – head to Cabo Polonio for quieter sands and abundant wildlife – and the gorgeous old capital of Montevideo. Want to learn more? You'll find all the information you need to plan a budget trip in our Rough Guide to South America on a Budget .

Find budget places to stay in Uruguay

Uruguay. Punta del Este - a great place to go on a tight travel budget © Chaykovsky Igor/Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

Since relations between Cuba and the US started rapidly warming up, there's never been a better time to visit this Caribbean island. Go now before it changes beyond recognition – and before the prices start to go up and up even more.

Hit the salsa clubs of Havana , get caught up in the heady July carnival of Santiago, or dip your toes in the warm Caribbean at one of the picture-perfect beaches in Cuba – whatever you do, you’ll find it hard not to leave utterly intoxicated.

Get started with these 12 tips for backpacking Cuba , the best places to go on your first trip to Cuba and the best time to visit Cuba .

Cuba is a great place for cheap travel © Pixabay

6. Prague, Czech Republic — one of Europe's most affordable destinations

Despite being firmly on the tourist – not to mention bachelor party – trail these days, Prague still remains one of Europe’s cheapest capital cities to visit. For just a few Czech Crowns you can enjoy a hearty meal of Czech food , washed down with decent local Czech beer (of course).

The city itself is a beauty, crammed full of history and perfect for leisurely explorations by foot - check here to see how to avoid the crowds in Prague , and a great train travel itinerary starting in Prague. Want to explore more of Europe on the cheap? Check out The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget .

Where to stay in Prague

• For Baroque touches with a view : Questenberk
• For gardens and views: Golden Well Hotel
• For budget stays : Adeba Hotel

Find places to stay on a budget in Prague

Save money when travelling to Prague © Shutterstock

Greece has been having a tough time economically in the past few years. It finally started trading on financial markets in mid-2018 after years of bailouts, but for many, making ends meet day-to-day is still hard.

If anything, the financial situation is all the more reason to travel here and to support the local people. Prices are still cheaper than they once were, so you might be able to squeeze an extra Greek island or one of the beautiful beaches into your itinerary.

Pay by credit card for whatever you can in advance, but take enough cash with you for your travels, and you’re pretty much guaranteed an amazing trip. Read our indispensable travel tips for Greece by Nick Edwards, co-author of The Rough Guide to Greece , before you go - and of course, the best Greek food you need to try.

Find budget places to stay in Greece

Greece — one of the best budget destinations © Anastasios71/Shutterstock

It’s hard not to fall under the spell of Guatemala and its compelling mix of natural beauty, Mayan traditions and colonial legacies. Rock-bottom prices make this one of the best places to study Spanish.

Once your linguistic skills are up to scratch, jump onto one of the country’s famous camionetas or “chicken buses” to explore. Soak up the sights of graceful Antigua in the south of the country, explore Guatemala City or be wowed by the monumental Maya temples of Tikal .

For planning your trip , check out the best time to travel to Guatemala . It's also easy to extend your trip to see more of Central America, too.

Find budget places to stay in Guatemala

Guatemala for affordable accommodation and more © Shutterstock

Often unfairly overlooked, Bulgaria has a lot to offer budget travellers – not least some of the most deserted beaches in Europe, at bargain prices. In addition to its appealing coastline, there are also lots of lovely old towns.

One of the best and cheapest places to travel is Varna on the coast. Or the ancient Plovdiv — which made our Rough Guide list of the Best Places to Travel this year. Bulgaria also boasts a number of dramatic mountain ranges that are perfect for exploration on foot or by bike.

Find budget places to stay in Bulgaria

The underrated country of Bulgaria © Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock

India is such a vast country and remains one of the ultimate destinations among the cheapest places to travel. There are few countries where you can still travel so extensively and eat so well for so little.

If you’re after a beach break, eschew Goa for the gorgeous beaches of the temple town of Gokarna. For amazing food, it’s hard to beat the puris and kebabs of Mumbai’s street stalls or head to the Golden City of Jaisalmer from where you can explore the seemingly endless sands of the Thar Desert. Need more inspiration? Check out our favourite places off the tourist trail .

Varanasi, India © Shutterstock

Portugal remains one of the best bargains in Western Europe and is especially worth considering if you want to avoid the more crowded resorts and cities of Spain. Skip the Algarve for the ruggedly beautiful Alentejo coast (with its cheap, fresh seafood) and vibrant, uber-cool Lisbon. If you're not sure where to start, read our top tips for travelling in Portugal and discover the best of Lisbon's food scene .

Find budget places to stay in Portugal

Portugal is arguably the cheapest country in Western Europe © Shutterstock

One of the cheapest places to travel in South America, Bolivia is also one of its most misunderstood . Travelling here may be a little uncomfortable at times, but it’s more than worth it for the wealth of amazing sights on offer.

Top of the list is undoubtedly the astounding Salar de Uyuni salt flats, a two or three-day tour of which will usually set you back less than £100/$150. Plan your trip with The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget , and be sure to try at least some of these best things to do in Bolivia .

Find budget places to stay in Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni - Bolivia is one of the cheapest places to travel in South America © Shutterstock

Your budget will definitely stretch to tacos and tequila aplenty in Mexico – which is great news as there’s a lot of ground to cover in this vibrant country.

Whether you want to string your hammock up along dazzling white sands, sample some of the country’s best street food in Oaxaca or cool off in a crystal-clear cenote (sunken swimming hole), the country will leave you eager to come back for more. To kick-start your wanderlust, these are 12 of our favourite places to visit in Mexico .

Find budget places to stay in Mexico

Zipolite beach, Oaxaca, Mexico © Shutterstock

You can’t escape from music in New Orleans – and with buskers on what often seems like every corner, and music in every courtyard and bar, it’s not hard to experience the city’s musical heritage without spending much more than the price of a beer.

The city is best experienced slowly, and on foot; it’s hard to beat people-watching over a cup of coffee and a plate of sugar-dusted beignets at the Café du Monde. Find out where to sample the city's top cocktails with our best bar guide .

Where to stay in New Orleans

• For a budget-conscious alternative: Hotel Provincial
• For classic New Orleans charm: Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter

Find budget places to stay in New Orleans

Bourbon St, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Even in a region of the cheapest places to travel, Laos stands out. It’s hard not to be captivated by the slow pace of the country.

Head just north of elegant Luang Prabang to riverside Nong Khiaw, where for a small change you can bag a waterside bungalow and watch the boats travel up and down the karst-surrounded river over a cold bottle of Beer Lao. Get the full lowdown on this enchanting and unspoiled corner of Southeast Asia with The Rough Guide to Laos .

Find budget places to stay in Laos

Laos is famous for its national parks and more © akedesign/Shutterstock

Africa’s smallest country is already known for its beautiful beaches, but it’s well worth venturing beyond them to experience its other delights . Top of the list has to be the Chimp Rehabilitation Centre in the River Gambia National Park, where you can watch the primates in their natural habitat.

For birdlife, Baobolong Wetland Reserve is arguably the best place for ornithology on the continent and is at its most atmospheric at sunset. Read on for 8 off-the-beaten-track experiences in the Gambia.

Find budget places to stay in The Gambia

Gambia is Africa's smallest country © Dave Montreuil/Shutterstock

The biggest appeal for budget – if not all travellers – to Shanghai is undoubtedly the abundance of amazing street food on offer, from xiao long bao soup dumplings to scallion pancakes and sticky rice parcels ( zongzi ).

It’s still possible to find an accommodation bargain at the lower end of the scale, and much of the city’s appeal lies in exploring its busy streets on foot and experiencing for yourself the juxtaposition between old and new China. You'll find recommendations for where to find the city's best street eats and budget sleeps in The Rough Guide to Shanghai .

Find budget places to stay in Shanghai

Shanghai for street food and more © Shutterstock

With one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, Istanbul is undeniably alluring. Though seeing all the major sights – the Aya Sofya, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace to name but a few – can quickly eat into your lira, the city can still be great for tighter budgets.

Arguably the best ways to really soak up the city are from a Bosphorus ferry, wandering the streets of the Grand Bazaar or on a streetside terrace with a freshly-cooked kebab - read up our Turkish food guide before you go.

Where to stay in Istanbul

• For views: Hotel Poem
• For B&B: Mest Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci
• For location: Boutique Saint Sophia

Find budget places to stay in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey © Shutterstock

First things first – we know London is not cheap. There’s no denying that even staying in hostels, using public transport and eating in cafés is going to massively eat into your budget.

But – and it’s a big but – there are few places in the world that can rival the capital city for its plethora of free sights, where you can see the Rosetta Stone and the Lindow Man, works by Monet and Dalí, not to mention dinosaur and blue whale skeletons, for absolutely nothing. Get off on the right foot by choosing the right area to stay .

Find budget places to stay in London

Hampstead Heath during the summer months in London © Chris Seddon/Shutterstock

Considering the abundance of mind-blowing ancient sights, you’d expect travel to Egypt to cost a lot more than it does. Sure, if you tick off all the major attractions – including the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel – then costs are going to creep up, but tempered with cheap (and excellent) food and decent budget accommodation, it’s not hard to feel like you’re almost able to live like a Pharaoh.

Note, that due to safety concerns some governments currently advise against travel to certain parts of the country; check the latest advice before you go.

Find budget places to stay in Egypt

Egypt is a fantastic travel destination © Shutterstock

Want to travel without the hassle of planning and booking? Our local experts can plan wonderful trips for you to anywhere you have been dreaming of travelling. Simply get in touch when you would like to travel. We will then create a personalized itinerary, which you can amend until you are totally happy with every detail of the booking. All of our planned itineraries can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

Inspired to take a trip to Europe? Don't miss our Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget for more tips on making the most of this great region without breaking the bank.

We may earn a commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

• Nature & Wildlife
• History Culture Heritage
• South Africa
• Inspiration
• Travel Tips
• Where to stay
• Czech Republic

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Find even more inspiration here

Ready to travel and discover greece, get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

The Cheapest Places to Travel for Each Month of the Year

by Rebecca Werkheiser | Jan 20, 2021 | Travel Facts

Plan an exciting vacation without spending an arm and a leg.BY  SKYE SHERMAN  AND  CLAIRE TRAGESER  UPDATED JANUARY 19, 2021

CREDIT: DIEGO MARIOTTINI/EYEEM/GETTY IMAGES

Editor’s Note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure.

For an easy way to spend less and see a lot, hack your travels by the calendar: You can still visit  once-in-a-lifetime destinations , but do it at the optimal time, and you’ll save loads.

If there’s a destination on your  bucket list  that’s just out of your budget, you might be able to book that trip for less than you think, depending on the time of year you visit. For example, go to Japan in the winter, not during cherry blossom season, to save a few bucks. Or, visit Hawaii during the shoulder season to enjoy warm weather without paying peak prices.

By traveling strategically, you can save hundreds (or even thousands) on your dream trip.  Kayak , one of the world’s leading travel search engines, shared with  Travel + Leisure  a list of destinations seeing some of the best deals and biggest year-over-year price drops, broken down by month so you can plan accordingly. The cost indicates the average prices for both round-trip and one-way flights to these destinations, contrasting this year’s fares with those in 2020.

Related:  The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021

These are the cheapest places to travel for each month of the year. All destinations are currently open to Americans, and have at least 1,000 searches, according to Kayak.

January: Telluride, Colorado

CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

Head to  Telluride  in January, and you can expect to see airfare at a 49% reduction from last year, according to Kayak, with the cost around $768 instead of $1,514. Likely due to a post-holiday dip and colder weather, this downward trend means you can take the money you save and use it on the slopes: January is a great time to ski, snowboard, and shred mounds of fresh powder.

February:  Miami, Florida

Prices in Miami are trending 52% lower in February, dropping from $276 in 2020 to $132 in 2021.  Miami  is also one of the cities seeing the biggest price drops,  according to Kayak . However, winter is prime time in  South Florida  — it’s one of the few times of year you can count on cool temperatures with plenty of sunshine. You may not want to spend all your time on South Beach during a February visit, but it’s the perfect time to explore outdoors without breaking a sweat: Plan a day walking around Wynwood Walls or exploring the manicured grounds of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. 

March:  Cozumel, Mexico

Head to  Cozumel  in March for around $388 instead of $573 — a 32% reduction in the average prices of both round-trip and one-way flights. You can still enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Mexican island, since the average temperature sees a high of 82 degrees, but it’s less humid and there’s no threat of hurricanes. It’s also a good time to dive the colorful Mesoamerican Reef, with a good chance of seeing migrating eagle rays up close.

April, July, November, and December:  Cancun, Mexico

CREDIT: DANIEL SLIM/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Cancun seems to be the place to be in 2021 for those interested in scoring a deal. In April, you’ll find average airfare to the Mexican city for around $328 instead of $509, which is 36% lower than last year. It’s the driest month of the year, yet it remains warm and sunny and sits right at the end of Cancun’s peak season, so you can expect picture-perfect weather and lower-than-normal prices on flights and  hotels . 

July is another great time to visit Cancun: Kayak reports a 24% price drop for July, from $476 as the average cost in 2020 to $363 in 2021. It’s peak summer this time of year, so expect hot temperatures and  picture-perfect beach days . 

Another low-price month to visit Cancun, November 2021 is trending toward approximately $408 — a 40% reduction in price compared to 2020, when the average cost was $677. The weather during this time of year remains hot enough for beach days, but the humidity is lower and rainy days are less frequent, especially later in the month. It’s a great time to explore Mayan ruins, too. 

Finally, while the airfare in December 2020 hovered around $971, the price for the same time in 2021 is predicted to be about a third of that, at $334. This marks a 66% cost reduction year over year. 

May:  Jackson, Wyoming

CREDIT: CHASE DEKKER WILD/GETTY IMAGES

There are few better places to enjoy the great outdoors than the wide-open spaces of  Jackson, Wyoming , especially just before the arrival of summer. Kayak reports a 31% price drop in May, from $532 in 2020 to $368 in 2021. On top of the lower prices, visitors can enjoy the invigorating energy of a Wyoming spring as wildflowers begin to bloom, wildlife emerges from hibernation, and snow melts into scenic, winding rivers. Even better, the summer tourist crowds have not yet rushed in.

June:  San Juan, Puerto Rico

August:  Dallas, Texas

Summer in Texas is a scorcher, but it’s the perfect time of year to indulge in mouthwatering BBQ, and no place does that better than the Lone Star State. Head to  Dallas  in August and enjoy a trip at a 43% lower cost than you would have in 2020 ($179 versus $312). Cool down with a tall glass of ice-cold sweet tea or a tart and refreshing margarita.

September:  Washington, D.C.

Visiting  Washington, D.C.  this September should set you back around $205 in airfare — a major difference from the average price of $355 in 2020. Fortunately, September is one of the best months to visit our nation’s capital: Autumn promises milder temperatures, cool breezes, and the exodus of high-season tourists, as well as gorgeous fall scenes as the leaves begin to change. During this time of year, you can comfortably experience both the outdoor monuments and indoor museums. 

October:  Denver, Colorado

CREDIT: ERKAN GUNES/EYEEM/GETTY IMAGES

Head to  Denver  in October for about $204, which is 42% lower than last year’s average airfare price of $350. October falls in Denver’s shoulder season, after the summer crowds have left, but before the hordes of winter tourists arrive. Temperatures are likely to be cold, but the weather is dry and sunny, and fall in Denver is beautifully autumnal, so it’s a great month to  plan a visit  (and the price is right). BY SKYE SHERMAN AND CLAIRE TRAGESER

Recent Posts

• 10 Things You Can Only Do in Mexico
• Perk Up! Here’s Where to Get the Best On-Resort Coffees in the World
• What’s More Natural Than Family?
• Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit and Hawaiian Add New Routes Around the U.S.
• Save up to $800 Vacation Package

Recent Comments

• October 2021
• January 2021
• December 2020
• September 2020
• January 2020
• December 2019
• November 2019
• October 2019
• Travel Facts
• Travel Tips
• Entries feed
• Comments feed
• WordPress.org

The 30 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2024

01/01/2024 by Ashley Yap 88 Comments

Which countries in the world offer the most value? Where can you travel to in 2024 that will allow you to go for longer, enjoy a higher standard, and save more money? The following are 30 destinations around the world that offer the essentials – accommodation, transportation, and food – for less:

Table of Contents

Our Favorite Cheap Destinations Quick List:

• Best in Southeast Asia for Food: Vietnam
• Best in Southeast Asia for Beaches: Philippines
• Best in Asia for Hiking: Kyrgyzstan
• Best in Europe for Food: Greece
• Best in Europe for Beaches: Croatia
• Best in Europe for Quaint Towns: Estonia
• Best in Europe for Smaller Crowds: Georgia
• Best in the Americas: Guatemala
• Best for Safari: South Africa

1. Laos, $30/day

Back in my budget backpacking days around Southeast Asia , Laos was one of the two destinations where I was able to keep my budget at $30/day, even though the accommodation was slightly more expensive than most places in Southeast Asia at that time. Many of the amazing activities you can do in Laos are cheap. I paid $2.50 to see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, $7 for a full-day tubing experience along the Vang Vieng river, and $6 for an awesome tiger balm massage. You can also rent a motorbike for cheap and venture off to the smaller towns, where everything is even cheaper! With more and more new hostels built to cater to the increasing number of backpackers, you can go for cheaper for longer. However, if you have a bit more to spend, you can get a gorgeous room for closer to $35 which would easily cost $100 in the US.

• Meals: $3 – $9 per day. Some hostels provide a basic breakfast
• Accommodation: $5-$10 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $6 – $15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills), or up to $25 for an intercity bus ticket
• SIM card with data: $6 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity

– Read More –

A complete guide to Laos

2. Vietnam, $35/day

I probably had the healthiest and cheapest street food in Vietnam . Think a soup with rice noodles, cilantro, amazing broth, and a whole shank of pork for $1.50, or a cup of strong, aromatic coffee for $1. Regarding transportation, if you rent a motorbike, you are all set for the day. However, I understand that not everyone is comfortable riding a motorbike, especially in countries like Vietnam where the road traffic can be overwhelmingly chaotic. The good news is that GrabBike (similar to Uber but on bikes!) is widely available in all major cities, and the cost is as low as $0.50 for a 2km ride! Long-distance buses and trains are also affordable and reliable. Accommodation is similarly pleasant and easier to afford than almost anywhere else in the world.

