So, you’re planning a trip with friends and wondering, “Is it really possible to travel around the USA without draining our savings?” I totally understand—I’ve asked myself the same thing before. Traveling on a budget with friends can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but trust me, the USA has plenty of affordable places that are fun, unforgettable, and kind to your wallet.
With the right friends and a bit of planning, even a budget trip can turn into an unforgettable experience. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the best affordable places to visit with friends in the USA, including a few underrated spots many travelers overlook.
Let’s dive in..
In Reality, Is Traveling With Friends on a Budget Even Possible?
Honestly, yes, it’s totally possible. I know it sounds kind of tricky, but trust me, I’ve done it. When we travel with friends, we save by sharing rooms, food, and transport. You don’t need luxury to have fun. Let’s be real, the laughs and memories matter more. Don’t stress if your budget is tight, that’s normal. With a little planning, you and your friends can travel, enjoy yourselves, and still keep your spending under control.
I suggest using Google Maps to plan your road trip. You can add stops, check travel times, and follow directions easily on your phone or computer.
If you don’t know how to use it, read our popular post — How to Use Google Maps to Create an Itinerary for Every Single Trip (Step-by-Step Guide).
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
Visiting New Orleans with friends is really something special. You and your group can enjoy free live music, walk pretty much everywhere, and grab cheap local food without stress. I believe that’s what makes it perfect for us on a budget. I suggest staying just outside the French Quarter to save money. Trust me, you’re still close to all the fun and won’t miss a thing.
If you want to see what’s happening in New Orleans, you can visit their official tourism website.
Budget tip:
Stay in shared Airbnbs just outside the French Quarter and walk everywhere. Honestly, you’ll save a lot on transport. Also, eat where locals eat—po’boys and beignets are cheap and filling. Free live music on Frenchmen Street means fun without spending a dollar.
2. Austin, Texas
Austin is kind of one of those places you think will be expensive, but actually, it’s totally perfect for budget trips with friends. You get free live music almost every night, amazing food trucks that are pretty much everywhere, plus free spots like Barton Springs and Lady Bird Lake. Personally, I’d recommend renting bikes or scooters—it’s cheap, fun, and lets you explore together. That’s pretty much it.
Looking for tips on Austin’s music, food trucks, and parks? You can explore their travel guide online.
Budget tip:
Skip restaurants and eat at food trucks—they’re cheaper and really good. Rent bikes or scooters as a group instead of using rideshares. Plus, many live music spots don’t charge entry.
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
Believe it or not, Las Vegas can actually be kind of budget-friendly if you do it right. You hear “Vegas” and think expensive, right? I get it. Here’s the secret you can find cheap hotels on the Strip, especially midweek, enjoy free attractions like the Bellagio fountains, and grab affordable shows if you book early. Plus, food courts and group hotel deals really help.
Las Vegas can be budget-friendly. See free shows, the Bellagio Fountains, and explore hotels. Visit the official tourism site for tips.
Budget tip:
Book hotels midweek for lower prices and share rooms with friends. Stick to free attractions like the Bellagio fountains and hotel shows. Food courts are your best friend—trust me, they save a lot compared to restaurants.
4. Denver, Colorado
If your friend group loves nature, Denver is a really great pick on a budget. You get free hiking trails nearby, affordable public transport, and budget-friendly hostels or shared stays. Imagine hiking together in the morning, then hanging out downtown in the evening. Sounds nice, right? You could try exploring Red Rocks Park for free, plus checking out local markets and simple food spots. It’s kind of the best mix of fresh air and city vibes.
Denver is perfect for nature lovers. Find out more on their official site.
Budget tip:
I suggest doing free outdoor activities like hiking and parks. Use public transport or rent a car together to save money. Staying in hostels or shared places keeps costs low.
5. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is kind of perfect if you want fun without spending a lot. You and your friends can enjoy free live music on Broadway, grab cheap comfort food, and walk around without worrying about transport costs. Personally, I really like how alive the city feels—music follows you everywhere. Make sure to stop at local diners, and you might want to explore areas outside downtown too. Food is cheaper there, and the vibe feels more local.
