The Best US Cities to Visit for Under $100 a Day

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing exciting experiences or fun adventures. You can explore vibrant cities across the US for under $100 a day—whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family. It’s all about smart planning and finding affordable hidden gems packed with culture, history, and charm. So, pack your bags and let’s dive into seven amazing US cities where you can eat, explore, and have a blast for under $100 a day!

Austin, Texas

Austin is known for its eclectic mix of live music, outdoor spaces, and mouthwatering food—all of which you can enjoy without breaking the bank. With an influx of food trucks (where you can grab a gourmet taco, some fresh guacamole, or a slice of pizza for around $6 to $12), free events, and outdoor activities, Austin offers a blend of affordability and local charm.

Zilker Park, a 350-acre park, is free to enter and offers a variety of activities like hiking and exploring the botanical garden. There is also swimming at Barton Springs Pool for around $5 for adults. You can easily spend a couple of hours here without spending a dime. Stroll along South Congress for a mix of funky boutiques, vintage shops, and street musicians. The vibe is perfect for people-watching and soaking up the local scene, all without spending a penny. You can also take a free tour of the Capitol, available Monday through Friday, giving you a chance to learn about Texas history and enjoy the beautiful grounds.

Austin’s taco scene is legendary, and for around $10, you can sample Torchy’s mouthwatering creations like the "Trailer Park" taco or the "Brushfire" taco. If you're looking to spend the night, hostel or budget hotels can range from $30 to $50 a night. All in all, for a fun, affordable day in Austin, you'll spend around $80 to $90.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a city that feels like it’s always alive—filled with vibrant culture, rich history, and tantalizing flavors. Known for its jazz music, historic French Quarter, and Creole cuisine, this lively city offers tons of free and affordable activities for visitors on a budget.

Strolling through the French Quarter is like stepping back in time. From the iconic Jackson Square to the lively Bourbon Street (which is more fun during the day), the area is full of history and street performances that are free to enjoy. City Park offers 1,300 acres of lush greenery, sculptures, lagoons, and beautiful walking paths.

Other affordable attractions include the New Orleans Museum of Art— admission is only $15, but you can enjoy the free outdoor sculpture garden. Then, visit the oldest cathedral in the US, the St. Louis Cathedral, free of charge. The beautiful interior and surrounding area are perfect for photos and peaceful reflection.

A day in New Orleans isn't complete without trying the famous beignets and café au lait at the historic Café du Monde. For around $7, you get a plate of fresh, powdered sugar-dusted beignets and a coffee. At Po' Boys at Johnny’s, one of the best spots in the French Quarter, a classic New Orleans Po’ boy sandwich runs around $10.

Chicago, Illinois

With a budget of $90 to $100, you can enjoy the best of Chicago's culture and cuisine. Known for its iconic skyline, Millennium Park, and deep-dish pizza, Chicago is perfect for visitors looking to pack a lot into a budget-friendly trip.

Home to the famous "Cloud Gate" or "The Bean", Millennium Park is free to explore—you can take in some great views of the city’s skyline and art exhibits. The world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago even offers free entry on certain days! Lastly, Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest in the US, is open year-round and offers free admission to see over 200 species of animals.

Chicago’s iconic deep-dish pizza is a must-try and can be found at Lou Malnati’s for around $9 for a personal size, making it an affordable indulgence. Portillo's is another mouthwatering option, famous for its Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, meals range from $7 to $12.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Nestled between the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City offers access to breathtaking nature and a growing cultural scene. Temple Square is a historic area free to explore the stunning Mormon temples and nearby gardens. To immerse in nature, head to Antelope Island State Park for a day trip. Entry is only $10 per vehicle, and the park offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and stunning views of the Great Salt Lake.

Salt Lake City has a growing food truck scene where you can find affordable bites ranging from $6 to $10 for tacos, burgers, and more. For a hearty meal, The Red Iguana, known for its delicious Mexican cuisine costs around $12 to $18. With $85 to $95, you can explore Salt Lake City’s urban scene and outdoor wonders.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, also known as "Music City," is packed with music history, Southern hospitality, and great food. Known for its honky-tonk bars and thriving music scene, Nashville offers visitors a unique vibe that is both affordable and exciting.

Spend the day on Broadway Street hopping between bars, many of which offer free live music. You don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy the music scene. Take a stroll through Centennial Park—home to a replica of the Parthenon, the park is free to visit and is a great spot to relax and have a picnic.

While tours cost around $20, visiting this iconic Ryman Auditorium is a must for music lovers. You can also catch a free performance on certain days. Next, head to Hattie B’s Hot Chicken for Nashville's famous hot chicken, and you can get a plate of spicy fried chicken for around $10. For a hearty breakfast around $12 to $15, visit The Pancake Pantry. Enjoy Nashville’s rich culture and music for about $85 to $95 per day.

Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon, is a haven for nature lovers and those who enjoy a laid-back, quirky vibe. From its famous coffee culture to its lush parks and unique shops, Portland offers a perfect blend of affordability and urban charm.

Washington Park is free to visit, which includes gardens, a zoo (entry is $14), and miles of hiking trails—perfect for a nature-filled day. For more exploring, visit Powell’s City of Books. This legendary bookstore is the largest independent bookstore in the world. It’s free to browse, and you’ll be amazed by the selection. Portland Saturday Market, a vibrant market, also offers free entry and a chance to explore local crafts, food, and music.

Portland is known for its food truck culture, and you can grab a delicious meal from trucks like "The Grilled Cheese Grill" or "Koi Fusion" for $6 to $12. To satisfy your sweet tooth, Voodoo Doughnut offers fun and unique doughnuts starting at around $3 each.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is the birthplace of American independence, with rich history, world-class museums, and iconic food. Whether you're exploring historical landmarks or indulging in delicious Philly cheesesteaks, Philadelphia offers plenty to see and do on a budget.

Independence National Historical Park, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, can be explored for free. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is free on the first Sunday of every month and offers a world-class collection of art and iconic views of the city.

Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest public markets in America is the perfect spot for food lovers to sample local treats from around $5 to $10. Pat’s King of Steaks, a legendary spot for Philly cheesesteaks, will cost you around $8 to $10 for a classic Philly meal.

Conclusion

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean missing out on exciting experiences. From the lively streets of Austin to the historic charm of Philadelphia, these US cities offer tons of affordable options for sightseeing, dining, and fun activities.

With smart planning and an eye for local gems, you can explore the best of America without breaking the bank. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, music, or history, these cities have something for everyone—so grab your wallet, pack your bags, and get ready to explore!