Top 5: Cheap U.S. Cities

Not everyone can afford to take weeks away from work to jet off to faraway lands for exotic vacations halfway around the globe. For travelers that prefer to (or can only) stay close to home and partake in a more budget-friendly getaway, the following U.S. cities are inexpensive destinations that make perfectly packaged long weekends.

Kansas City, Mo.

Kansas City’s central location makes it easy and cheap to access, and free attractions include the Harley-Davidson Plant, the Boulevard Brewing Company and the popular arts center Kaleidoscope.

An Old Town Trolley in the Gaslamp District © Susanne Neal | Dreamstime

San Diego, Calif.

For a Southern California getaway without the price tag of Los Angeles, head even further south to San Diego. Bus and trolley passes cost approximately $5 per day and travel to all the city’s hotspots like the Gaslamp District or Seaport Village.

© Tashka | Dreamstime

Memphis, Tenn.

Tennessee’s smaller city is a cultural hub for live music and finger-lickin’ barbecue. You won’t have to spend a dime to explore the lively downtown area or Mud Island River Park, but set aside a chunk of change for a few beers, barbecue and a night on the town.

Historic District, Savannah © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime

Savannah, Ga.

Georgia’s coastal city is often overlooked in favor of larger, culturally enticing Atlanta, but the less-expensive alternative fosters an ideal environment for outdoor adventure including fishing, water sports, cycling and strolling and window-shopping along the quaint downtown streets.

© Jeffrey Cooper | Dreamstime

Dallas, Texas

Despite the onslaught of high-end shopping in Dallas’s retail history, a bevvy of affordable attractions exist within the corridors of downtown, including the Dallas Museum of Art, where admission is free.