• Meals: $5 – $12 per day. Some hostels provide a basic breakfast.
• Transportation: $8 – $15 for motorbike rental or GrabBike trips

The ultimate backpacking Vietnam route planner

A complete guide to Vietnam

3. Cambodia, $30/day

I know for sure that if you choose to rough it, you can easily spend a month in Cambodia with just $1000. Dorms are very basic but can be dirt cheap, the same goes for food and alcohol. I also had my haggling skills to thank as I was almost always able to talk my way out of being charged unfairly by the Tuk Tuk drivers. There are some one-off expenses such as the 3-day pass to Angkor Wat, which is currently set at $62, and diving trips that add up, but there will also be days of riding bicycle in a small village and eating cheap and delicious meat skewers when just a dollar or two could stretch very far.

Another thing is to consider the gorgeous, mostly new boutique hotels on booking.com . They are obviously not as cheap as staying in hostels, but for the price, they are so worth it! I’d definitely splurge on a couple of nights and have some R&R time by the pool.

READ NEXT: 23 cheapest 5-star hotels around the world

• Meals: $5 – $10 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
• Accommodation: $5-$15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $6-$15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills) or for an intercity bus ticket
• SIM card with data : $2 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity. Yes, it is that cheap!

A perfect Cambodia itinerary

A complete guide to Cambodi a

4. Northern Thailand, $32/day

The north of Thailand is easy on a tight budget. As one moves south, costs for accommodation start to double, triple, and even quadruple. Stay up north if you are short on time and budget for your Thailand trip. Even in popular places like Chiang Mai and Pai , you can easily find basic dorms for less than $7. If you stick with eating street food (To each her own, but why eat pasta when you can have pad Thai, am I right?), not only will you save yourself some money, the experience will be much more authentic and delicious, too. As far as activities go, you really do not need a lot of money to enjoy your day as most activities such as visiting the White Temple, hiking, or gathering three other people from your hostel to rent a car and go on some day trips , are all affordable.

Meals: $5 – $15 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast Accommodation: $5-$10 per night in a hostel Transportation: $6-$10 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills) or a rental car split between 4 people SIM card with data: $7 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity

Thailand bucket list: 50 best things to do

A complete guide to Thailand

5. Indonesia, $35/day

The thing about Indonesia is that it can be really cheap , or it can be quite expensive, depending on one big thing – transportation. Intercity traveling can be very time-consuming and costly, as is traveling from one island to another with a private boat. To save costs, stick with a region or two! There’s a lot to do and see , and spending more time in one place will only allow you to travel deeper and have a more meaningful experience anyway. If you want to travel far and wide on a budget, my biggest tip is to take the local transportation!

On the flip side, food and drinks are cheap throughout the country, not to mention absolutely delicious too! Riding a scooter through the mountains costs very little, and so does hiking, chasing waterfalls, and slouching in a hammock by the beach all day long. Hostels are plentiful, social, and affordable, especially in places like  the Gili Islands .

• Meals: $5 – $15 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
• Accommodation: $7-$15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $8-$15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills)
• SIM card with data: $5 for 2GB with 30-day validity

The Perfect Indonesia Itinerary for 2 weeks to 2 months

A complete guide to Indonesia

6. The Philippines, $37/day

The Philippines’s archipelago can cost quite a lot of money and time to get around, and the hostel options aren’t nearly as abundant as in other Southeast Asia countries. While these two factors seem like a big turn-off for travelers trying to stretch their budget as far as possible, there are ways to keep your travel cost in the Philippines low. If you choose to travel during shoulder seasons, book your flights and plan your journey way in advance (it is not the country to always wing it!), and try to stick within 1-2 regions, the Philippines can still be affordable. On top of that, the country has some of the most gorgeous islands , beautiful dive sites, affordable group island hopping tours , and hidden gems  you’d have had to pay so much more to experience in other parts of the world. In that sense, the Philippines is worth every peso you spend.

• Accommodation: $7-$20 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $10-$15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills) or $15 – $20 for a boat ride from one island to another
• SIM card with data: $6 for 2GB with 30-day validity

The Perfect Philippines Itinerary

A complete guide to The Philippines

7. Malaysia, $40/day

Being one of the most economically developed Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia is often perceived as expensive . On top of that, when I visited Malaysia for the first time, a few people told me it wasn’t worth staying long. However, I ended up meeting lots of locals, more able to communicate and find more common ground with them than I had in Cambodia or Laos, and had so much fun exploring Cameron Highlands, the jungles of Borneo , and the gorgeous islands. The cherry on top? They were all affordable . An overnight bus from Kuala Lumpur to the Perhentian Islands costs as little as $15, there are so many interesting local neighborhoods and markets that are free to explore, and finally, the Malaysian cuisine is like no other – you can find food from just about any culture, and it’s so cheap and delicious – but not necessarily healthy. Malaysia is also one of the cheapest places in the world to get a PADI scuba diving certificate.

The one thing that could make Malaysia expensive to travel in is alcohol, which is highly taxed. However, if you don’t plan on drinking every night, that will not be an issue.

• Meals: $5 – $10 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast
• Accommodation: $7 – $15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $5 – $7 for a full day of train and bus rides, or $15 – $20 for an overnight intercity bus ride
• SIM card with data: $8 for 2GB with 30-day validity

The Best Places to Visit in Malaysia

A complete guide to Malaysia

8. Sri Lanka, $35/day

Like many countries, Sri Lanka can be seen on a backpacker budget , or one can spend a small fortune there. The biggest kicker was the price of activities, such as safaris, and admission into the UNESCO World Heritage sites.  With each running about $40-$50 per ticket, this made Sri Lanka more expensive to fully explore. That said, Sri Lanka can be done on closer to $30 per day on the days that you don’t pay for expensive activities. Food, transport, accommodation, and Internet are relatively cheap. One thing to note about transportation is that in some cases, taking a taxi / uber (in major cities) can be cheaper than renting a bike. Hiring a driver for the day can be as low as $5 per person if you can find people in your hostel to split the cost. The cheapest transportation is the train, which is delightful and IMO, the best way to travel through Sri Lanka.

Disclaimer: 2022 saw a great amount of unrest in Sri Lanka. As of the publishing of this post, the country is still under a level 2 advisory (exercise increased caution) from the US State Department.

• Accommodation: $8-$15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation : $15-$20 per person for a private car and driver split between 4 people, or $3-$5 for a second-class cabin train ride between cities
• SIM card with data: $2 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity. Yes, it is that cheap!

Sri Lanka’s best plac es to visit

A complete guide to Sri Lanka

9. Nepal, $30/day ($15/day if trekking)

Nepal is a very cheap country to travel through, with most food, accommodation, and transport running at just a few dollars if you eat, sleep, and travel using local options. For food, while I never seem to get any stomach problems eating street food, street food in Nepal does not have the best reputation. You can get cheap and delicious home-cooked meals in local-run small cafes though. Be very mindful when you book your accommodation online, as big corporations have taken over local homestays and turned them into boutique hotels and resorts. The “local guesthouses” you’ve booked may very well be part of a big hotel chain. I suggest booking the first couple of nights online, and looking for accommodation from real local guesthouses when you arrive.

If you end up trekking , as long as you do so independently and avoid Mt. Everest itself, which costs tens of thousands of dollars, you can travel for as cheap as $10 per day on food and accommodation at the lower elevations, and closer to $20 USD at higher elevations on popular routes like the  Annapurna Circuit .

• Accommodation : $7-$12 per night in a local guesthouse
• Transportation: $10-$15 per person for a private car and driver split between 4 people, or a local bus ride between cities
• SIM card with data: $3 for 1.25GB with 30-day validity. Yes, it is that cheap!

A complete guide to N epa l

10. Taiwan, $45/day

Two words: street food. For less than $2, you can get a plate of fragrant rice with pork/chicken on top, a large deep-fried chicken chop, or a bowl of delicious vermicelli with oysters. Food in Taiwan is delicious and ridiculously cheap. If you are a foodie on a budget, you know where to go! In cities like Taipei and Tainan, you can register for their city bikes, which cost less than $0.50 per hour per ride and are free for the first 30 minutes. This means you can possibly get around the city all day without spending any money on transportation at all.

That said, high-end food and clothing prices in Taiwan can sometimes be at US-level. Intercity traveling is either expensive with the High-Speed Rail (HSR), or time-consuming with slightly cheaper options. Internet is also not as cheap as in the countries above.

• Accommodation: $10 – $35 per night in a hostel  (I highly recommend this one in Taipei !)
• Transportation : $0 – $3 for a full day of bike, bus, and train rides, or $20 – $40 for an HSR ride between cities
• SIM card with data: $33 for unlimited data with 28-day validity

11. India, $25/day

India is perhaps the cheapest country to travel to, but if and only if you’re willing to haggle and hunt for deals. Keep in mind that cheap rooms that run in the $3 range will be very basic and it’s normal to shower with buckets of heated water. You will be hard-pressed to find cheap gems in the north, but the south with its gorgeous beaches may prove more fruitful when it comes to budget accommodation.

The best way to travel through India on a budget is to book things yourself. This means no agents and no online booking sites (except for some intercity travel. For that, check out  12Go Asia ). Similar to Nepal, if you walk into local guesthouses, restaurants, and tour companies, you could easily get the same things in person for half the quoted price online.

• Meals: $3 – $6 per day
• Accommodation : $5 – $10 per night in a local guesthouse
• Transportation : $1 – $3 for a full day of bus and train rides, or $8 – $30 for an intercity train ride (sometimes a domestic flight costs as little as $30, if you want to splurge without actually splurging!)
• SIM card with data: $3 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity. Yes, it is that cheap!

12. Kyrgyzstan, $25/day

Kyrgyzstan is the country of choice for most travelers interested in trying out Central Asia, and thus most well-suited to  travelers of all budgets . Food is cheap and interesting, and so is getting around using the minibusses. Public transportation prices are fixed and are probably the cheapest aspect of traveling in Kyrgyzstan. As for accommodation, you can find hostels in major destinations and local homestays in more rural places for less than $10. If you are doing a multi-day hike like the Tian Shan Mountains , the tour price should include most things.

• Meals: $4 – $8 per day
• Accommodation: $8 – $12 per night in a hostel or a local guesthouse
• Transportation: $0.20 for a local minibus ride, or $4 for an intercity bus ride – that’s right!
• SIM card with data: $3 for 3GB with 30-day validity. Though I wouldn’t expect it to work in the mountains

A quick guide to Kyrgyzstan

13. Romania, $40/day

If you are planning a European trip that’s affordable and a little bit off the beaten path, Romania is perfect for you. While the country is known for Dracula, many charming towns and free activities remain unknown to most foreigners. Whether you’re taking a long stroll through the medieval villages, or people-watching in one of the beautiful parks, Romania is great for anyone after a European experience on a budget. You can also make use of the free walking tours to check out the numerous historical sites. Hostels run $10-$15 per night, and food is hearty and delicious (a money-saving tip: Have your breakfast at the hostel, have a big hearty meal for lunch, and cook your own meal for dinner. It’s easy and affordable to get fresh produce from the local market, make sure your hostel has a kitchen!), and public transportation is reliable and affordable.

• Meals: $10 – $15 per day
• Accommodation: $12 – $20 per night in a hostel or a local guesthouse
• Transportation : $5 – $10 for a full day of bus and train rides
• SIM card with data : $6 for 3GB with 28-day validity

14. Georgia, $30/day

Georgia is another underrated European destination that’s absolutely beautiful and affordable. Also, get this: most of you will be able to enter Georgia without a visa , and stay for one year. Say what?!

Quality hostels at a reasonable price range, a meal at a local restaurant for as low as $3, and a local minibus ride for less than $1 are just some of the great things Georgia can offer to its visitors. What’s more? Entrance fees to museums and historical sites are mostly less than $2.  The locals are extremely warm and welcoming, and hitchhiking is totally possible for short and long-distance travel. There are many day trips, hikes, and monasteries in Georgia, where one can easily spend months and not get bored. It’s perfect if you have more time than money.

• Accommodation: $10 – $15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $3 – $5 for a full day of bus and train rides, $5-$10 for an intercity ride, or $0 if you hitchhike!
• SIM card with data: $3 for 1GB with 1-month validity

15. Greece, $45/day

Timing is crucial if you want to travel in Greece on a budget. While prices of flights, accommodation and tours have been largely cut down since the country’s debt crisis in 2010, summer months still cost more than others. This means avoiding July and August, which are the hottest and busiest months in Greece. Instead, go a few weeks before or after summer, and you will be able to enjoy Greece with smaller crowds and a lower budget. You can also cut down on food costs by buying fresh produce from the market and making your own meals, since eating out in restaurants can be expensive in certain parts of Greece. A little picnic by the gorgeous beach can be as enjoyable as a lavish meal at a seafood restaurant!

As far as activities go, opt for the free walking tours available, and if you are planning to do some island hopping in Greece , plan well and stick with a group of islands to minimize transfers. Remember that sometimes a domestic flight can be cheaper than a bus ride for any long-distance travel.

• Transportation : $10 – $15 per person for a rental car split between 4 people (note: scooter rental costs about $25 – $30/day), or $10-$20 for ferry tickets around the islands
• SIM card with data : $12 for 2GB with 30-day validity

16. Czech Republic, $40/day

As more and more tourists flock to the Czech Republic, or more specifically, Prague, for its rich history and cheaper-than-water beer, prices have inflated over the last few years. However, it is still easily one of the cheapest central European countries to travel in, especially if you go beyond Prague, such as Cesky Krumlov and Telc, to experience true Czech culture at a much lower cost. Local transportation is reliable and affordable, and if you plan to do a lot of traveling, consider getting a 3-day pass for $16.

Czech cuisine is very hearty and large in portion. While it’s not the healthiest (most meals consist of potato and meat), it will surely fill you up so to stretch your budget – eat out at a local restaurant for lunch, and have a light snack for dinner. Entrance fees to historical sites and museums can be quite expensive ($18 to enter the Prague Castle), but you don’t always have to actually enter – the hikes up are awesome, and you can always admire the architecture from outside, and pick the most intriguing ones to go in.

• Meals : $10 – $15 per day
• Accommodation : $12 – $20 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $5 for a full day of tram rides, $15-$20 for an intercity bus ride
• SIM card with data : $13 for 2GB with 1-month validity

17. Poland, $44/day

If you are a fan of heritage sites, Poland has 14 to offer. A country rich with culture and history, it’s a shame that Poland is often overlooked by tourists. It costs an average of $5 to enter museums and historical sites, which is fairly affordable by European standards. Food is delicious and has a bit more variety than its neighboring countries, though it’s still heavy on the calories. The trains are a bit dated but cost very little.

Poland is one of those countries where you can easily spend an entire day just wandering and people-watching. There will be days when you spend nothing else but on essentials. Make sure to eat at a “milk bar”, an affordable yet delicious option that’s popular with locals. Go beyond Krakow and Warsaw, and explore other smaller towns like Gdansk, Wroclaw, and Zakopane, which are all stunning and possibly even cheaper to travel in.

• Accommodation : $9 – $20 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $1 – $3 for a full day of train rides, $10-$15 for an intercity train ride
• SIM card with data: $3 for 2GB with 1-month validity

18. Croatia, $47/day

If you like turquoise waters, sunshine, and parties, look no further than Croatia to plan your next budget trip. There are thousands of islands surrounding its mainland, excellent weather from May – October, and beach and yacht parties year-round. The essential expenses including accommodation, transportation and food all come with a reasonable price tag. There is also beautiful architecture to marvel at, interesting sights such as the Museum of Broken Relationships , as well as cute small towns to explore.

To travel in Croatia on a budget, you need a similar approach to Greece – travel in the shoulder season. July & August are the country’s busiest months, so avoid them if possible. Also, keep your island hopping to a group of islands to minimize transfers. Since Croatia is gaining more popularity each year, expect prices to keep rising and aim to visit sooner than later if you want to snag a deal.

• Meals: $10 – $15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
• Accommodation : $12 – $30 per night in a hostel
• Transportation : $12 – $15 per person for a rental car split between 4 people , or $10-$15 for a ferry ride
• SIM card with data : $8 for 2GB with 30-day validity

19. Turkey, $45/day

Turkey can be cheap or expensive, depending on what you want to do and how deeply you want to travel through the country. A hot air balloon ride costs around $400-$500, and intercity traveling can be really long and costly. However, the country has a bunch of other bucket list-worthy items that cost way less, and if you plan your route well, it is definitely possible, if not easy, to travel through Turkey on a budget.

The stunning Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the breathtaking white travertines in Pamukkale, and the hustling bazaars all over the country are relatively affordable to enter. While the long-distance buses are expensive, if you plan well and take the overnight buses, you get to save on accommodation. If you are short on time and money, stick with a city or two. Turkish food is delicious and cheap, so that’s one less thing to worry about!

• Transportation : $1 – $3 for a taxi ride or $30 – $60 for an intercity overnight bus ride

20. Lithuania, $44/day

Lithuania is a tiny country that most travelers skip or spend at most a night or two in just the capital city, Vilnius. However, this charming place is not only underrated but also very affordable to travel in! If you enjoy partying, the nightlife scene in Vilnius is vibrant and fun, and the alcohol is fairly affordable. If you’d like a quieter experience, check out the Old Town in Kaunas, Klaipeda, and Curonian Spit. Bear in mind that outside of the capital city, hostels can be hard to come by, so book in advance or even consider Couchsurfing!

