Hotel prices in the United States vary more by city choice than by hotel brand. For budget travelers, selecting the right destination can cut accommodation costs in half—sometimes more—without sacrificing safety or convenience. This guide identifies the cheapest hotels USA has to offer by city, explains why prices stay low in these places, and shows when to visit to lock in the best deals.
- What Makes a City Cheap for Hotels?
- Cheapest Hotels USA — National Price Benchmarks
- Cheapest Cities for Hotels in the USA (Ranked)
- Cheapest US Cities for Budget Travelers by Region
- Best Times of Year to Find Cheap Hotels in the USA
- Budget vs Mid-Range Hotels in Cheap Cities
- Hidden Costs That Can Ruin a “Cheap” Hotel Stay
- Tips to Get the Cheapest Hotels in the USA
- Cheapest Cities vs Cheapest Hotels — What Matters More?
- Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
- Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a complete trip budget, start with How Much Does It Cost to Travel in the USA? (Complete Breakdown)
👉 https://www.tripcostguide.com/travel-costs-usa/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-the-usa-complete-breakdown/
What Makes a City Cheap for Hotels?
Cities with consistently low hotel prices usually share a few traits:
- High hotel supply relative to demand
- Sprawling layouts (more land = more hotels = competition)
- Business travel during weekdays, leisure on weekends (price swings you can exploit)
- Lower local taxes and fees
- Strong off-season periods with fewer tourists
Understanding these factors helps budget travelers find value even in popular destinations.
Cheapest Hotels USA — National Price Benchmarks
Before diving into specific cities, here’s what “cheap” typically means in the US hotel market:
| Hotel Tier | Typical Nightly Cost (Low-Cost Cities) |
|---|---|
| Budget / Economy | $55–$90 |
| Mid-Range (3★–4★) | $100–$160 |
| Luxury | $220–$350 |
For context on nationwide averages and pricing drivers, see Hotel Costs in the USA: Average Prices and What to Expect
👉 https://www.tripcostguide.com/accommodation-costs/hotel-costs-in-the-usa-average-prices-and-what-to-expect/
Cheapest Cities for Hotels in the USA (Ranked)
Below are some of the most low cost hotel cities in the country, based on typical nightly rates, availability, and seasonal stability.
1) Las Vegas, Nevada (Off-Strip)
- Avg hotel cost: $60–$110
- Why it’s cheap: Massive hotel inventory keeps prices competitive
- Best value areas: Off-Strip, Downtown
- Seasonality: Cheapest midweek and outside major events
Vegas is one of the few major destinations where budget travelers can find surprisingly low nightly rates year-round—especially if you avoid weekends and resort-heavy zones.
2) Orlando, Florida
- Avg hotel cost: $75–$120
- Why it’s cheap: Overbuilt hotel market for theme parks
- Best value areas: International Drive, Kissimmee
- Seasonality: Cheapest outside school holidays
For deeper city budgeting, see Cost of a Trip to Orlando (Theme Parks, Hotels & Food)
👉 https://www.tripcostguide.com/city-cost-guides/cost-of-a-trip-to-orlando-theme-parks-hotels-food/
3) San Antonio, Texas
- Avg hotel cost: $70–$115
- Why it’s cheap: Steady but moderate tourism demand
- Best value areas: Outside River Walk core
- Seasonality: Spring and fall offer the best prices
San Antonio consistently ranks among the best value cities for hotel stays in the US.
4) Phoenix, Arizona
- Avg hotel cost: $65–$110 (summer)
- Why it’s cheap: Extreme heat reduces demand in summer
- Best value areas: Suburbs and airport zones
- Seasonality: Cheapest May–September
Summer travelers willing to handle the heat are rewarded with some of the lowest urban hotel prices in the country.
5) Atlanta, Georgia
- Avg hotel cost: $80–$130
- Why it’s cheap: Huge hotel supply serving business travelers
- Best value areas: Midtown edges, airport area
- Seasonality: Weekends are cheapest
Atlanta’s weekday business focus means budget travelers can score excellent weekend deals.
