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This Underrated Southern City Was Just Named the Most Affordable Tourist Destination in the U.S.

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. t-affordable-tourist-destination-in-the-u-s.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 8:53 GMT by Travel + Leisure

1. Asheville, North Carolina

The guide opens with Asheville, a mountain city famed for its vibrant arts scene and picturesque surroundings. Travelers are encouraged to wander the historic River Arts District, where local artisans display ceramics, glasswork, and murals. The article links to Asheville’s official tourism page, offering visitors free parking maps and a curated list of budget-friendly cafés such as Morse’s House of Coffee and Tupelo Honey. Additionally, the piece recommends the Biltmore Estate—though the estate itself has a modest admission fee, there are off‑peak discounts that can make the visit more affordable.

The cost breakdown for Asheville includes an average of $150 per day for lodging, food, and activities, which is well below the national average for similarly attractive destinations. Highlighted is the city’s commitment to sustainability and the abundance of free outdoor experiences, such as hiking trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the scenic Pisgah National Forest.

2. Boise, Idaho

Boise tops the list as a surprisingly inexpensive gem on the West Coast. The Travel + Leisure article directs readers to the City of Boise’s official tourism website, where visitors can find discounted passes to the Boise Art Museum and the historic Boise Riverwalk. The city’s central downtown area is replete with boutique shops and inexpensive eateries, such as the popular The Barking Dog Brewing Company. Boise’s lodging costs are highlighted at approximately $120 per day, and the city offers a wide range of free or low-cost attractions, including the Bogert Park Zoo and the Idaho State Capitol.

The guide emphasizes the accessibility of Boise’s scenic backdrops—like the Gold Belt and the Sawtooth Range—which allow travelers to enjoy nature without paying for pricey guided tours. Boise’s vibrant music scene is also noted, with free concerts often taking place in Boise River Park.

3. Chattanooga, Tennessee

The guide’s Chattanooga section celebrates the city’s historic rail heritage and the stunning Lookout Mountain. Readers are directed to the Chattanooga tourism website to find discounted tickets for the Rock City Gardens and the Incline Railway. The piece highlights the affordability of staying in neighborhoods such as Southside and the Hunter’s Hill area, where daily lodging averages around $100.

For food, the article recommends inexpensive yet authentic options like Stagville for Southern comfort food and Rico’s for fresh tacos. Chattanooga’s many outdoor activities—ranging from hiking the Tennessee Riverwalk to kayaking on the Tennessee River—provide free entertainment, making it a top pick for travelers on a tight budget.

4. Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines is lauded for its low cost of living and abundance of cultural attractions. The Travel + Leisure piece links to the Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau, where travelers can access free admission passes to the Des Moines Art Center and the Science Center of Iowa. The city’s neighborhoods, like Pioneer Square and East Village, are highlighted as inexpensive places to stay, with average lodging costs hovering near $90 per day.

Dining in Des Moines is another highlight, with suggestions such as Béta for contemporary American fare and Moo Cow for casual burgers—both well under $20 per meal. The article points out that the city’s Parks and Recreation Department offers a plethora of free parks and outdoor spaces, including the expansive Luther E. Templin Memorial Park.

5. Houston, Texas

The guide dedicates a robust section to Houston, noting that despite being a large metropolitan area, the city offers surprisingly affordable accommodation and dining. A link to the City of Houston’s official tourism portal directs readers to discounted tickets for the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Space Center Houston. The article recommends staying in the East End or Midtown areas, where nightly rates typically fall below $110.

Houston’s culinary diversity is showcased through budget-friendly options such as The Breakfast Klub for classic southern breakfast, and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen for affordable seafood dishes. The guide also notes free attractions like the Discovery Green Park and the Buffalo Bayou Park, where visitors can enjoy walking trails and scenic views without paying a dime.

6. Nashville, Tennessee

While Nashville is widely recognized for its country music scene, the article highlights its affordability by linking to the city’s official tourism website, where travelers can find discounted passes to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium. Nashville’s lodging averages $120 per day, especially in neighborhoods such as East Nashville and 12South.

The guide suggests budget-friendly dining options like Hattie B’s Hot Chicken and Loveless Café, which deliver hearty meals at reasonable prices. Outdoor attractions, such as the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens and the Red River Gorge, provide free or inexpensive hiking opportunities, adding to the city’s appeal.

7. Portland, Maine

Portland’s coastal charm is paired with relatively low daily costs, according to the guide. Links to the Portland Maine Tourism Office provide information on discounted tickets for the Portland Head Light and the Maine Maritime Museum. Travelers are advised to stay in the Old Port or South Portland areas, where lodging averages $105 per day.

Dining in Portland is highlighted with affordable yet high-quality seafood spots such as Eventide Oyster Co. and The Lobster Shack. The article also emphasizes free attractions like the Eastern Promenade and the Maine Coast Trail, which allow visitors to soak in scenic views without spending a fortune.

8. Tulsa, Oklahoma

The guide spotlights Tulsa as a cost-effective destination for both history enthusiasts and art lovers. The Tulsa Tourism & Convention Bureau link offers discounted entry to the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Orpheum Theatre. Lodging costs average $95 per night, with the city’s Midtown area highlighted for its budget-friendly hotels.

Tulsa’s culinary scene includes inexpensive options like Barker’s Bakery and El Rancho for Tex‑Mex fare. Free attractions such as the Philbrook Museum’s Gardens and the Tulsa River Parks are noted as budget-friendly ways to explore the city’s natural and cultural heritage.

9. Wichita, Kansas

Wichita is presented as an affordable Midwest stop, with the guide linking to the Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau for discounted tickets to the Wichita Art Museum and the Kansas Aviation Museum. The city’s lodging is inexpensive, with nightly rates around $85. The article highlights inexpensive dining options such as The Local and Biscuitville.

Wichita’s free attractions include the Botanic Garden and the Wichita River Trail, offering visitors a chance to experience the city’s natural beauty without additional cost.

10. San Antonio, Texas

The final destination highlighted is San Antonio, with links to the San Antonio Tourism Office providing discounted passes for the Alamo and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Lodging averages $110 per day, especially in areas such as East Side and North Side.

San Antonio’s food scene is celebrated with budget-friendly options like Mi Tierra Café y Panadería and La Gloria. Free attractions such as the River Walk and the Japanese Tea Garden allow travelers to enjoy iconic sights without spending extra.

Takeaway

Travel + Leisure’s “Most Affordable Tourist Destinations in the U.S.” guide presents a curated list of cities that offer travelers rich experiences without the high price tag. By highlighting affordable lodging, inexpensive dining, free or discounted attractions, and linking directly to local tourism resources, the article empowers readers to plan meaningful vacations that fit within a tight budget. Whether you’re drawn to the mountains of Asheville, the rail heritage of Chattanooga, the culinary delights of Nashville, or the coastal charm of Portland, this guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to exploring America’s hidden budget-friendly gems.