• Accommodation : $10 – $20 per night in a hostel
• Transportation : $3 – $6 for a full day of bus rides within the city, or $15 – $20 for an intercity bus ride. Buses seem to be more reliable than trains in Lithuania!
• SIM card with data: Get a Baltic SIM card for $7 for 3GB with 30-day validity

22. Estonia, $44/day

Nature lovers will love Estonia – 53% of the country is forested. This also means that activities like hiking and exploring the national parks are plentiful and affordable (if not completely free). The small towns are also great for walking and cycling, so transportation costs can be minimized. On that note, affordable hostels can be hard to come by in these small towns, so consider basing yourself in the capital city, Tallinn, and make day trips to visit them.

• Accommodation: $10 – $20 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $3 – $6 for a full day of train rides within the city, or $10 – $15 for an intercity train ride

23. Latvia, $47/day

Similar to Estonia, half of the country is covered in forests. There are also thousands of lakes and rivers in Latvia, perfect for canoeing lovers. The best time to go to Latvia is during fall or winter, when you can canoe down the rivers with the color-changing leaves accompanying you or when the Christmas vibe is on full display at the local Christmas markets. One can also easily spend an entire day wandering through the enchanting forests with castles hidden in them (okay, maybe not “hidden,” but this sounds dreamier, as castles should be). All of these activities are affordable/free, which is why traveling in Latvia can be done on a budget.

• Meals : $12 – $15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
• Accommodation: $14 – $25 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $2 – $5 for a full day of train rides within the city, or $10 – $15 for an intercity train ride.
• SIM card with data : Get a Baltic SIM card for $7 for 3GB with 30-day validity

THE AMERICAS

24. mexico, $42/day.

From Tulum to Baja California , Mexico is full of endless adventures . This vast country is rich in culture, nature, and some of the best food in the world. Though the country does not have the best reputation as far as safety goes , most violence takes place in certain areas, and Mexico is a big country with plenty of safe places to explore . Now the good news? It’s easy to travel in Mexico on a budget. For less than $20, you will be able to explore at least 5 stunning cenotes , like the one in the picture above; for less than $3, you can devour delicious street food like tacos (I LOVE tacos), quesadillas and tortillas; the white sand beaches are essentially free, and the hospitality? Priceless.

While getting around within a city is cheap, intercity traveling in Mexico can be costly, mainly because of how big the country is. The best case scenario is to rent a car , which costs about $50 – $70 per day and split between 4 people. If you are backpacking Mexico solo , try to stay in the same place for a longer time to stretch the transportation costs out. That way, you are able to travel deeper and experience authentic Mexico, too.

• Meals: $8 – $15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast
• Accommodation: $10 – $17 per night in a hostel ( click here for the best hotels in Tulum )
• Transportation: $3 – $5 for a full day of bus and train rides, or $30 – $50 for an intercity bus ride (yikes!)
• SIM card with data: $10 for 2GB with a 30-day validity

Solo female travel guide to Mexic o

A complete guide to Mexico

25. Nicaragua, $35/day

Nicaragua is one of the cheapest Central American destinations to travel in, although it’s not likely to stay that way for much longer. The country is nicknamed as the next Costa Rica , and we all know what that means. For now, the country remains affordable, fun, and interesting so go before the prices go up and before mass tourism hits.

For outdoor lovers, Nicaragua is great for surfing, volcano hiking, and diving. For a more relaxing journey, the colonial cities are beautiful to take a stroll in, and there are plenty of gorgeous beaches to lie all day on. Food is cheap and delicious albeit repetitive. There are hostels all over the country so you don’t have to worry about finding cheap accommodation. One thing to note is that there is unfortunately safety concerns in the country, so check the official advisory site and be your own judge before going.

• Meals: $6 – $10 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast
• Accommodation : $5 – $15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation : $3 – $5 for a full day of chicken bus rides, or $8 – $15 for an intercity bus ride
• SIM card with data : $12 for 1GB with a 30-day validity

26. Guatemala, $38/day

For an amazing Central American adventure on a budget, check out Guatemala. A visit to Guatemala is no complete without seeing the beautiful Lake Atitlán , but that’s not all – the country is covered in lush jungles, volcanos, and ruins, perfect for outdoor lovers. When you need a break from outdoor sports, colonial cities like Antigua or unique spots like Hobbitenango will capture your heart with their stunning architecture and cobblestone streets. Local food is delicious and cheap at about $3 for a full meal (except in Antigua, where prices are actually close to US levels).

Local transportation can be very cheap but at times confusing and risky. The locals typically take the chicken buses, which are converted school buses from North America, and are the cheapest way to get around. The buses do not have specific stops, nor is there a board with prices on it. Instead, people simply wave the buses down, and pay the collector money. Watch how much the locals are paying and pay the same.

• Accommodation : $10 – $15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $1 – $3 for a full day of chicken bus rides, or $5 – $10 for an intercity bus ride
• SIM card with data: $13 for 2GB with a 30-day validity

27. Colombia, $35/day

A colorful destination with a dark past, Colombia is fast becoming a popular affordable destination. If you are a history geek, you will love the museums and historical sites in Bogota, the Lost City, and beyond. If you are into nature, the Amazon awaits. As for diving enthusiasts, Colombia also boasts some of the world’s best diving sites and gorgeous beaches. With accommodation, transportation and food being so affordable, you will have room for some occasional splurges – consider booking a luxurious villa for a night or two, you won’t get a deal this great anywhere else in this part of the world!

• Meals: $10 – $15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast
• Accommodation : $8 – $12 per night in a hostel
• Transportation : $1 – $3 for a full day of bus rides, or $10 – $50 for an intercity bus ride (be sure to check the domestic flights which can sometimes be cheaper than buses)
• SIM card with data : $13 for 2GB with a 30-day validity

28. Arizona & Utah (for a road trip!), $45/day

While the US is generally not a super budget destination, if you are doing a road trip, you can definitely save in some areas and splurge in others to even out your overall budget. For my American Southwest road trip , I spent an average of $110/day , which included a camper van rental, food, gas, camping, plus little splurges here and there. Now, it was definitely more expensive because I was solo. If you had just one other person, you’d be able to split the costs almost perfectly in half. If you had two other people along, take it down to one third and so on. The more, the merrier (until you run out of room and start elbowing each other).

Some quick tips on saving money:

• Get a national park pass and for $80, you will be able to get a carload of people into any national park in the US for an entire year.
• Rent a camper van if you are renting a car. Then your accommodation apart from the van fee can be absolutely free by camping only on BLM land .
• Cook your own meals! Again, renting a camper van with kitchen facilities will enable this and save you a lot of money
• Meals : $12 – $15/day
• Accommodation : free
• Transportation : $9/day for a camper van split between 4 people
• SIM card with data : $35 for 1GB with a 30-day validity

A complete guide to Utah

A complete guide to Arizona

29. South Africa, $42/day

If you are traveling on USD or Euro, the exchange rate alone will do you a big favor. At this time of writing, 1 South African Rand is equal to 6 cents US. Any hostels/guesthouse/tourist accommodation in South Africa is called a “backpackers”, and they are typically in beautiful settings and each has a unique personality, not to mention affordable too . Food is where the big budget eater or saver can be, as it can get expensive in South Africa. To save money, cook your own food. Grocery stores are plentiful and have reasonable prices. By at least cooking your own breakfast and the occasional dinner, you can save a lot of money.

Unfortunately, public transportation outside of Johannesburg and Cape Town can be pretty limited. While there are a few private companies and trains that all provide transportation around the country, the best (and possibly) cheapest way to get around the country is to rent a car and share with 3 other people, and go on an epic road trip together.

• Meals : $12 – $15 per day
• Accommodation : $14 – $18 per night in a “backpackers”
• Transportation : $9 per day for a camper van split between 4 people

What does it cost to travel in South Africa?

A complete guide to South Africa

30. Namibia, $45/day

Namibia is home to some of the world’s most spectacular views including  the gorgeous Sossusvlei , the hauntingly beautiful Deadvlei, and the massive Fish River Canyon, just to name a few. At first glance, Namibia may not seem like a budget destination, as most accommodations cater to the luxury category, and transportation availability from one place to another can be limited in such a vast country. However, you just need to do things a little bit differently to save a lot of money.

The most important thing is to choose to camp instead of staying in a lodge. The luxury lodges cost about $50 – $200 per night, but you can camp at their campsites for about $8 – $10 per night. Camping at the government campsites will set you back about $15 – $18 per night. As for transportation, ideally you would want to rent a 4×4 and share it with a few people to split the cost. If your accommodation comes with a communal kitchen, make full use of it as cooking your own meals will definitely save you money. Entrance fees are generally cheap!

• Accommodation : $8 – $18 per night
• Transportation : $15 – $18 per day for a 4×4 split between 4 people
• SIM card with data: $16 for 1.5GB with a 60-day validity

The perfect Namibia road trip itinerary

A complete guide to Namibia

How Low Can You Go?

The suggested budget above includes basic accommodation, transportation, and 3 meals with a mix of simple breakfasts, hearty lunches, and light dinners, as well as Internet and 1 paid activity for the day. You will need to add on the other costs like shopping, alcohol, little splurges here and there to understand how much exactly is needed.

Some may want to dive or ski, which are typically higher cost activities, and some just want to walk around and explore the local neighborhoods. If you are on a shoestring budget, the suggested budgets can be cut down further should you choose to couchsurf, hitchhike, and skip certain activities.

Are there any that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!

The Only Packing List You’ll Ever Need (for the Entire World)

The cost to travel everywhere in the world, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

 subscribe to our newsletter

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Nicoline says

01/03/2019 at 11:00 pm

There are so many of these places I would love to visit or revisit. Especially a Namibian road trip is on top of my bucket list and I hope that I can do it this year. 42$ per day is alright and the flight tickets from Denmark aren’t that bad right now – it must be a sign! ?

Kristin says

01/05/2019 at 9:12 am

It must be!

01/04/2019 at 9:09 pm

Bosnia is one of the cheapest places in Europe with so much to see! It’s a good deal cheaper than its neighbor Croatia.

Good to know! Thank you!

Anonymous says

04/25/2021 at 5:55 pm

Absolutely! Go hungry!! Food is excellent too!!

Jessa L says

06/10/2019 at 2:35 am

Excellent info but main thought regarding SE Asia, especially regarding Vietnamese street food: #1 many foreigners do not have the gut bacteria to fight off many forms of food poisoning that occurs from street food. #2 All the food in SE Asia has loads of MSG which immediately makes it NOT healthy. Sorry but there’s no cheap Vietnamese that can be considered healthy with the amount of MSG they put in the food. Tasty, yes. Addictive, yes. Healthy, ummm nope.

06/10/2019 at 6:54 am

Fact checking this. #1: The food is mostly bought fresh from the market each day and cooked right in front of you. If you go to a stand with lots of people eating there, you can trust it’s good for you, too. I have never had food poisoning after 7 years of traveling and eating street food. #2: I’ve seen the food made fresh from each raw ingredient and I also know what MSG looks like. I’ve seen it on the stands in China but not in Veitnam. I think it really depends on which stand you eat from, and if you’re worried about MSG the restaurants you eat at can just as easily, if not more easily, add it to the food. I wouldn’t avoid street food because of these reasons. Tourist restaurants serve the same thing, but often less fresh, for more money and you DON’T see it cooked in front of you.

09/09/2019 at 11:01 pm

I agree with your comments Kristen, its also easy to ask and or learn the local word to say dont put it in as a lot of stands will add a little MSG for “extra flavour”

01/17/2023 at 3:56 am

‘Hoom, Hoom, Ajinomoto’, is what to say if you don’t want MSG

Marissa says

01/20/2020 at 12:45 pm

Agreed. Kristen

Daniel says

01/11/2024 at 9:22 am

I am a US Citizen and often travel to Vietnam at least once a year and I believe you have no idea what you’re talking about. Do not eat food sold on the street or others food stands around the corner. You have no idea what they did to the pre-made ingredients that are served to you in front of you. Most of them do not even have gloves while handling YOUR foods. Most of the times, ingredients are prepared somewhere else and none are monitored as far as food safety is concerned. Anyone can prepare foods without any inspections or licenses requirements and sell to the public whenever, where ever they want!!! Rotten meats are often used to make egg rolls by adding artificial flavorings and fried until the bad smell is gone. Food stands are notorious for being dirty and contaminated badly because they do not have enough clean water to wash or sanitize utensils used to handle their foods. There was a big issue in Vietnam recently when a street vendor was caught “recycling” leftover from the previous customer and sell it to the next customer… Just google about food safety standards in Vietnam and you’ll know.

Kristin Addis says

01/11/2024 at 4:08 pm

If there’s a long line of locals eating there, and they’re bringing their kids there, I’m also going to eat there.

04/19/2020 at 11:09 pm

You clearly dont have a clue abour vietnamese food..they are not into Msg…dont get confuse them with China Mf

06/07/2020 at 10:28 pm

Jessa, I think you should educate yourself before taking such a strong opinion on MSG because you clearly don’t have your facts straight. Vietnamese food is pretty healthy whether or not there is MSG in it. MSG alone is simply not bad for you.

If you don’t believe me read this article:

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2018-10-10/scientists-have-known-msg-is-safe-for-decades-why-dont-most-americans

07/29/2021 at 8:16 pm

So safe it will puff many up like a puffer fish. So safe.

Hugo Lindum says

02/07/2022 at 6:15 am

Street food is about as safe as it gets. Rarely had problems, nor do most people. As for MSG being bad, it must be the most researched food product in human history and no peer reviewed researched shows there is anything wrong with it. Even the EU says its safe. MSG being unsafe is up there with antivax and Elvis being alive on the moon.

12/21/2023 at 1:14 pm

i think it sounds really delicious and MSG is very healthy for you

Jonene Oxford says

02/25/2023 at 3:45 pm

Wish I could add the scientific info on here about MSG not being bad for your health. You should read up on it. You’d be surprised

Mohsen Ghiasi says

06/14/2019 at 7:48 am

Whay you dont write iran at the top man, its cheapest in the world with much more facility.

06/15/2019 at 9:17 am

As an American I can’t go there without taking a tour so to me it’s not that cheap, unfortunately 🙁

mark doty says

07/01/2020 at 6:18 pm

who in their right mind would go to Iran?

09/23/2020 at 1:33 pm

I lived there in the 70s and would love to go back to hike the mountains and ski again. Maybe someday.

02/07/2022 at 6:16 am

I would go there in the 1970s in a heart-beat. But today is 2022.

06/18/2019 at 7:45 am

Great list! Makes my bank account seem all that bigger 😉

06/18/2019 at 9:12 am

06/19/2019 at 9:36 am

Great list! You have been very helpful in getting some unique options together for a Christmas getaway for my husband and I! Although we will probably do AirBnB places instead of hostels, I feel like I have a much better idea of how far our money will go and tips on how to avoid being overcharged.

The biggest expense for me is always the flights since we live in Colorado, but I did find a really good website that has given me fares below what places like Expedia can offer called Skiplagged. If you haven’t checked it out, it can definitely save you some $$! I’m not affiliated with them or anything. Just thought I’d put it out there for other savvy travelers like me who are looking for the best deals!

06/19/2019 at 10:09 am

Thanks Lissa! I’d also suggest travel hacking! I have tips here: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-fly-for-free/

Leena Malhotra says

06/23/2019 at 1:28 am

What about Russia ?

Russia is on my list for next year – it has so much to explore but can’t make it in a single trip. How about Russia from India ?

06/23/2019 at 9:45 am

I have heard the cities in Russia can be quite expensive but a few years ago the Ruble fell in value quite a bit which has made it much more affordable.

07/11/2019 at 5:59 am

Nice list. I am planning for Ukraine. Any specific suggestions

08/02/2019 at 12:27 pm

I have been to Ukraine many times so here is a rundown.

Kiev the capital historical city and very beautiful. Liviv cultural capital with some of the best food. Odessa seaside vacation hub and center of comedy.

Each city offers so much to see and do.

These are the cities that you are more likely find someone who speaks english, however I would recommend learning a couple of phrases. The people are hospitable but there still a language barrier.

08/03/2019 at 5:14 am

Thanks for the info!

07/17/2019 at 1:56 pm

Tanzania is pretty cheap too and the people here are very welcoming! You should try it out.

07/18/2019 at 12:05 pm

Agreed I love it there.

Brad Carss says

07/30/2019 at 6:57 pm

I love Namibia and persisted in my efforts to visit the Himba People in Opuwo by catching a taxi from my hostel in Windhoek to the pickup point for the van taking locals to the north of the country. There I arranged with the local tour hut (John Jakurama) to go on day and an overnight visit to the villages of these rarely visited people. It was a very cost-effective and engaging interaction to experience the harsh reality of their lives. At the end of my stay the elder of the family kissed my hand in blessing for seeking his village out and bringing them much needed food stuffs and supplies. My kind of travel, cheap, interactive, moving and low priority on most people’s destinations.

Augustin says

08/03/2019 at 2:16 am

You had already mentioned about a lot of places with less expensive, but the matter is that the flight charges are not economical to many of the destinations. I am from India and feel affordable rates with some southeastern Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, loas, Burma, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The flight charges to these places are about 100 US Dollars with Air Asia flights, but it is really too high to Europe, Africa or America. This makes trips costlier. Anyway it is good exploring one.

08/03/2019 at 5:13 am

That’s true, I’m not taking into consideration where you might be flying in from, since we are all coming from different places, but once you get there it’s cheaper than other countries like Norway or Iceland.

08/03/2019 at 3:12 am

Hi! I have travelled before, I worked for a long haul airline and spent a few days in most countries. However, I really want to travel properly. What place would you recommend for newbie backpackers? Do you have any tips for me? Thanks 🙂

08/03/2019 at 5:12 am

Southeast Asia! https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/best-countries-for-beginner-travelers/

MikesRoadTrip says

08/05/2019 at 7:14 am

Really great piece!

08/17/2019 at 12:14 pm

It seems you generated this list based on where you went. I’m surprised Belorus, Russia, Abkhazia, Azerbaijan are not there

08/17/2019 at 12:19 pm

I haven’t been to most of these places, actually, but thanks for sharing more places that are affordable!

08/30/2019 at 7:47 pm

Pakistan is another beautiful country to visit and also very cheap. The Northern parts of Pakistan are full of natural beauty. People of Pakistan are very friendly and when you go there you will be amazed to find out that country is so different than what it is portrayed in NEWS. The hospitality of people there is simply amazing and food is simply awesome. Highly recommended place to visit.