6) Dallas, Texas
- Avg hotel cost: $75–$125
- Why it’s cheap: Sprawl and strong hotel competition
- Best value areas: North Dallas, Irving
- Seasonality: Fairly stable year-round
Dallas offers predictable pricing and good-quality mid-range hotels at budget-friendly rates.
7) Kansas City, Missouri
- Avg hotel cost: $65–$105
- Why it’s cheap: Lower tourism pressure
- Best value areas: Downtown fringe, suburbs
- Seasonality: Summer events raise prices briefly
This is a standout choice for travelers prioritizing value over big-name attractions.
8) St. Louis, Missouri
- Avg hotel cost: $60–$100
- Why it’s cheap: Limited peak tourism
- Best value areas: Downtown West, suburbs
- Seasonality: Spring and fall are cheapest
St. Louis regularly delivers some of the lowest average hotel prices among US cities.
Cheapest US Cities for Budget Travelers by Region
South & Southeast
- Orlando
- San Antonio
- Atlanta
Midwest
- Kansas City
- St. Louis
- Indianapolis
Southwest
- Phoenix
- Las Vegas (off-Strip)
Regional flexibility helps budget travelers string together multi-city trips at low cost.
Best Times of Year to Find Cheap Hotels in the USA
Timing matters as much as destination.
| Time Period | Price Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb (Non-Holiday) | Very Low | Cheapest nationwide |
| Late Summer | Low | Heat reduces demand |
| Shoulder Seasons | Moderate | Best balance of price & weather |
| Major Holidays | High | Avoid if on a budget |
Pro tip: Tuesday–Thursday nights are usually cheaper than weekends in business-heavy cities.
Budget vs Mid-Range Hotels in Cheap Cities
One advantage of low-cost cities is how affordable upgrades become.
- Budget hotel: $70/night
- Mid-range hotel: $120/night
In expensive cities, that same upgrade could cost $150+. In cheap cities, paying slightly more often brings significantly better comfort and location—without breaking the budget.
Hidden Costs That Can Ruin a “Cheap” Hotel Stay
Even in cheap cities, watch for:
- Local hotel taxes: 10–18%
- Parking fees: $10–$40 per night
- Resort fees: Rare, but present in tourist zones
Always compare total price, not just the advertised rate.
Tips to Get the Cheapest Hotels in the USA
For budget travelers, these tactics matter most:
- Book 2–4 weeks in advance for non-peak travel
- Stay just outside downtown cores
- Travel midweek
- Avoid large conventions and sporting events
- Compare budget vs mid-range value, not just price
City choice + timing consistently beat last-minute deal hunting.
Cheapest Cities vs Cheapest Hotels — What Matters More?
A $70 hotel in an expensive city can still cost more overall due to:
- Higher food prices
- Transportation costs
- Attraction pricing
Choosing a cheap city often saves more than choosing the cheapest hotel in an expensive destination.
Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
What city has the cheapest hotels in the USA?
Las Vegas (off-Strip), Orlando, and several Midwest cities consistently rank among the cheapest.
Are cheap hotel cities safe for travelers?
Yes. Many low-cost cities are safe; choosing the right neighborhood matters more than price.
What month has the cheapest hotel prices in the US?
January and February (excluding holidays) are usually the cheapest.
Are hotels cheaper in smaller US cities?
Generally yes, due to lower demand and operating costs.
Can you find cheap hotels in tourist cities?
Yes—especially during off-season or outside city centers.
Final Thoughts
For budget travelers, destination choice is the single biggest lever for reducing hotel costs. Cities with abundant hotel supply, lower demand, and clear off-seasons consistently offer the cheapest hotels USA travelers can find—often without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Before booking:
- Compare cities, not just hotels
- Travel during off-peak months
- Factor in total trip costs
👉 Explore Trip Cost Guide for city-specific hotel pricing, complete USA travel budget breakdowns, and data-driven tips to help you travel more while spending less.