You can enjoy affordable food, walk down Broadway, and catch free live shows. Check their official site for events.
Budget tip:
Enjoy free live music on Broadway instead of paid concerts. Eat at local diners and food joints outside downtown where prices are lower. Walking around is easy, so you don’t really need to spend on transport.
6. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is perfect when you want to slow things down but still have a good time with friends. You can explore free historic streets, hang out in quiet public squares, and enjoy tasty Southern food that doesn’t cost much. The thing is, the charm is everywhere, so you don’t need big plans. Walking, talking, and relaxing together is enough. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and really easy on the budget.
For tips and more information, visit Savannah’s official site.
Budget tip:
If walking isn’t enough, rent a vehicle as a group to cut costs. Plus, Southern food portions are big, so sharing meals can help us save even more.
7. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio doesn’t always get the spotlight, and that’s why it’s a great budget pick. You can walk the River Walk for free, find attractions that don’t cost much, and book affordable places for groups. Personally, I feel it’s ideal if you and your friends enjoy food, history, and a calm, easygoing vibe. It’s simple, relaxed, and really easy on the wallet.
Check their official site for more info.
Budget tip:
Explore the River Walk for free and look for combo tickets if you visit paid attractions. Stay in group-friendly hotels and split costs. Local Tex-Mex food is affordable and perfect for sharing with friends.
8. Orlando, Florida (Beyond Theme Parks)
Theme parks are expensive, that’s totally true, but Orlando itself doesn’t have to be. You can save a lot by staying off-site, checking out free places like Disney Springs, and eating at affordable food spots outside tourist areas. Personally, I suggest mixing one paid attraction with free activities. That balance really helps you enjoy the city without stressing about your budget.
Explore free spots and local eats. Check out their official site for ideas.
Budget tip:
Stay off-site and use free shuttles when possible. Mix one theme park day with free spots like Disney Springs or local parks.
9. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago gives you that big-city feel without making you spend a lot. You and your friends can enjoy free beaches in summer, visit museums on free days, and grab cheap deep-dish pizza that actually fills you up. Have you ever walked along Lake Michigan with friends? If not, you really should. It’s simple, fun, and pretty memorable without costing much.
Visit their official site for more details and updates.
Budget tip:
Use public transport instead of taxis. Cheap deep-dish pizza is super filling, so one meal can easily feed two people—seriously.
10. Portland, Oregon
Portland is one of those cities that feels fun just by being itself. You can hang out in free parks, enjoy nature close by, use affordable public transport, and eat really well from cheap food carts everywhere. There’s no pressure to rush or plan too much. Just explore with friends, enjoy the creative vibe, and keep your spending low while having a good time.
If you want more official attractions and travel tips, visit their official site.
Budget tip:
Use public transport or rent bikes—it’s cheaper and fun. Eat from food carts instead of restaurants. Explore free parks, neighborhoods, and nearby nature spots to keep your budget low while still having a great time.
If you’re traveling with kids, you must read our popular guide on what to pack for kids on a road trip to stay prepared and stress-free.
FAQs
1. What is the cheapest place to travel with friends in the USA?
A: Many people find cities like New Orleans, Austin, and Nashville very affordable, especially when costs are shared.
2. How can friends save money while traveling?
A: Sharing rooms, eating local food, using public transport, and choosing free attractions really helps.
3. Are big cities good for budget trips?
A: Yes. Big cities usually have free attractions, cheap food spots, and good public transport.
4. What’s the best time to travel on a budget?
A: Off-season or weekdays are usually cheaper. Flights and hotels cost less too.
5. Is road tripping cheaper with friends?
A: Absolutely. Splitting gas and hotels makes road trips one of the best budget travel options.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, traveling the USA with friends on a budget is really possible. I’ve been there, and you’re not alone in wondering this. The thing is, with the right planning, shared costs, and a bit of flexibility, we can have amazing trips without stress. So, let’s be real—focus on memories, enjoy the moments, and don’t overthink it. That’s pretty much it.