09/02/2019 at 9:50 am

I’d love to visit!

Marianne says

10/09/2019 at 3:24 am

Hi! My boyfriend and I took a year off to travel Asia, and about 4 months in we have spent wayyy too much money (oops). We would like to settle down somewhere cheap for a month to try and make up for it. We are hoping to find somewhere close to the beach where the food is good. If there were some (free or cheap) things to do and see so we wouldn’t be too bored that would be even better. Does such a place even exist? ? I was thinking Cambodia, maybe, or Vietnam (cause I love Vietnamese food) but really anywhere in SE Asia would be perfect. Do you have any suggestions for a specific place like that you really loved?

Also, I love this blog, I have probably visited daily in the couple of years leading up to our trip ?

10/09/2019 at 10:22 am

Hey Marianne. It happens! I’d look at Southeast Asia for sure. I’d thought about Hoi An personally. The food is good, wifi is fast, it’s cheap. You can also think about Cambodia or even southern Thailand. You could think about Kuta in Lombok, Indonesia as well. Such a place definitely exists 🙂

Keep in mind it’s usually much cheaper to go check things out in person and ask around for places to rent longer term than it is to try to find them online.

Ian Culbertson says

10/13/2019 at 5:15 pm

Hi Kristin, I’d really like to do Incan trail in Peru to MP in December, any advice on tours for doing routes less traveled? Thanks Ian

10/19/2019 at 12:02 pm

If you want to do the Inca Trail unfortunately there’s just one trail and it’s not less-traveled, but there’s also the Lares trek and the Salkantay which will end up in Machu Picchu. I liked Alpaca Expeditions for the Inca Trail.

marla braden says

11/09/2019 at 11:18 am

I second Alpaca Expeditions. I did the Inca trail in December, not really high season. I got tickets when I got to Cusco (not 6 months advance) and our group of maybe 10 people plus the guides and porters were the only people I saw for 4 days until we arrived at Machu Picchu itself. Off season is the way to go anywhere, imo.

11/10/2019 at 11:36 am

Wow that’s amazing! Definitely wasn’t my experience. Nicely planned.

Renuka Walter says

12/06/2019 at 5:13 am

That’s a great list! I’m glad India is on the list. I have been exploring it for a decade now, and I agree it’s affordable and so rewarding! Would love to experience Romania.

12/06/2019 at 11:06 am

I’d love to experience India!

Md. Shakhawat Hossain says

01/08/2020 at 11:31 am

Hello there, Thank you very much for sharing a nice as well as the well-informative article here. The information you have described herewith was really amazing! However, if you allow me to add one more place to must-visit I would be glad, and the place name Bangladesh. The place of natural beauty and many more. And, also very cheap.

Thank you very much.

01/08/2020 at 7:01 pm

I’d love to go! Yes it should be on the list.

neymasport says

01/14/2020 at 8:18 pm

Thank you for sharing the colorful collection here, thank you for this article. This country is very beautiful. Hope to come here and try it once  

Nikola Webster says

01/22/2020 at 6:10 pm

Hi there, Wow – super-comprehensive list! I’ve been to more than half on this list. A couple I have on my list to visit that I’m told a super cheap (even cheaper than India) are Pakistan and Bangladesh. I’ve also heard Laos is wicked cheap! Nikki

01/22/2020 at 8:12 pm

I’d love to see Pakistan too! Laos is indeed pretty cheap.

Doona Neace says

02/04/2020 at 1:44 am

You recommended most of the places are on my list. Next year I want to visit Croatia and Turkey.

02/15/2020 at 6:31 pm

This is such a great list which really breaks down the costs and saves a lot of research time! Thanks for sharing.

02/16/2020 at 10:55 am

Thanks for such a great post! And thanks for sharing your valuable experiences. I already traveled to Most of EA countries but i have no any idea for african and S. American countries, i will use this post for my future plan.

05/03/2020 at 11:11 am

Wow, that’s article is amazing. I did not know that you can travel to places this cheap. This article chsnge the way I look at traveling. I have always thought it costly as I spend a lot when traveling, but after reading this things have changed.

takeoffwithme says

05/08/2020 at 7:21 am

Very nice article. Will be really helpful for backpackers

Vaishnavi Omprakash Jadhav says

07/08/2020 at 4:38 am

There is lot more in INDIA. Do come. We have a lot more than expected.

Samson says

08/21/2020 at 5:38 am

How is the Covid-19 situation there?

08/21/2020 at 5:39 am

How is the Covid-19 situation in India?

08/29/2020 at 4:32 am

Great article. Thanks

Greg Christensen says

09/03/2020 at 9:11 am

Recently did southern Utah (from OH) for 6 weeks and spent 9000 dolllars … that’s about 200 dollars per day. Gasoline 1500 (8000 miles), hotels and campsites 1200, NP pass and BLM trail fees 100, topo maps/books/gifts 400, my own jeep routine and unexpected service 500, jeep rubicon 4WD 10 day rental for The Maze 1950, 4WD and backpacking supplies 400, laundry 50, food/beverages/snacks/water 2900. Biggest expenses are always food from restaurants and the remote expensive trips that are hard to access.

09/03/2020 at 9:40 am

Yes restaurants can be a lot. If you have to rent the 4×4 yes that really adds up!

Amogue says

09/15/2020 at 3:54 am

all this country are awesome I am going ti visit vietnam after the covid situation

10/09/2020 at 2:22 pm

Maybe Nicaragua is not safe, but I think it’s way safer than Guatemala. Please, be careful if planning to travel to any of this countries. Specially women travelling alone.

Michelle says

11/30/2020 at 12:03 pm

Yes, very surprised you didn’t include Morocco! Marrakech (or Casablanca) can get expensive if you want the most luxurious accommodations/prefer gambling, but overall a very cheap country to travel. You can get around easily if you wish to visit multiple cities, for as little as $8 or so intercity. (overnight sleeper trains will cost a bit more) You can even fly from Madrid or Lisbon to Marrakech for around $100 if you know where to look 🙂 I’d say to definitely visit Marrakech, Fes, and Chefchaouen if you are not sure where to travel. Stay in riads or hostels. Walk around the souks, and take in all the sights the cities have to offer. Getting to the desert is a little more difficult and costly, but worth the experience if it is something you have always dreamed of doing!

12/03/2020 at 8:57 am

Good to know!

Catherine says

05/16/2021 at 5:54 am

India very risky for woman, last time I went there was groped, not once but multiple times. In india get used to man staring at your cleavage, boobs and ass all the time.

01/12/2023 at 8:24 pm

Did that happen in North India?

08/17/2023 at 3:52 am

Only in Punjab . Rest of India is very safe

Linniey???? says

05/22/2021 at 7:51 pm

Thank you for sharing… Very interesting and nice places for backpakers… South Korea is also very cheap and beautiful nature for nature lovers… ????

Tina Hallmark says

07/15/2021 at 2:27 pm

I know you are already bogged down with reply’s and on to your next adventure but I wanted to pick your brain. Myself, husband and our daughter, age 10 want to spend a month next year in another country (if all goes well, we may make it into an annual thing). We are great outdoors, we love food, we love history and love animals and we are all well traveled. We would like to pick our first month long trip for June 2022 (climate has to be below average of 85 degrees F). Basically we can’t decide on where we should go to stay around 10k for all 3 of us and how best planning for a month in a country. Any insight would be wonderful! We have thought about Bali/Philippians, Greece or Italy but I saw you mention Namibia and that sounds wonderful too! PS We do not want to stay in hostiles. Thank you for any information you may want to send our way! Tina

07/17/2021 at 12:40 pm

I’m not sure all of those places fall under your temperature requirements but it really depends on what kind of experience you want. I think they could all be wonderful.

02/20/2022 at 4:29 pm

03/01/2022 at 11:02 pm

Excuse me, but Georgia is not in Europe!! It is part of the Caucasus, which is in Asia. And as for Vietnam & most of southeast asia, can we say KRAITS!!! You fail to mention this very big danger…many people have gotten bitten by these snakes and died! Last but not least, that chicken or pork you get in Taiwan and China: might be DOG or CAT!!! Think about that B4 you scarf down just any streetfood!!

03/02/2022 at 11:19 am

lol I don’t think they’re eating cat or dog in Taiwan and I don’t know a soul who has been bitten by that snake you mention.

12/21/2023 at 1:21 pm

John im glad you got all your anger out on this message but no one really cares and all u did was waste everyones time thanks a lot JOHN!!

07/14/2022 at 9:22 pm

Ukraine really?

07/23/2022 at 11:50 am

Prior to the current situation it was a great place to travel, and it will be again one day.

Grace Christopher says

01/22/2023 at 9:01 am

I would love if someone can put me through how to go about the process of applying to any of the country mentioned above. That is work visa

01/26/2023 at 6:38 am

Hi I am planning to travel to Greece combined with some islands. Could you please tell me more about which places and accommodations you recommend and suggest. I will be traveling with my 21 year old son .

07/01/2023 at 9:54 am

Hi Nora: Recommend looking at this great BMYM post: 31 of the Absolute Best Things to Do in Greece It includes a huge variety of things to do which I am sure your 21 year old son would enjoy too! Also, in BMTM website, click on “Destinations” at the top of this page and pick “Greece” and it has other great resources! Good luck!

Austin A. McCary says

06/02/2023 at 8:27 pm

This article on the cheapest destinations to travel to is a goldmine of budget travel inspiration! I appreciate the thorough breakdown of affordable destinations across different continents. The inclusion of budget-friendly activities and accommodation options is incredibly helpful for planning a cost-effective trip. I’m excited to explore some of these destinations that offer incredible experiences without breaking the bank. Thanks for sharing this valuable resource!

Honeymoon Bug

Choose Your Dream Honeymoon Destinations Here

12 Cheapest International Destinations to Visit Every Month of the Year

By: Akshay Negi

Once a year go someplace you have never seen before, said, Dalai Lama. But, why just once a year when you can travel every month to a new place to explore how beautiful the world is genuine? Every month, every season brings a new colour to the different destinations. For someone who doesn’t stop by the constraint of time and season, every weekend, every month is an opportunity for him to travel to new tourist destinations. Moreover, when it costs less on your pocket and more on your experience, it feels like a dream come true. Well, guess what? We have curated a list of cheapest International destinations you can travel each month of the year without burning a hole in your pocket!

Yep, you’ve seen them on your Facebook and Instagram feed. They are beautiful shots of crystal clear waters, and lush forests and travel experiences that just give everyone major FOMO. We all wish we could make one, right? Now you can, that too in your shoestring finances. Wondering how? Read on! And thanks to us later!

Honeymoon Bug List of 12 Cheapest International Destinations

January – bali: for blissful island affair.

Enriched with active volcanoes, blissful beaches, isolated islands, luxury resorts, amiable locals and vibrant culture, Bali is the perfect place to explore in the first month of the year. What about the cost? Well, you really need not worry about that. The resort-style hotels in Bali cost less than $100 nightly, sometimes dropping below $50 too.

Tip: 1$= 14,814.25 Indonesian Rupiah

Plan A Romantic Bali Honeymoon Package With HoneymoonBug!

February – Thailand: The Land Of Smiles

As one of the world’s most famous vacationer goals, it is no secret that Thailand is home to some really spectacular places. White sand shorelines and palm trees are the primary pictures that ring a bell for some; however, Thailand likewise includes tropical forests, adventure sports and energetic nightlife too. Moreover, the temperature in February is very tempting. Sound exciting, right?

Tip: 1$= 32.95 Thai Baht

Plan Thailand Honeymoon trip With HoneymoonBug!

March – Vietnam: Surprising and Delightful Holidays

Another Tropical Paradise which needs to be in bucket list for the last month of the first quarter of the year is none other than Vietnam. But what makes it so interesting? The tropical weather of course. The usually frustrating humidity level drops low in March, making the ‘Paris of Asia’ every traveller’s dream destination. Moreover, you can explore the world’s longest Son Doong Cave too.

Tip: 1$= 23,318.15 Vietnamese Dong

April – Singapore: The Cool Brother of India

Another small island country which is also traveller’s favourite among cheap international holiday destinations to visit in April is the ‘Lion City of Asia’ – Singapore! What is so amazing about Singapore? We would say everything, its food, culture and of course architecture. You can go on a shopping spree in the day and have a colourful night-life scene at the Garden of the Bay. Although, Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool is the eye candy of the country.

Tip: 1$= 1.37 Singapore Dollar

Book Singapore Tour Packages with HoneymoonBug!

May – Bhutan: World’s Most Livable Country

Famed as the happiest country in the world, Bhutan has virgin beauty and excellent panoramic views to savour. Have you seen a picture of the monastery on the mountainside over the internet? It’s a significant attraction this beautiful country, Tiger Nest Monastery. Other tempting things which you won’t be able to get off your mind are the food, culture and the adventure that Bhutan has to offer.

Tip: 1$= 72.98 Bhutanese Ngultrum

June – Sri Lanka: The Hottest Destination both literally and figuratively

Like a speck in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a collage of landscapes, culture and experiences. You can bath with the elephants or merely get yourself tanned at the blissful beaches this country has in its abode.

Worried about the rainy season? June is the perfect time when the pre showers come and help in keeping the weather of the country cool after passing the scorching heat of May. Coming to the cuisine, it has come up with many good restaurants in all the major cities. It’s a WIN-WIN thing, right?

Tip: 1$= 174.24 Sri Lankan Rupee

Plan your Sri Lanka Honeymoon Trip with HoneymoonBug!

July – Cambodia: The Thumping Nightlife Destination

The first month of the second half of the year arrives and the country which is perfect to explore at this time in Cambodia. From beautiful mangrove forests to the floating villages, Cambodia is shimmering with natural beauty and pleasant weather. The best places to visit are Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Bayon and of course the beach side of Cambodia, Tonle Sap.

Tip: 1$= 4,048.85 Cambodian Riel

August – Turkey: Melting Pots of Culture and Jaw-Dropping Architecture

Another paradise for the traveller to explore in the eight months of the year, Turkey in enriched with history, beaches and even lip-smacking cuisine. Although, this country has many places to visit but its Istanbul that tops the list. Whether you are travelling with friends, spouse, and family or even solo, Turkey will suffice your tastes and preferences.

Tip: 1$= 5.35 Turkish lira

September – Philippines: The Blend of Western & Eastern Culture

Flaunting one of the world’s longest joined coastlines because of the country’s seven thousand tropical islands, Philippines is drawing the attention of the travellers around the globe. These islands have delightful coral reefs and astounding plunging spots, wildlife like whale sharks and dugongs, and sloping tropical rainforests. Filipino individuals are grinning, warm, and liberal. Moreover, you can find the flights to Cebu or Manila, and interisland travel is easy to find via air, road, train, or ferry.

Tip: 1$= 52.93 Philippine Piso

October – Nepal: Welcoming Land Of Deep Spirituality

With the world’s highest peak in its abode, Nepal is no secret to the world. But looking at it as the place where Mt. Everest is situated isn’t fair as it boasts lushed green valleys, the ancient temples, the delicious food, and sweet people, and of course the Himalayas. You can visit Pashupatinath Mandir, Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan National Park,  Sherpa Museum and of course the sacred, Boudhanath Stupa. If you have adrenaline pumping through your blood, you can try world’s 9th highest Bungee Jumping spot at The Last Resort, Bhote Kosi River, which is measured to be 160 meters.

  Tip: 1$= 116.77 Nepalese Rupee

November – Japan: The Most Innovative Country

Visiting a place like Japan in November sounds like a bad idea? No, it would be wrong if you feel this way as Japan is the perfect place to come under the winter wonderland. Enjoy the skyline view from the skyscrapers, hymn with monks in the monasteries, explore the tranquil bamboo forests, try out the tasty noodles with chopsticks and visit the martial arts institute. Japan is like nowhere else on the planet.

Tip: 1$= 113.11 Japanese Yen

December – Dubai: The Luxury Fable

What could be a better option to explore in the last month of the year than Dubai? Of course, nothing! Known for its superb modern architecture, luxury shopping, and lively nightlife scene, Dubai is the answer for last month.

Book Romantic Dubai Packages

We all know Burj Khalifa, Right? An 830m-tall tower, presently the tallest building in the world, which is dominating the skyscraper-filled skyline is in Dubai. You can fly like a bird in Dubai while doing Sky Diving here. This adventure is undoubtedly on the list of every adventure seeker. If this is on your cheapest international destinations list too, just go to this place, because you don’t get to fly so often.

Tip: 1$=3.67 United Arab Emirates Dirham

Well, now you have the whole new list of cheapest international destinations to explore every month of the year without overthinking of the budget. Go ahead and embrace the traveller inside you! Visit our website and browse International honeymoon packages of your prefered destinations and tour in the right way because at Honeymoon Bug we know how to slice affordable vacations.

honeymoonbug

See author's posts

• March 14, 2024 | Planning Your First Trip Across America With The Kids In Tow
• February 29, 2024 | Bioluminescent Nighttime Kayak Tours in Fajardo, Puerto Rico
• February 27, 2024 | Visiting Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest
• February 26, 2024 | El Portal de El Yunque: Visitor Center for El Yunque National Forest
• February 26, 2024 | Casa Bacardi Rum Tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Cheapest Places to Travel Each Month of the Year

Posted By: Vanessa Salvia January 25, 2021

A once a month trip sounds like a dream to most people. Even those with flexible schedules can find it difficult to be away from home that much. But I for one would like to be! I don’t think I can swing we vacations this year, but if I could, I would definitely want to know where to go to make the best use of my money. Travel & Leisure came through with a list of the 12 places they identified as the cheapest places to travel each month of the year. One cool thing is that most of them are in the United States, and may even be in some of your backyards. Here’s the list:

January: Telluride, Colorado

January is colder in Telluride, which may keep some people away. According to Kayak, which provided the data to Travel & Leisure, prices to get there this month are about half price: $768 instead of $1,514.

Ready to book your stay in Telluride? Check out prices for hotels and Airbnbs here .

The Fontainbleau in Miami.

February: Miami, Florida

There’s never a bad time to visit Florida, in our opinion, but prices are about half price from normal in February. If you don’t want to go to Florida in full summertime humidity (and we can’t blame you, it can be pretty harsh) winter time is typically cooler, less humid, but still sunny. In the northern part of the state, like Pensacola , you wouldn’t necessarily want to go swimming, but in Miami you still could. Read our article on visiting Miami and Little Havana .

March: Cozumel, Mexico

Early spring is a good time to visit Mexico, and this is the only out-of-the-country destination (aside from below’s entry of Cancun for April, July, November, and December). Flights to Cozumel are under $400 instead of the typical nearly $600. Not sure what airport Kayak is taking these numbers from, but it might be even cheaper from your home airport!

April, July, November, and December: Cancun, Mexico

Read our article on a road trip to Mexico . Yes, Cancun is synonymous with resorts, and you’ll find that too. But it’s also a place for scoring deals that are up to 40% less during these months than at other times of the year. Kayak says April is the driest month of the year, yet it remains warm and sunny.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

May: Jackson, Wyoming

Read our article in exploring Jackson Hole, Wyoming . We love it because it’s a resort town, but it’s also got its own character that is unmatched. The Grand Teton National Park is a short drive, and there’s lots of great food and fun.

June: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Midsummer is not always the time of year that people choose to visit tropical islands, but in June in Puerto Rico it hasn’t yet started raining. Hurricanes are unlikely, and you can enjoy wandering with less tourists.

Barton Springs in Austin, Texas

August: Dallas, Texas

We have only been to Dallas for work, but it’s not far from Austin, Texas (only 200 miles, close enough, right?!) and there’s TONS to do in Austin. (Read our article about Austin on a budget .) Head to Dallas in August and enjoy a trip at a 43% lower cost than you would have in 2020, says Kayak.

The Spy Museum in Washington, DC

September: Washington, D.C.

Washington, DC is a great place for a family vacation (and here’s an article on our family vacation to Washington, DC to prove it!) We suggest going when there’s NOT a presidential inauguration going on, unless being blocked from going into just about every public building is what you’re there for!

October: Denver, Colorado

You can still ski in Denver in October, and here’s an article about the most family friendly ski resorts in Denver . Kayak says October air fare is  42% lower than last year’s average airfare price of $350.

Tell us where you’re planning on traveling this year!

Note: If you’re going to travel, be sure to be safe about it! Check local restrictions before you go and follow the guidelines. 

Related Articles

National Parks , West , Wyoming

Exploring Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Epic Road Trips , Off The Beaten Path , Open Road , Travel By State , West , Wyoming

Wyoming Road Trip: Chief Joseph Scenic Byway

Geocaching in Florida

Florida , Food & Drink , Southeast

Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, Ft. Myer’s

The Cheapest Places to Travel for Each Month of the Year

Plot your calendar for the best domestic and international destination deals

January: Los Angeles

You can save 33 percent on hotels in the city of angels this month, when the nightly average rate for four-star properties dips down to $212—the lowest all year. Spend the leftover cash on hot restaurants, like Trois Familia (by Ludo Lefebvre and the guys from Animal) or Otium, an ambitious new spot attached to the Broad Museum.

January: Melbourne

Visiting Melbourne in January means you can take advantage of low rates between the Christmas rush and the Australian Open, both of which draw tons of travelers. The average room goes for $150 in peak season—already a good deal—but going now means you can book a great place to stay for roughly $112 per night.

February: Honolulu

Hawaii is at its most expensive over New Years, but come Valentine’s Day, this ultra-romantic spot offers surprisingly good prices (we’re talking a 40 percent dip in hotel rates). Maximize your savings by heading to the island in the first week of the month, when values are at their very best.

February: Hong Kong

It’s not just hotels that are cheaper in Hong Kong in February, though they drop as low as $125 for a four-star spot this month. It’s also peak season for shoppers (who can benefit from excellent sales) and culture lovers (who can check out the Spring Lantern Festival or celebrate Chinese New Years in style).

March: Flagstaff, AZ

March: Buenos Aires

t’s not quite a warm weather getaway, but springtime in the U.S. translates to temperate autumn in Buenos Aires—a perfect time to explore on your own two feet. You can find four-star accommodations for as little as $55 (really!), which more than justifies the long-haul flight.

April: Chicago

The Second City should be first on your list come spring, when hotel rates dip to 54 percent cheaper than peak season prices, says Booking.com . The blustery cold of winter has passed (and so too, the crowds from this year’s Architecture Biennial), so you can choose whether to check out the splashy new concessions along Lake Michigan or hit the city’s fabulous museums and restaurants.

April: Copenhagen

May through October is Copenhagen’s busy tourist season, and in this small but delightful city, you can really feel the crush. Visit in April and you’ll save 38 percent on your room, without dealing with Scandinavia’s super-short days and frighteningly cold winter temperatures.

May: Fort Lauderdale, FL

You’ll miss the spring breakers and the hundred-percent humidity by planning a South Florida trip in May. Bonus: Fort Lauderdale offers a quieter escape, and better prices (averaging $162 per night) that Miami does.

May: London

Sure, it’s a global capital—and never a cheap ticket—but London offers surprising value if you go after May Day (the bank holiday falls on May 2 this year). The average nightly rate for the week that follows: $216.

June: San Antonio, TX

It’s stealing all the attention away from Austin, its neighbor to the north, and with good reason: San Antonio is now home to a buzzy restaurant scene and the beautiful new Emma hotel, designed by Roman & Williams and set in the former Pearl Brewery. It’s also 49 percent cheaper to stay here than it is to stay in Austin (average rates at this time of year hover at $164 for a four star spot) and you’re still just an hour’s drive away.

June: Beijing

June is shoulder season in Beijing; the weather is mild but there aren’t any domestic holidays, which means a dip in local travelers. Go now and expect to pay under $80 a night for your four-star hotel.

July: Boston

You can save about $120 per night on your hotel in Boston if you come for Fourth of July instead of Columbus Day—and the weather will be far better, too. The city is in the midst of a tremendous culinary reawakening, so be sure to plan your reservations in advance (we recommend Ribelle , Branch Line , and Flour for breakfast pastries and sticky buns).

July: Sydney

Heading to Sydney during the middle of our summer means a reprieve from ultra-hot days—and savings of 44 percent on peak season hotel prices according to Booking.com’s data. But don’t let the idea of winter in July scare you away—the temperatures stay in the oh-so-pleasant upper 60s.

August: New York City

Double check that your hotel is well air-conditioned—New York City summers can be stifling. But they’re a great excuse to hit trendy juice bars (we love Joe and the Juice in Soho) and take advantage of summer events, like outdoor New York Philharmonic concerts and Shakespeare in the Park, which are totally free to attend. Stay in the last week of the month for the deepest discounts on accommodations.

August: Berlin

The scenester capital of Europe offers good hotel deals year-round (we love the Hotel Zoo, a design hotel with spacious and affordable suites next door to—you guessed it—the Berlin Zoological Garden). August is when you’ll save the most cash on hotels, with rates that hover around the $100 mark.

September: Orlando

Once school’s in session, Disney prices hit their rock bottom lows—no surprise. Plan a long weekend away and you’ll save 40 percent on high season hotel prices (think $130 a night for decent rooms). The shorter lines at the parks are icing on the cake.

September: Rome

There’s no bad time of the year to visit perennially dreamy Rome, but September is the best. Since many Europeans take off for the month of August, the city is back to its normal bustle—sans local travelers. That translates to great values, along the lines of $131 per night for four-star hotels.

October: New Orleans

How does NoLa for Halloween sound? Pretty good, when you consider that the last week of the month is the cheapest time of year to visit. Hotel rates plummet to $202 on average per night—a whopping 34 percent less than the week of Mardi Gras, Booking.com’s study found.

October: Cape Town

If whale-watching is up your alley, try doing it from Table Mountain. A trip in October makes for perfect timing—and hotels will cost you no more than $80 on average.

November: San Francisco

The week before Thanksgiving is the cheapest for hotels in the Golden Gate City, says Booking.com—the average rates are $202 per night, representing a massive savings of more than 50 percent. Plus, you might catch the tail end of crush season if you head up to wine country for a day.

November: Rio de Janiero

If you’re in Rio, chances are you want to lay out on Copacabana Beach—and in November, the temperatures are just right, with highs in the low 80s. The most expensive season here is late December, when prices are 37 percent higher.

December: Las Vegas

There’s no bigger, bolder way to celebrate the holidays than with a trip to Vegas , and if you’re lucky, you might even win it big at the tables and subsidize your shopping list. Do it all while enjoying the year’s lowest hotel rates—with an average of $84, they’re up to 60 percent off—which you’ll find on the third week of the month.

December: Frankfurt

The first two weeks of December are a magical time to be in Frankfurt, what with the beautiful Christmas markets and festive displays. They’re also the cheapest, hotel-wise—you’ll find rates 56 percent cheaper than their peak, with four-stay hotels going for about $112 per night.

Keep Reading:

The Recipes You Should Be Cooking This May

These Are the Top 10 U.S. Summer Travel Destinations for 2024

This stunning san francisco townhouse is ‘city’ in the front and ‘jungle’ in the back, this is exactly what to order at the best ice cream shops in the west, sign up for our newsletter.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

These Are the Cheapest Months to Travel to Popular Destinations Around the World

You can visit the Maldives for 85 percent off if you pick the right months.

MelanieMaya/Getty Images

Let’s be blunt: travel is expensive. According to a 2023 study by Bankrate , the average cost for a one-week vacation in the U.S. for one person is $1,984. That same vacation for two people jumps all the way to $3,969. However, travel is also a worthwhile investment in ourselves, with study after study showing that travel can improve our overall health . And luckily, there are ways to get out and see the world without overspending. 

In late 2023, Bounce , a luggage storage company, revealed the results of its study looking into the cheapest times to visit some of the world’s most popular travel destinations. To find the exact dates, Bounce began with a seed list of 70 popular tourist destinations. It then used Kayak to find the average daily hotel cost by month of the year and day of the week (correct as of Nov. 16, 2023). Then, it used that data to calculate the difference in average price between a nightly stay at a 3-star hotel in the cheapest and most expensive months of the year. 

After digging into the data, Bounce found that there are “clear seasonal trends when it comes to travel costs,” noting that “January is the cheapest month in 15 different cities.” That includes popular spots like London, Amsterdam, and Berlin. 

According to Bounce, off-season travel in February is close behind, as it’s the cheapest time to travel to 12 different cities, including New York, Paris, and Milan. 

Then there are notoriously expensive destinations like the Maldives. Travelers who opt to go to Malé, the capital of the archipelago, can save up to 85 percent if they visit from January to August.

As for which days are the cheapest to travel on, Bounce found a bit of a surprise. It noted that “contrary to popular belief, the data shows that Saturday is the cheapest day to stay in 17 cities,” including visiting places like Las Vegas, Dublin, and Milan. “This could be due to various factors, including lower demand for weekend business travel. This was also the most common cheapest day when we analyzed 2022.” 

Sunday, Friday, and Monday all tied for second place as the cheapest days to travel for 10 different cities, including major destinations like Prague, Barcelona, Rome, Singapore, and Miami.

On the flip side, Bounce found that winter and autumn travel tend to come with the most expensive pricing for many destinations, including Asian cities like Chaing Mai and Phuket in Thailand, which see the highest rates in December. Spots like Athens, Lisbon, and Barcelona hit their peak pricing in September. 

Sometimes, however, you can’t pick which time of the year you want to vacation. And that’s OK because there are still ways to save. Check out the best budget travel tips Travel + Leisure compiled from the pros to help you save a few bucks on your next getaway. 

Related Articles

Budget Travel Buff

20 Cheapest Places to Travel in the USA on a Budget in 2023

Looking for cheap places to visit in the US? You’re in luck! Traveling in the US doesn’t have to be expensive, despite what many people think. You may find several affordable vacation spots in the US that won’t break the bank with some advance planning.

Whether you’re seeking an urban experience or a nature-filled escape, there are several winter budget-friendly destinations in the USA that offer something for everyone. So, grab your suitcase and let’s explore the cheapest places to travel in the USA on a budget!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay any extra penny, but I’ll get a small commission that encourages me to deliver more helpful content for you.  

If you’re traveling on a strict budget , keep these affordable US destinations in mind. Before visiting these places, you should also know how to travel cheap in the US . For affordable activities and fun, explore hot springs in the USA , stroll the downtowns, visit zoos, play in the park, and visit the beaches.

PIN IT FOR LATER…

Table of Contents

1. san antonio, texas.

San Antonio, one of the most colorful destinations in the USA , is a perfect blend of American history and Mexican culture that makes it one of the cheapest cities in the USA to visit. The city is renowned for its 18th-century Alamo Mission which is well preserved as a living history museum with no entry fee.

San Antonio is a city in south-central Texas that is rich in history, culture, and charm. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as the Alamo, the River Walk, and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, all while enjoying the city’s vibrant arts and culinary scenes.

With a range of affordable lodging options and plenty of free or low-cost activities, San Antonio is a great destination for budget travelers and backpackers looking to experience the best of Texas. Don’t forget to use VIA Metropolitan Transit which is the cheapest option to get around San Antonio.

Cheap Things to do in San Antonio:

• San Antonio tour is incomplete without a stroll along the river walk through the city. The whole strip is lined up with award-winning restaurants, shops, and live entertainment.
• Visit the Alamo which is not too far from the river walk. It is one of the best things to do in San Antonio and a great place to know the rich history of the state of Texas. Take some stunning pictures of this great architecture.
• Visiting the Japanese Tea Garden is another popular free thing that you can enjoy in San Antonio. It is an ideal place for a romantic walk. There is a beautiful waterfall also in this garden.
• San Pedro Creek Culture Park is definitely one tourist spot in San Antonio that you won’t want to miss. Admire the beauty of this park that offers a combination of art, nature, and culture. A perfect place for a photoshoot or a romantic stroll.
• If you are planning to visit a lot of attractions and explore this city completely, then I highly recommend you to buy San Antonio Attractions Pass: Four or Five Top Attractions for $87.99.

San Antonio Travel Budget:

• Hostel Prices:  $40/night (book Cheap Hostel )
• Cheap Hotel and Rental Apartment:  $40-$120/night (see on  Booking.com )
• Cheap flights to San Antonio: from $89 if you fly from New York
• Meals at an inexpensive restaurant per day : $20-30
• Local transport : $25

Related Post : 10 Most Affordable Cities to Live in Texas

2. Memphis, Tennessee

As a budget-friendly travel destination in the United States, Memphis, Tennessee offers a variety of affordable attractions and activities. You can explore Beale Street, the “Home of the Blues,” and listen to live music for free at many of the bars and clubs.

A unique shopping and entertainment center called The Memphis Pyramid has a free observation deck with sweeping city views. Pay a little admission fee to view the history of soul music at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Explore Overton Park, a sizable park featuring green areas, walking pathways, and a zoo, or take a leisurely stroll along the Mississippi River. With its rich musical heritage, unique landmarks, and affordable options, Memphis is a great option for budget-conscious travelers looking for a memorable experience without breaking the bank.

3. El Paso, Texas

Historical places, vibrant cities, and a strong military scene make El Paso a cheap place to travel as a teenager in the United States. On the left bank of the Rio Grande and west of Texas sits this gorgeous desert landscape that is ripe for adventure. 

Have you ever thought about driving along the winding road as you increase in elevation? Driving along Franklin Mountain is a divine experience. El Paso is also called ‘Sun City’. Its sprawling nature makes it ideal for hikers and rock climbers. 

Cheap Things to do in El Paso:

• Just 30 miles northeast of downtown El Paso sits Hueco Tanks, a recreational hotspot for bird watchers, campers, hikers, and rock climbers. The rock formation and natural basins make the place very pictographic.
• Take a fun free tour of Plaza Theater happening each Wednesday at noon. The architecture reflects the design of the Spanish Colonial Revival style with ornamental metal railing, and antique furniture as if you are in the old times. 
• Explore the multicultural heritage site, Mission Trail which is considered the oldest mission in Texas in the 17th and 18th centuries. Also, taking the Ysleta Mission way to drive is breath-taking
• Enjoy the impressive art collection at the El Paso Museum of Art which showcases art from the 12th century to the current time. Do you want to miss that?

4. Daytona, Florida

You must add a beach to your list of cheap vacations in the US. If you are a beach lover Daytona can be a great place to stop at and enjoy on a budget. Daytona is cheaper when compared to other expensive places in the US.

With its 23 miles of white sandy beaches, free beach access, and numerous affordable accommodations, Daytona is a great option for budget-conscious travelers. With unlimited options for free things to do and reasonable hotels and restaurants, Daytona is not only an inexpensive place in Florida but also one of the cheapest places to travel in the USA.

Cheap Things to do in Daytona:

• Take a free guided tour around Angell & Phelps Chocolate factory .
• If you visit Daytona Beach in the summer, don’t miss the free Bandshell concert. From jazz to Latin music, you can enjoy any type of musical style from May to September each Friday and Saturday evening.
• Honeymooners can go for a long stroll along the miles of sandy beaches or look out for sea turtles.
• Photography enthusiasts must visit the Southeast Museum of Photography which is Florida’s official museum of photography.

Daytona Travel Budget:

• Cheap Hotel and Rental Apartment : $55-$120/night (see on Booking.com )
• Cheap flights to Daytona Beach: from $97 if you fly from New York
• Local transport : $20-25
• 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida
• 10 Most Beautiful Campgrounds in Florida

5. Ocala, Florida

Just imagine you’re in the middle of untainted nature where you can see oaks trees lined along the pathway with Spanish moss dangling on the trellises, and at far you can spot sand pine forest and fresh air brushing your hair, how does that feel? 

Welcome to Ocala, one of the cheapest places to visit in the USA. It is also known as the Horse Capital of the World. It sits in Marion County, Florida, famous for freshwater streams, rolling hills, and clean air. Also, it is very quiet and fun!

Cheap Things to do in Ocala:

• Come for a walk at Sholom Park. This 44-acre land sits alongside a formal garden, an azalea trail, a ginger garden, and a labyrinth, with a lot of trees, shrubs, and perennials.
• Do you know that Ocala is home to the Juniper Prairie Wilderness? It covers over 14,000 acres of land space with grass prairie, untouched sand pine scrub, marshes, hardwood swamp, and pine Flatwoods. 
• Enjoy fishing, cannon, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the Alexander Springs Recreational Area, a unique freshwater spring .
• Plan a dinner date at Blue Wagyu restaurant to taste the famous tender Wagyu beef with cream and sauces. 
• For the view of an untouched ecosystem like cypress swamps and Florida’s wilderness, follow the Santos Trail. 
• Walk along the third largest forest in the state, Withlacoochee State Park to witness natural beauty. However, remember to watch the documentary at the visitor’s center before exploring.

6. Clearwater, Florida

Nestled on Florida’s west coast near Tampa sits Clearwater, a rare precious jewel. If you’re looking for a warm winter vacation in the US on a budget then look no further than Clearwater . It offers you tranquil white sand beaches, refreshing gulf breeze, and gorgeous nature.

The blue water and isolated state park hold a record for consecutive sunny days ranging below the 70s in the winters. Also, enjoying the gulf seafood, and beach bars during the sunsets are so exciting and memorable events. 

During my visit, I spent most of my time lounging on the beach and enjoying the warm, crystal-clear waters. I also took advantage of the many affordable seafood restaurants in the area and even went on a dolphin-watching tour . Overall, Clearwater was a great choice for a relaxing and affordable beach vacation.

Cheap Things to do in Clearwater:

• To marine lovers, Clearwater is the best place to spot bottlenose dolphin pods on the surface as they happily go around. You can never miss this place!
• If you never witnessed Matisse paintings, then come to Clearwater Beach during sunset. The tropical sunset against sapphire blue water and soft white sands is mesmerizing.
• Come to Clearwater Memorial Causeway bridge to witness the sun coming up from the horizon and filling the sky with different shades of yellow, peach, and rose.
• Hiking in the woods, walking by the beach, and climbing mountains are mesmerizing. But do you know what is more mesmerizing?  Watching black birds in the sky dancing as if in a form of aerial ballet
• Explore Clearwater by foot, and walk along the Historic Harbour Oaks neighborhood to reach Fort Harrison and further. 
• Take a bicycle and ride from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs taking the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail
• Clearwater Beach is also called Spring Break Capital for a reason. But if you’re like me and love offbeat places then come to North Beach across Causeway Bridge

7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

You know what they say, nothing good comes for free of cost. However, in Philadelphia, that’s not entirely true. In fact, there are loads of fun, exciting, entertaining and even adventurous things that one can enjoy. Philadelphia is located on the Northeast side of the United States.

The City of Brotherly Love is packed with historical sites, brewery tours, delicious cuisines and many more. Philadelphia is also considered one of the best solo travel destinations in the USA for its friendly locals, good public transport, cheap and safe accommodation options and unlimited free things to enjoy.

If you are not a liquor person, dining out will be pocket friendly in Philadelphia. While traveling in Philadelphia, collect a one-day Independence Pass which is only $11 per person or $28 per family, and allows you to ride on any bus, trolley, subway, or train.

Cheap Things to do in Philadelphia:

• Independence Hall  is the first thing that you should visit in Philadelphia. Yes, it’s totally Free. A guided tour is part of your admission. This signature building has huge importance in history where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776.
• The Rocky Statue and the Rocky Steps  are other popular sites where you can run up 72 steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art  and give a ceremonious fist pump at the top. Both are Free.
• Visit th e United States Mint  where you can learn the mystery behind the fascinating coin-making process via a self-guided free tour. It is really an interesting and worth visiting place in Philadelphia.
• Couples can have a romantic stroll through Elfreth’s Alley  which was once the residence of 18th-century tradespeople who worked out of their homes. The cobblestone street with lots of cute houses made it an ideal place for photographers.
• If you are planning to visit most attractions of the city in a convenient way, then I highly recommend you to buy Philadelphia All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions for $59.

Tips: Check out the Independence Visitor Center, where you can receive an overview of the city and its attractions. Pick up free tickets to Independence Hall. City Pass can be a good choice to see multiple attractions for an incredibly low price.

Philadelphia Travel Budget:

• Hostel Prices : $15-$20/night (Find Cheap hostels )
• Cheap Hotel and Rental Apartment : $30-$70/night (see on  Booking.com )
• Cheap flights to Philadelphia: from $74 if you fly from New York
• Meals at an inexpensive restaurant per day : $25-30
• Local transport : $30

Use WayAway.io to find the cheapest flights to your desired destination.

8. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Traveling to American cities often comes with a hefty price tag. But if you’re heading to Albuquerque on your next vacation, you are in luck. Many travelers consider it one of the cheapest places to visit in the USA. From various museums to gallery tours, from Native American culture to historic old town- Albuquerque offers plenty of fun and free things to do during your visit.

Cheap Things to do in Albuquerque :

• Exploring the amazing museums can be the best free thing to do in Albuquerque. The Harvey House Museum  is popular to learn about the history of the old railroad. Whereas The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology  will help you to know how the desert landscape has changed the way people do things in the area.
• Visit the historic Old Town of Albuquerque , founded in 1706. It is a perfect place to know this affordable vacation spot in the USA more closely. You will find lots of shops, restaurants and museums lined up here.
• Open Space  is another popular place for adventure enthusiasts where you can do biking or hiking and enjoy Albuquerque’s fantastic trails.
• Travelers can visit the Petroglyph National Monument  which offers a great view of some of the most beautiful scenery in all of New Mexico.

Albuquerque Travel Budget:

• Hostel Prices : $30/night (book Cheap Hostel )
• Cheap Hotel and Rental Apartment : $40-$120/night (see on  Booking.com )
• Airbnb in Albuquerque (for couples and families)
• Meals at an inexpensive restaurant per day : $15-20

9. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is not only a cheap city but also one of the best places for a romantic getaway in the USA . Charleston offers its visitors beautiful waterfront parks, piers and surrounding barrier islands and many museums with free admission.

You can score a hotel room at a very low cost with complimentary breakfast even in the busy summertime if you’re willing to stay outside the city proper. Transportation cost in Charleston is very cheap and available through the city’s CARTA bus system.

Cheap Things to do in Charleston :

• If you are looking for free things to do in Charleston, hit the beach. Enjoy a relaxing vacation on Folly Beach  with a great view of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Visit Charleston Tea Plantation , the country’s only tea plantation which is just 20-mile drive down to Wadmalaw Island.
• Stroll through Charleston City Market , one of the country’s oldest public markets. Explore the market and take some souvenirs for your loved ones.
• Battery park and Point Gardens  are free-admission public garden area that offers fantastic views of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor.

Charleston Travel Budget:

• Hostel Prices : $35/night
• Cheap Hotel and Rental Apartment : $55-$120/night (see on  Booking.com )
• Cheap flights to Charleston: from $36 if you fly from New York
• Local transport : $22

10. Raleigh, North Carolina

Planning affordable family vacations in the USA can be tricky, but Raleigh offers local events, activities and entertainment options within a wide range of budgets. Everyone can afford an inexpensive vacation to Raleigh. Raleigh’s affordable hotels, restaurants and low taxes make it one of the cheapest travel destinations in the US.

Cheap Things to do in Raleigh:

• Enjoy a day in Triangle Lakes  which is home to some small lakes and two large lakes: Jordan Lake west of Apex and Falls Lake. This place is equally popular among locals and international travelers.
• The admission-free North Carolina Museum of History  features military history, decorative arts, and sports heroes of North Carolina. The museum has a wide collection of artifacts that consists of over 150000 items.
• Don’t miss Pullen Park , the first public park in North Carolina. This amusement park is the hub of the playground, green fields and lots of rides. It is an ideal place for families. Enjoy a pedal boat ride and a historic carousel that was built in 1911.
• Pay a visit to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science  which is the Southeast’s largest natural history museum. The museum features all sorts of bugs, spiders, and snakes. There is also a live animal presentation that takes place daily.

Raleigh Travel Budget:

• Cheap Hotel and Rental Apartment : $55-$1130/night (book Cheap Hotels on  Booking.com )
• Cheap flights to Raliegh: from $87 if you fly from New York

11. Phoenix, Arizona

People who are looking for some of the cheapest places to vacation in the USA can visit Phoenix. It is not only the capital of the state but also one of the best places to visit in Arizona . This cultural powerhouse of Arizona is known for its warm, humid and harsh climate of the desert. What also makes Phoenix a great travel destination are the  many free attractions. Just make sure not to travel in the mid-summer when this city is at its hottest.

Cheap Things to do in Phoenix:

• The Desert Botanical Garden  offers one of the world’s largest collections of desert flora. There are several garden trails that visitors can take to explore the unique gardens. If you are a garden lover, check out the best botanical gardens in California .
• Adventure seekers can hike Camelback Mountain , the most popular hiking trail in the Phoenix region. The hike is challenging with excessive heat but worth the effort for some breathtaking views from the top. Check out this guided tour to the top of Camelback Mountain.
• If you are an art lover, a visit to the Phoenix Art Museum  is highly recommended. The museum exhibits some of the most unique pieces of art and fashion. With more than 18,000 works of American, European, Latin American, modern and contemporary art, expect to spend some time exploring this popular museum.
• South Mountain Park  is totally free to visit that offers magnificent views of the city and surrounding landscapes. You can hike or bike early in the morning to beat the heat.

READ NEXT: 10 Best Hikes in Southern California

Phoenix Travel Budget:

• Hostel Prices : $35-50/night (book Cheap Hostel )
• Cheap Hotel and Rental Apartment : $40-$120/night (Book on  Booking.com )
• Cheap flights to Phoenix: from $119 if you fly from New York
• Meals at an inexpensive restaurant per day : $25-30
• Local transport : $24

12. New Orleans, Louisiana

If you’re looking to have a fun time in New Orleans but don’t want to open up your wallet, no worries. There are plenty of ways to explore the city at cheap.

Cheap Things to do in New Orleans :

• Strolling along the Mississippi Riverside  can be one of the best things romantic couples can do here. This impressive landmark of the city is great for a family picnic.
• Exploring French Quarter and Garden District  is one of the best things to do in New Orleans . The aroma of local cuisine and an array of local antique shops, restaurants, and museums made it one of the most photographed places. Garden District is home to some famous persons like Anne Rice and rock star Trent Reznor. Take the popular streetcar ride  from French Quarter to Garden District and they are very affordable.
• To get an up-close view of the Mississippi River, ride the Algiers Ferry . It’s not completely free, just $2 per person which offers great views of the oldest parts of the city and a view of the downtown skyline from the ferry.
• Visit 100-year-old the New Orleans Museum of Art which has a collection of fine paintings, sculptures, photography, glass and historical objects ranging from the pre-Christian era to the modern.

New Orleans Travel Budget:

• Hostel Prices : $10-$15/night (book Cheap Hostel )
• Cheap Hotel and Rental Apartment : $25-$80/night (Book on  Booking.com )
• Cheap flights to New Orleans: from $41 if you fly from New York
• Meals at an inexpensive restaurant per day : $15-25
• Local transport : $20

13. Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is one of the best fall destinations in the USA and is also known as the world headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It offers a wide variety of free historic visitor attractions at its Historic Temple Square.

Utah Transit Authority operated a low-cost transport system that will help you to save some bucks while traveling the city. However, the best thing about it as a tourist destination is that many of its museums, gardens, and major attractions are completely free.

Cheap Things to do in Salt Lake City:

• Visit historic Temple Square , the signature tourist attraction of Salt Lake City. The square features the Mormon Temple, the Tabernacle, Assembly Hall, beautiful gardens, the Seagull Monument and other significant structures and artworks.
• Adventure enthusiasts can walk the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. The trail is 160 kilometers long and offers incredible views of the Salt Lake Valley and the City skyline. The trail is more scenic with colorful wildflowers in spring.
• Joseph Smith Memorial Building  is a must-visit place in Salt Lake City. You will be amazed by its gorgeous architecture and opulent decor. The building was at first a hotel that was transformed into a social center venue in 1993.
• Utah State Capitol Building  is an iconic tourist attraction that proudly sits high on Capitol Hill overlooking the city. Visitors can explore this Corinthian-style building and can take a guided tour to learn the significance of seagulls painted on the ceiling and magnificent murals.

Salt Lake City Travel Budget:

• Hostel Prices : $25-$30/night (book Cheap Hostel )
• Cheap Hotel and Rental Apartment : $60-$120/night (find on  Booking.com )
• Cheap flights to Salt Lake City: from $104 if you fly from New York
• Meals at an inexpensive restaurant per day : $20-28

14. Tucson, Arizona

Tucson is located in the north of the US-Mexico border  and is heavily influenced by the desert region in which it stands. It is a great place to visit when traveling on a budget in the USA. The local people are very friendly, the food is amazing and there are lots of cool attractions just waiting to be explored. From hiking a scenic trail to ogling stunning architecture, there is definitely no shortage of amazing things to do in Tucson.

Cheap Things to do in Tucson:

• Hike the Turquoise Trail , the historic walking tour of downtown Tucson. The hike is about 2.5 miles long that includes 23 historical landmarks of the city such as the 1850s Sosa-Carillo-Frémont House, the Pima County Courthouse, and the old Railroad Depot.
• Visit the Tucson Museum of Art  which features over 8,000 works of Western, Latin American and contemporary art. On the first Thursday of each month, admission is free from 5-8 p.m. 
• Explore the  Saguaro National Park trail . Try to avoid hiking here in the summer months. Visitors can see the different types of cactus on the trail.

Tucson Travel Budget:

• Cheap Hotel and Rental Apartment : $50-$110/night (see on  Booking.com )
• Cheap flights to Tucson: from $146 if you fly from New York

15. Big Bear Lake, California

On the east of Los Angeles by the rugged snow-capped peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains sits a charming mountain town called Big Bear Lake. It is the best backpacking destination in the USA to witness panoramic views of skiable terrain. 

The view of San Bernardino National Forest and the mountain is like a scene from a movie. The stunning vistas of the alpine region towering with Ponderosa pines are such a splendor to hike along the forested path and water skiing. 

Cheap Things to do in Big Bear Lake:

• In winter you can enjoy sledding and tubing at Grizzly Ridge Tube Park and Big Bear Snow Play
• It’s a little expensive but for the cool perspective of such beauty with mountains, lakes, and deserts, you can book a helicopter tour or Big Bear Jeep Experience.
• Sit by the sapphire Big Bear Lake water, soaking in the sun. You can also bring your food and have a small picnic with your friends
• Hike along the rocky terrain or ride a horse or mountain bike following the Castle Rock trail. The view from t800 feet above sea level is gorgeous
• In autumn and spring, come to Boulder Bay Park to capture extra color and timeless nature
• If you’re here in the Fall season, please attend Oktoberfest, one of the highest-ranked celebrations in the USA.  

16. Death Valley, California

Just as the name sounds, Death Valley seems to be mysterious. Will I die reaching there? No, my friend , you will fall in love with it. It looks desolate wasteland but in reality, is one of the budget-friendly cities to travel to in the USA.

Driving out to Racetrack Playa on the lowest part of the USA at Badwater Basin outside of Alaska sits Death Valley National Park which also earned its name as Dark Sky Preserve. Remember, though it is unique but is a land of extremes with unbearable heat and biting cold resulting in unending drought. 

Cheap Things to do in Death Valley

• The most fun thing to do in Death Valley is go sandboarding or boogie board
• Drive straight through the valley to Badwater Basin to get the most shocking view called Dante’s view. You can also drive up Aguereberry Point Road.
• Camp in the remote regions of Death Valley – Eureka Sand Dunes and Racetrack Playa. Explore the Backcountry, spend the night and understand its ecosystem
• Hike to visit the Natural Bridge or Historic Mosaic Canyon near Stovepipe Wells and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is so thrilling 

17. Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Have you ever thought of cheap vacation destinations for couples in complete remoteness? 45 miles west of Fort Collins and in the heart of Roosevelt National Forest sits Red Feather Lakes, a charming and rustic mountain town of Colorado .

Its location at the elevation of 8,245 feet offers a dramatic outlook with a golden opportunity to explore. Snowshoeing, sleigh rides, ice skating, and cross-country skiing are popular options to try.

Cheap Things to do in Red Feather Lakes:

• Canoe or kayak or paddle board at Lake Hiawatha. The Hiawatha Park sits on a 241-acre land with mature trees, open space to walk, and a lake to have fun.
• How can you not fish at Red Feather Lakes? They have three public lakes with valid Colorado fishing licenses. 
• Enjoy the rustic town sitting over the horseback riding and enjoying the view. Come to Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch
• Go for a drive taking the west side of the Continental Divide and continuing to Fort Collins
• Invest in your health and book a session or attend a workshop or educational program with Shambhala Mountain Center, a Buddhist retreat center offering meditation and yoga classes.
• You do not need to keep your dog at home, bring him hiking on Lady Moon trailhead. Also, follow the North Lone Pine trail for an easy-breezy walk

18. Fort Collins, Colorado

Along the Cache, Ia Poudre River sits the famous destination Fort Collins which is also known as “FoCo” and is a beautiful college town in Colorado. Not only that, it is Colorado’s Craft Beer Capital. Interestingly, 70% of Colorado’s craft beer is manufactured herein. 

With 2.53 (violent crime rate per 1,000) and ample job opportunities, Fort Collins is one of the cheapest and safest cities to travel to in summer in America for students. Colorado State University and the Rocky Mountains are just miles away!

Cheap Things to do in Fort Collins

• Change your weekend plans and take the free tour at New Belgium Brewing Co. 
• Wander along the Cache La Poudre River watching fishes teeming in the water. This is one of the famous spots among locals.
• Appreciate local art and enjoy the walking tour at Downtown Fort Collins’ First Friday Art Walk. 
• Explore and soak the beauty at Benson Sculpture Garden. The garden has been recognized as – “ one of the 200 most important modern and contemporary art sites around the world”

19. Klamath Falls, Oregon

Klamath Falls is the most inexpensive place to travel in the USA to witness nature without any makeup. It sits on Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, halfway between Lava Beds National Monument and Crater Lake.

Klamath Falls landscape, lakes, rivers, and forests are so dreamy! Mostly, the place is famous for hiking, fishing, biking, and soaking in peace. Also, the restaurants offer a true taste of Klamath Falls’s southern culture.

Cheap Things to do in Red Klamath Falls:

• How can you miss the beauty of Upper Klamath Lake? Stop by Moore Park which sits on 450-acre land offering a view of lush forest trails, towering pines, flying great bald eagles in the sky and complete peace all around.
• Beside the Klamath Falls sits Link River Trail where you can enjoy the peace to the fullest. You can take the gravel path to reach Upper Klamath Lake. On the way, you will spot hundreds of rare water birds. 
• Klamath Lake sits on 91,000 acres; you can sit by the lake and just enjoy the breathtaking views or arrange a small picnic with your friends
• Spend a night under the sky camping at Lake of the Woods Resort. The experience itself was very rejuvenating. Do not forget to roast marshmallows and enjoy the darkness.
• Come to Link River Falls, the seventh smallest river in the States to enjoy breathtaking views of waterfalls. Plaikini Falls, Duwee Falls, Annie Falls, and Vidae Falls are so pictured worthy

20. Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon

If you’re planning for tenting, camping, or staying in a cabin then there is no other good place than Mount Hood National Forest. This area offers classic Pacific Northwest landscapes filled with adventurous activities.

Remember, to bring your hiking boots , skis, tents , and cameras as Mount Hood stands at the elevation of 11,240 feet above sea level. Timberline Lodge, waterfalls, hot springs, wildlife, and alpine wildlife are the special features of this park. 

Cheap Things to do in Mount Hood National Forest

• Up for a long hike? Wear your hiking boots and climb up the Bald Mountain
• Hang around the stunning Mirror Lake and walk along the Tom, Dick, and Harry Trail to enjoy the still water
• Did you click a photo of yourself against the backdrop of Tamanawas Falls?
• Sense adventure along the rocky scrambles and the bridges getting effortless good shots for Instagram at Umbrella and Sahalie Falls.

How to Travel Cheap in the USA?

In the world of “dollars”, “cheap” really exist? 15 years old me always wondered. 

Crossing coast to coast to explore America’s states without spending an arm and a leg is a debatable topic. However, Nomadic Matt, my inspirational character, proved it to be true. 

Backpackers and Budget travelers, welcome to blog on the cheapest places to visit in the USA, informing you how to travel on a budget and experience more. 

Moreover, I promise there will be no sacrifices made in experiencing – world-class music, and dances, witnessing stunning gorgeous landscapes, and incredible culture, making friends, and tasting delicious cuisine.

So, here are the ways to travel cheaply without spending millions of dollars on exploring and traveling. I will break your expenses into fixed and variable expenditures.

Let’s look forward to fixed expenditure –

Accommodation :  

Hostels or dorm rooms are your saviors. Also, you can try Couchsurfing. A dorm room with 4-6 beds usually costs between $35-50 USD per night depending on the city and time of your travel. Check out these useful tips about how to book cheap hotels .

On the other hand, Couchsurfing allows you to reside freely in exchange for any service requested by the homeowners. However, always remember to check reviews and stats before booking any one of them. 

Thankfully, the USA has diverse options in terms of food. Starting from seafood, and BBQ to healthy salad and organic smoothies, there is no singular food culture. Every place has different types of food options at varied rates.

A sandwich or fast food combo meal costs around $10 -$15 if you get it from roadside stalls. The same food is available at $30-$34 at mid-range casual restaurants. On the other hand, if you want to save money on food while traveling , you can cook your food at hostels free of cost.

Public transport

Taking a bus for a cross-country trip is not weird, the best way to save “dollars”. Traveling in buses or trains, or metros is the best way to meet new people, watch and witness amazing sights while keeping the budget fixed. 

However, the only disadvantage you might face while traveling on public transport is long journeys and no WiFi to work along the way. Though you cannot change the first part but upgrade your travel router to work along the way.

Now let’s know your variable expenditure – 

Expenditures, like buying gifts or eating food at a fancy restaurant or participating in paid fest and more, are called variable expenses. However, you cannot completely ignore them but surely reduce their frequencies to save ‘dollars’. 

To reduce expenses on variable expenditures you can follow these points –

• Prepare a budget
• Be friendly and try to include other fellow travelers in your plan too
• Research the destination
• Book early or too late 
• Take care of yourself – believe your instinct, and never doubt it
• Be tech-savvy, try to plan your destinations without seeking help every time from tourist companies
• Check out these tips for booking cheap flights from anywhere . Always before booking your flight, I would recommend you to read the blog on the most affordable places to fly in the US.

In the end, there are many ways to travel cheaply as well as many fun things to do in the USA. However, the USA might not be a cheap travel destination, but by following travel hacks and meeting the right people, you can make that happen. 

The best way to travel to dream destinations at cheap rates in the USA is to be hopeful to experience dreamy things in a budget-friendly manner. If you’re not from America, I would recommend you save this blog for a better source of information. 

Read More: 12 Best Zoos In The USA To Explore For Wildlife Enthusiasts

FAQ – Cheapest Vacations in the US

1. where can i travel with a $1000 budget.

A : With $1000 you can come to Joshua Tree National Park in California. The park sits between the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. Here you can see how arid low desert and high desert vegetation meet to create an incredible natural desert treasure. Moreover, it is unique to find a desert ecosystem.  

2. What is the best month to travel cheaply in the US?

A: The best month to travel cheaply in the USA is from May to early June and late August. Always try to visit in the off-season when the price of hotels and restaurants reduces their rates. I would recommend traveling in January and September. 

3. Which state is very cheap to travel to?

A : Texas is affordable for travelers as there are plenty of hostels, roadside food hauls, and good-running public transport facilities. Strolling down the Paseo del Rio is so mesmerizing. Also, buses in Texas are inexpensive and on time.

4. What is the cheapest beach vacation in the United States?

A : The cheapest beach vacation in the United States is in California. You should come to Carlsbad to enjoy easy-going charm and miles of unexplored coastline. The rocky cliffs and rugged surroundings with soft sand along the beach are so beautiful. Though the average cost of living here is $2,836 in terms of beauty and amenities it is nothing. 

• 10 Cheapest Places to Visit in California
• Best Campsites in Southern California
• 10 Cheapest Places to Live in California

LIKE IT? PIN IT…

Similar Posts

30 most romantic getaways in the usa for 2023.

A romantic getaway gives you a great time to rekindle the bond you have with your spouse while visiting some of the exotic places across the US. When it comes to planning a romantic getaway in the USA, you won’t be short of places to visit. America provides everything you need for a romantic holiday,…

13 Best Nude Beaches in New York for Sun-Worshippers

Everything feels better when you open your T-shirt and put down your shorts and jump straight into the water. Also, I cannot deny sunbathing, or sleeping nude by the beach is so enriching. Apart from that USA has so many beautiful budget-friendly December getaways. I’ve been to Texas, Hawaii, California, and Florida nude beaches with…

27 Cheapest Places To Live In The US

Cities offering cheaper rent, low cost of living, better educational facilities, higher job opportunities, and a peaceful environment are dreams for most people. An affordable cost of living can translate to lower utility costs, housing expenses, and more savings which can help you live comfortably for the rest of your life. Our list of the…

12 Best Places to Travel Alone in The USA in 2023

What are the safest places to travel alone in the USA? Solo travel in the United States, especially for women, can be incredibly intense, rewarding and interesting. If you love solo traveling and looking for some of the best places to travel alone in the USA – you’ve arrived at the right place. The United…

Best & Cheap Places to Visit in Fall in the USA in 2023

What is the best time to visit the United States? This is a common question that I was asked by most travelers. The question is a little bit tricky and the answer varies from traveler to traveler. Why? The United States is a country where you can go and enjoy it at any time of…

9 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches In NYC: Pet-Friendly Vacation

New York is a great place to spend holidays with your furry pal. There are many beaches in this city where you can have a peaceful day under the bright sun. As dog lovers, we don’t want to leave our dog at home while we are about to travel around. It feels like leaving a…

27 Comments

I love San Antonio, lived there for 7 years! A must-visit for sure

Thank you Mariah for your kind comment.

I never thought it this affordable but the itineraries aren’t cheap at all……..best catalog I’ve seen so far………

You are right Jefferson. If one wants to visit all, it might be expensive, but certainly there are some free things and comparatively cheaper places where budget travelers can travel.

Wow…. Thanks for listing these down. Great suggestions!!

This is a fantastic list. It’s amazing the things you can find to do with a little creativity.

Thank you for this detailed list of inexpensive places to travel and things to do. It’s nice to know that AZ has a number of free parks.? This is a great guide for people to use to plan a trip when things calm down.

Love this list! I love traveling and even better if it can be done cheaply.

Utah is definitely a place for me, great scenery and is one of the best fall destinations in the USA.

This is a great list of places. I will bookmark this post so I can reference it when I plan to visit US.

Philly is my recommendation because I love Philly food. I love Philly cheesesteaks, pretzels, and Italian water ice. (Sorry, my dad is from there so I often traveled there).

I’ve been to Raleigh, Daytona, and New Orleans. I think next would be San Antonio Texas, judging from this post!

Sure… Why not..!! Happy Traveling… 🙂

Thank you for this super comprehensive post! I love how it includes budget suggestions. I’m definitely bookmarking this for the future!

Great post! We’ve been to about 2/3 of these I think, and Charleston was my favorite place by far! Going to add a few of these other cities to our travel list, thank you! 🙂

Great suggestions! I am adding Arizona and Lousiana to my list!

I have visited half of the cities on this list and completely agree—they are cheap and fun to visit! I will have to make it my mission to add the additional cities to my list. Especially Salt Lake City, I have always wanted to go.

Absolutely stunning post! Thank you for a detailed impressive guide on a cheap vacation spot in the US!

I’ve been to Philly, Charleston and NC. These places are very much affordable and great things to do. Be sure to go to the Elfreth alley in Philly at night. It’s awesome for photographs.

thank you for sharing useful info about cheap places to visit in USA

A most helpful article about Budget-Friendly Travel in the USA.

USA is the greatest nation in the world. There are such a number of delightful spots in US that are well known among the world. This list contains the top 10 wonderful traveling spots.

I really enjoyed your blog post. Your suggestions are practical and affordable, making it easier for people to explore different parts of the country without breaking the bank. Thanks for sharing!

Incredible Love this list! I love traveling and even better if it can be done cheaply.

Looks like a fun place to visit and stay.

This is truly amazing!

Nice list Trijit, uncover also the magic of New Hampshire’s fall palette and explore its myriad attractions, creating a curated list of the best November travel spots. New Hampshire a must-visit destination this autumn.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

More From Forbes

13 exciting places where you can live for $1,500 a month—or less.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

An aerial view of Isla Mujeres, Mexico—one of the 13 cheapest places to live on a new report.

Living in the United States is not cheap—especially as prices continue to soar, from groceries to transportation to housing. According to recent reports, an American household spends an average of $61,334 per year on their expenses, with housing being the largest expense, at almost $1,800 a month. So why not move someplace where it costs a whole lot less to live?

International Living recently released a list of 13 places around the globe where a couple can live for as little as $1,500 a month (or less). This figure covers everything: housing, healthcare, food, fun and more. And here’s the good news: That’s for a couple. If you’re single, you can live for less.

To come up with this list of cheapest places to live, International Living analyzed seven key factors: housing, visas, cost of living, healthcare, climate and more. Beyond this, the report considered additional amenities such as high-speed internet access, networking opportunities and English-speaking communities.

From Mexico (which leads the list with its three budget-friendly locations) to Southeast Asia (with five standout destinations), these places offer a glimpse into a life where saving money doesn’t mean sacrificing a nice lifestyle.

Check out these 13 exciting places where you can live for as little as $1,500 a month.

Top Places To Live In The Americas

Apple iphone 16 new design and performance upgrades revealed in leak, apple confirms widespread iphone changes coming to millions of ipads, sony is making a truly terrible mistake with helldivers 2.

A village overlooking Arenal volcano in Costa Rica.

Arenal, Costa Rica

Why Move There: Located about three hours north of San José and three hours east of Liberia, Arenal captivates residents with its breathtaking views and moderate, breezy weather. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Arenal for hiking in the rainforest and a rich diversity of wildlife, with over 200 bird species, monkeys and coatis. The region’s allure extends beyond its natural beauty to its affordable real estate and low cost of living.

The Cost: According to International Living, expats report living comfortably on $1,500 or less per month, with rents as low as $400 for chic apartments or cozy homes with tranquil Caribbean views. Dining out is affordable, with meals ranging from $6 to $15, and local sodas serving breakfast for just $3.50.

A bridge in a tropical rainforest in Parque del Café, part of Armenia, Colombia.

Armenia, Colombia

Why Move There: Armenia is known for its natural beauty and vibrant coffee culture. With a population of just over 300,000, it’s a mid-sized city with easy access to colonial towns and parks. Armenia also has earned the nickname, the “eternal spring” city, thanks to its year-round warm weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

The Cost: According to International Living, expats can live comfortably on $1,500 or less per month. Renting in Armenia gives an affordable alternative to buying, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from $400 to $550 per month. And it’s even more budget-friendly if you live outside the city center. Food costs average around $200 per month.

Panoramic view of Cozumel, Mexico.

Cozumel, Mexico

Why Move There: Cozumel , recognized for its laid-back island vibe and stunning white-sand beaches, attracts an international mix of residents. It’s also consider a world-class scuba diving destination and a haven for nature enthusiasts. Plus, with more than 350 restaurants, there’s something for every taste and budget.

The Cost: Many expats live comfortably on $1,500 a month, according to International Living. Cozumel also has top-notch healthcare services. Renting a one-bedroom condo typically ranges from $450 to $700 a month. High-speed internet services are available at a reasonable $20, and utilities, including electricity and water, average around $70. Dining out is affordable, with lunch for two costing as little as $10, while a dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant comes to about $25.

IslaMujeres, Mexico.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Why Move There: Located a short 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun, Isla Mujeres welcomes visitors with its Mexican-Caribbean vibe and Mayan influences. Despite being a major tourist destination, this small island has an appealing lifestyle for expats with laid-back neighborhoods and white-sand beaches. Most residents navigate the island via golf carts or the hop-on hop-off bus, which costs just over a dollar and conveniently drops passengers at their doorsteps.

The Cost: Renting an apartment with utilities included can cost around $600 a month, according to International Living. While beachfront restaurants in the hotel zone cater to tourists at higher prices, local kitchens and street food stalls provide authentic Mexican cuisine at a fraction of the cost, like a three-course meal for $5 to $6.

A pretty street with windows and bougainvillea flowers in Queretaro, Mexico.

Querétaro, Mexico

Why Move There: Located in Mexico’s Colonial Highlands, Querétaro blends historic charm with modern amenities. With a population of about 1.1 million in the greater metropolitan area, this city is renowned for its high quality of life. Its well-preserved historic center has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. You’ll find modern malls, excellent medical facilities and a robust cultural scene, plus easy access to international flights from nearby Mexico City.

The Cost: According to International Living, expats can live comfortably on $1,500 or less per month, with rents starting at $500 for a one-bedroom apartment and dining out for about $25 for a couple.

Top Places To Live In Asia

A pagoda in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Why Move There: In the northern mountains of Thailand, Chiang Mai is an ancient city with modern appeal. With a population of 127,000 residents, Chiang Mai has a population of Thai, Chinese, Indians and expats—who all coexist seamlessly. Beyond its historical and cultural richness, Chiang Mai offers an affordable lifestyle and a temperate mountain climate.

The Cost: According to International Living, renting a three-bedroom condominium with panoramic hill views can cost as little as $300 a month, with monthly living costs, excluding housing, averaging $300 for a solo explorer and $1,000 for a couple. Dining out becomes an adventure with a three-course meal for two costing around $10, allowing you to savor this city’s delicious food scene without straining your budget.

Sightseeing in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Why Move There: Hoi An , a World Heritage Site, captivates with its rich history and idyllic setting along an estuary of the Thu Bon River. The town’s pedestrian-friendly environment, with its central area off-limits to cars and motorbikes, invites leisurely strolls. Home to about 120,000 people and home to one of Southeast Asia's prettiest beaches—An Bang Beach—Hoi An is steeped in history, with its Ancient Town once a bustling port of call for traders from China, Japan and Europe.

The Cost: According to International Living, renting a two-bedroom apartment in the center of town can cost as little as $500 per month, while studio and one-bedroom houses start at less than $300 per month. A couple can live comfortably for under $1,500 per month, including rent, utilities, dining out and incidental expenses. Dining options abound, with a meal for two at a cheap restaurant costing $5 or less, and a cup of high-quality coffee (Vietnam is one of the world’s largest coffee producers) for just $1.50.

The Kuching waterfront.

Kuching, Malaysia

Why Move There: Founded in 1839 along the tranquil Sarawak River, Kuching, Malaysia was once a strategic trading post connecting Asian seaports with Borneo's lush interior. Today, it has bustling streets alive with food stalls and a cool café culture. The city’s picturesque setting, with the meandering river and antique stores lining its banks, adds to its appeal for expats. Plus, with its proximity to national parks, Kuching is an ideal base for day trips to explore wild coastal and rainforest destinations.

The Cost: According to International Living, living in Kuching offers affordability and charm. A high-quality cappuccino costs just $3, while local coffee provides excellent value at $0.60 per cup. Renting a three-bedroom house within walking distance of the town center typically costs $700 per month. Monthly living costs for a couple, excluding housing, average an additional $500.

Scenic view of Penang, Malaysia.

Penang, Malaysia

Why Move There: The island of Penang blends history, golden beaches and culture. With a vibrant population of 1.6 million residents, Penang has a diverse population where Malays, Chinese, Indians and expats coexist seamlessly. Penang stands out for its cost-effective living and first-rate healthcare.

The Cost: According to International Living, you can easily find a three-bedroom condominium with sweeping sea and hill views within a five-mile radius of the city center for an affordable $380 a month. Monthly living costs, excluding housing, are remarkably budget-friendly—a mere $500 for a single person and $1,000 for a family of two. Dining out is a pleasure, too, with a three-course meal for two costing around $15.

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Why Move There: Set at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers, Phnom Penh is a capital city that seamlessly blends ancient Khmer heritage with French colonial charm. Its bustling streets (this is a big walking city), diverse architecture and fusion cuisine create a unique atmosphere. Plus, its affordability and expat-friendly environment make it an attractive destination for retirees and expatriates alike.

The Cost: According to International Living, monthly living costs for a couple, excluding housing, amount to $300 per month. Renting a three-bedroom, 900-square-foot apartment within walking distance of the town center typically costs $1,100 per month. In total, a couple can expect to spend around $1,400 per month.

Top Places To Live In Europe

Colorful beach homes in Villajoyosa, a Mediterranean village in Alicante, Spain.

Alicante, Spain

Why Move There: Alicante , on the sun-drenched Costa Blanca, is known for its relaxed seaside living. With a warm, sunny climate, a wealth of dining options, plus an historic old town, Alicante provides a pleasant lifestyle that won’t break the bank. It’s home to sizable numbers of expats—about 15% of the permanent population is foreign. As a result, you can get by fairly easily in Alicante with minimal Spanish. It’s also easily accessible. The international Alicante-Elche Airport is served by both major and discount carriers serve the airport.

The Cost: Alicante offers affordability alongside its cultural richness. According to International Living, renting a chic apartment in the heart of the city or a cozy home with a view of the Mediterranean can cost less than $700 a month. With monthly expenses for a couple, excluding rent, averaging around $700, living in Alicante is both comfortable and budget-friendly—coming in at around $1,400 a month.

The town Bergerac, reflected on the Dordogne river

Bergerac, France

Why Move There: In southwest France, Bergerac (also known as the Périgord region) has picturesque villages, honey-colored stone farmhouses and pastoral landscapes. It’s a dream destination for expats seeking a quintessential French countryside experience—minus the costs of places like Provence. The city itself has a rich cultural scene, including art exhibitions, music festivals and gastronomic celebrations like Les Tables de Cyrano. Additionally, Bergerac’s central location makes it convenient for exploring the rest of southwestern France or venturing to the French Riviera.

The Cost: While the region is renowned for its beauty, it remains relatively accessible in terms of cost, coming in at around $1,500 a month. According to International Living, expats can find lovely village houses or rustic farmhouses for reasonable prices.

The skyline of Granada, Spain.

Granada, Spain

Why Move There: Set at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalusia, Granada offers a captivating blend of Spanish and Moorish heritage. Its ancient streets and centuries-old buildings (including the the iconic Alhambra fortress complex) provide a glimpse into the city’s history. Fueled by the energy of its university, Granada is an ideal destination for expats who want a lively social scene, in addition to the relaxed lifestyle.

The Cost: With a budget of around $1,000 a month for a couple, you can have a enriching and affordable lifestyle in Granada. According to International Living, comfortable apartments in the city center are available for under $600 a month. You can enjoy a café con leche for just over $1 or savor a traditional meal for two at a local restaurant for about $25.

MORE FROM FORBES

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

GOBankingRates

15 Cheapest, Safest Places To Live in the US

Posted: July 18, 2023 | Last updated: March 6, 2024

When it comes to places to live, "affordable" and "safe" don't always go together. We've compiled a list of cities and towns in the United States that offer the best combination of both .

This GOBankingRates study combines information from multiple databases for crime rates and costs of living. The full methodology is included at the end of our top-15 list.

Discover: 12 Cities With Really High Salaries and Really Low Costs of Living Learn: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000

Most of the cities and towns in our top 15 have a few traits in common. Think suburbs, mostly Midwest with some East, Mountain West and South, with populations in the 20,000 to 40,000 range. For the most part, avoid the East or West coasts.

Illinois lands three spots in the top 15. Mississippi and Ohio each have two.

You may not have heard of these towns; but, based on our numbers, you won't find better combinations of low crime rates and affordable living .

South Kingstown, Rhode Island

• Population: 31,851
• Total crime rate per 1,000 residents: 4.7
• Annual expenditures: $22,254

Often referred to as "SK," South Kingstown is the only coastal town in our top 15. South Kingstown is the county seat of Washington County and is celebrating its 300 th birthday this year. It contains the village of Kingston, home to the University of Rhode Island.

A year's worth of groceries in South Kingstown will cost you $5,664 on average - about $472 a month.

See: Costco Execs Warn of Looming Recession Because of One Change Shoppers Are Making to Their Buying Habits Find: 7 States Considering More Stimulus Checks in 2023

Arlington, Massachusetts

• Population: 45,617
• Total crime rate per 1,000 residents: 3.4
• Annual expenditures: $23,556

The original village of Arlington was settled nearly 400 years ago. In addition to a low crime rate and affordable cost of living, Arlington offers easy access to Boston -- just six miles to the southeast.

Arlington's housing costs are the highest in our top 15 at $69,388. Utilities will cost you about $5,000 a year, groceries about $6,000.

Check Out: More Americans Can Afford To Buy a Home in These 20 Cities

Edwardsville, Illinois

• Population: 25,218
• Total crime rate per 1,000 residents: 5.5
• Annual expenditures: $20,965

A suburb of St. Louis, Edwardsville is the county seat of Madison County, Illinois. It's located in the southern part of the state along historic Route 66.

Edwardsville has the highest total crime rate per 1,000 residents in our top 15 with a still relatively low 5.5. You'll pay only about $431 a month for groceries.

Mundelein, Illinois

• Population: 31,560
• Total crime rate per 1,000 residents: 5.3
• Annual expenditures: $20,907

This Chicago suburb is about 35 miles northwest of the Windy City. Attractions include Diamond Lake, the Mundelein Heritage Museum and the Millennium Trail and Greenway Preserve.

Mundelein has one of the lowest housing costs in our top 15, coming in at $21,063.

White Lake, Michigan

• Population: 30,990
• Total crime rate per 1,000 residents: 4.2
• Annual expenditures: $22,185

A suburb of Detroit, White Lake Township is home to the Alpine Valley Ski Resort and Highland Recreation Area. Its attractions include the Historic Playhouse at White Lake and the White River Light Station and Museum.

According to our survey, a year's worth of groceries in White Lake costs $5,191 a year -- about $432 a month.

I'm a Real Estate Agent: Buy Real Estate in These 10 Cities To Be Rich in 10 Years

Mason, Ohio

• Population: 35,089
• Total crime rate per 1,000 residents: 5.1
• Annual expenditures: $21,046

Mason is located in Southwestern Ohio, about 20 miles north of Cincinnati. It is home to the Western & Southern Open, a professional tennis tournament dating back to 1899. Mason also boasts Kings Island amusement park.

Mason's housing cost of about $27,000 puts it in the middle of the pack in our top 15.

Brandon, Mississippi

• Population: 25,373
• Annual expenditures: $20,767

Located about 15 miles east of Jackson (Mississippi's state capital), fast-growing Brandon is the county seat of Rankin County. It offers the Downtown Brandon Historic District and the recently opened Brandon Amphitheater.

In addition to its low crime rate, Brandon has the lowest housing cost in our top 15 at $17,172.

Lake in the Hills, Illinois

• Population: 28,945
• Total crime rate per 1,000 residents: 3.1
• Annual expenditures: $23,339

Another Chicago suburb, Lake in the Hills swelled from about 6,000 residents to 23,000 during the 1990s. Its total crime rate per 1,000 residents -- just 3.1 -- is the lowest in our top 15.

Lake in the Hills also boasts the second-lowest annual cost for groceries in our list, just $5,091.

Also: 15 Cities Where Houses Are the Best Bargains Right Now

Muskego, Wisconsin

• Population: 25,242
• Total crime rate per 1,000 residents: 3.8
• Annual expenditures: $22,228

Muskego has regularly turned up on lists of Wisconsin's safest and most affordable cities. In 2018, PennyGeeks.com picked the Milwaukee suburb as the third-best place to buy a home in the whole country.

Muskego's housing cost ($30,361) is on the higher end among the cities in our top 15. You'll pay about $442 a month for groceries.

Independence, Kentucky

• Population: 28,920
• Total crime rate per 1,000 residents: 3.9
• Annual expenditures: $21,871

You'll find Independence in northern Kentucky's Kenton County, about 15 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio, and 70 miles north of Frankfort, the state capital.

Independence has the second-lowest housing cost in our top 15 ($18,212).

Madison, Mississippi

• Population: 27,719
• Total crime rate per 1,000 residents: 4.5
• Annual expenditures: $20,698

Madison is a suburb of Jackson -- Mississippi's state capital. Home to the 10-acre Simmons Arboretum and Strawberry Patch Park, Madison has seen a 12x increase in population since 1980. It ranked seventh in Scholaroo's 2023 rankings of the best places to live in the U.S.

Madison has the second-lowest annual cost for utilities in our top 15, coming in at $3,940.

Windsor, Colorado

• Population: 35,788
• Annual expenditures: $20,347

Windsor is located in northern Colorado, about 25 minutes by car from both Fort Collins and Loveland, and about 90 minutes north of Denver. It is home to more than two dozen parks, the Art & Heritage Center and popular Windsor Lake.

Windsor has bounced back after sustaining heavy damage during a 2008 tornado. Its housing costs are second highest on our list, at $39,253, but costs for utilities, healthcare and transportation are among the lowest.

Housing Market 2023: Prices Are Now So High That Banks Are Losing Money on Mortgages

Zionsville, Indiana

• Population: 31,702
• Total crime rate per 1,000 residents: 3.6
• Annual expenditures: $21,282

Towns don't come much safer than Zionsville, an Indianapolis suburb known as the "Dahlia City." Its total crime rate per 1,000 residents of 3.6 trails only Lake in the Hills, Illinois, in our study.

Zionsville is home to more than 500 acres of parks and an old-timey downtown area with a brick-paved main drag.

Avon Lake, Ohio

• Population: 25,588
• Total crime rate per 1,000 residents: 4.3
• Annual expenditures: $19,671

Located on the south shore of Lake Erie, this Cleveland suburb is one of just two cities in our list with annual expenditures under $20,000. It features numerous parks, bike trails and a boat launch.

Avon Lake's costs for healthcare, housing, utilities and transportation are among the lowest among the 15 cities in our study.

Rexburg, Idaho

• Population: 35,300
• Annual expenditures: $19,267

Rexburg, located about 30 miles northeast of Idaho Falls and 80 miles northeast of Pocatello, brands itself as "America's Family Community." Populated mostly by members of the Mormon Church, it's home to Brigham Young University-Idaho. The city's attractions include the Legacy Flight Museum, St. Anthony Sand Dunes and Teton Lakes Winter Park.

In addition to its low crime rate, Rexburg offers our study's least expensive annual costs for groceries ($404 a month), utilities ($323 a month) and transportation ($292 a month).

Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates gathered a list of safe cities in the US from Neighborhood Scout-Top 100 Safest Cities in America 2023 and US News-Safest Cities in America. For each city on the list, multiple factors are found, including 1) crime rate per 1,000 residents, sourced from NeighborhoodScout, 2) grocery cost of living sourced from Sperling's Best Places, 3) health cost of living sourced from Sperling's Best Places, 4) utilities cost of living sourced from Sperling's Best Places, 5) transportation cost of living sourced from Sperling's best places, and 6) miscellaneous cost of living sourced from Sperling's Best Places. Cost of living indexes are multiplied by the average annual expenditure for each category, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, with costs combined to find a total, average annual expenditure cost. GOBankingRates then scored the expenditure cost and the crime rate, combining them to compare the two factors together.

More From GOBankingRates

• 5 Cities Becoming Popular With Baby Boomers: Are They Right for Your Retirement Years?
• Unplug These Appliances That Hike Up Your Electricity Bill
• 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000
• 9 Effective Tips and Tricks To Help You Save Money

More for You

29 common human foods you may not realize are poisonous to your dog

We Ordered 7 Fast-Food Breakfast Sandwiches to Find the Best One

Employers Are Avoiding Hiring Gen Z Workers- Here's Why

Tornado forecast: NOAA issues 'high risk' alert for intense, long-track tornadoes

Rock Queens: Recognizing 25 Women Who Shaped the Music Industry

25 Facts You Learned in School That Are No Longer True

I Cut My Food Expenses In Half Using The Viral "6-To-1" Grocery Method — Here's How

11 Facts You Should Know About Hard-Boiled Eggs

25 of the most famous final shots from Hollywood history

All the Show-Stopping Looks From the 2024 Met Gala for Your Scrolling Pleasure

I drove the Tesla Cybertruck. These 7 design flaws surprised me.

Top 10 Companies Looking for Remote Workers

14 fascinating things most Americans don’t even know about the USA

40 Recipes That Will Make You Potluck Famous

Elizabeth Holmes sees more months trimmed from prison release date

Is Walmart's Super Tech Brand Motor Oil Any Good, And Who Makes It?

25 iconic actors at the start of their career vs. now

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Blueberries Every Day

Tesla Has a New Model. It Should Boost Sales.

Opinion: The traditional office workplace is dead, and you’ll be surprised to learn why

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Guide to the Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans in 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

The cheapest cell phone plans are typically prepaid, which means you only commit to the month(s) of service you pay for upfront. There’s usually no credit check to sign up and you have many choices.

What’s more is that these cheaper cell phone plan providers typically run on one or more of the three nationwide networks (those from Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T). 

Cheaper plan, same nationwide coverage, what’s the catch?

Prepaid plans tend to come with fewer perks (e.g., that Disney+ or Netflix subscription you probably don’t need), can have less access to live customer service, and sometimes the fine print suggests network speeds may be slowed in favor of postpaid plan customers. Plus, an overwhelming number of options can make it challenging to choose a cheap plan in 2024. 

We’re here to help you map out the cheap cell phone plan landscape. We evaluated plans offered by popular cell phone service providers, considering brand ownership, nationwide network affiliation and monthly plan prices before taxes and fees.

When choosing a plan, lots of catchy marketing and fine print make it a windy road. But if you explore the options, you’ll likely save money with a prepaid plan.

Note: Most prices in the lists below are before taxes and fees.

Cheap(er) cell phone plans from Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T

If you want to buy cell phone service directly from one of the big three wireless companies — Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T — try one of their prepaid plans to save over a single-line postpaid plan.

Big three prepaid plans

Each offers a set of prepaid plans with unlimited talk and text and varying levels of data. Plans with a set amount of data run the lowest.

AT&T prepaid: Unlimited talk and text, 5GB of data for $30 per month. Notable: If you order online, you avoid a $15 activation fee. Some plans are eligible for automatic payment discounts, which vary by plan and may be higher with limited-time promotion deals.

T-Mobile prepaid: Unlimited talk and text, 10GB of data for $40 per month. Notable: T-Mobile prepaid plans don’t come with autopay discounts, but they do include other benefits like scam-blocking features and deals for discounts on food, gas and entertainment.

Verizon prepaid: Unlimited talk and text, 15GB of data for $35 per month (with an autopay discount). Notable: Verizon prepaid customers get a $5 per month loyalty discount after three months of service on eligible monthly plans. The discount grows to $10 per month after nine months of service.

You may have to hunt around for the “prepaid” section of these cell phone companies’ websites to bypass the flagship plans and get to cheaper stuff.

Cheap cell phone plans from brands owned by the big three

Each of the big three carriers has introduced or acquired competing sub-brands in the prepaid wireless space. Confusion aside, more competition means more opportunities for you, the consumer, to lower your cell phone bill .

Consider these popular options that are owned by the big three national carriers. 

But wait, there’s more 

Total by Verizon and Connect by T-Mobile are two lesser-known wireless spinoffs that may be worth a look. The latter boasts a $10-a-month plan that includes 1,000 minutes of talk time, 1,000 texts and 1GB of data.

Cheap cell phone plans from brands that resell network service

Wireless service brands not acquired or started by Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile typically purchase and resell service on one or more of the big three’s nationwide networks.

Consider these options.

*Mint Mobile won’t be on its own much longer: In 2023, T-Mobile announced plans to acquire the budget carrier. Mint Mobile says the option for a $ 15-a-month plan will remain.

But wait, there’s more

There are too many more to list, actually. A few other cheap cell phone plan options that might be worth a look: Ting and Tello, as well as Ultra Mobile (which also will be acquired by T-Mobile, along with Mint, and makes a similar promise to retain its pricing). As well, you can explore whether you're eligible for the federal Lifeline program, which provides discounted phone service for low-income households .

Things to consider

With so many choices available, how do you decide which plan is right for you?

While the best plan is one that will fit into your budget , consider other factors, too. For instance, how much data do you use each month and how many lines will you need? Are there times when you’d like to use your phone outside the U.S.?

Assessing your data and usage goals, along with your budget, will help you narrow the many choices into a few that will work best for you.

How to switch plans and keep your number

Perhaps the most daunting factor in jumping to a new plan is the fear of losing your original phone number. But the Federal Communications Commission notes that consumers staying in the same geographic area can take their number to a new service provider, and sets rules on charges and speed of service.

Many providers are making this easy now. For example, Mint Mobile offers detailed instructions for how to switch from all the major carriers while keeping your number intact. Likewise, Consumer Cellular also states that it is easy to bring your number with you, though you’ll need to wait to cancel your existing plan until the transfer process is complete.

The bottom line: Read the fine print from your existing provider and the one you’re switching to before taking any action. The odds are good that you’ll be able to carry your phone number over, but you’ll need to follow each provider’s instructions.

Methodology

DIVE EVEN DEEPER IN PERSONAL FINANCE

How to Lower Your Bills: 43 Ways to Save

Discretionary expenses: the extras, not essentials, personal finance defined: the guide to maximizing your money.

Explore PERSONAL FINANCE