There's nothing like the thrill of a classic American road trip—the open road, scenic views, and the freedom to explore. But travel costs can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are budget-friendly cities across the U.S. that offer great experiences without draining your wallet.
Road trip specialists Travellers Autobarn analyzed data from 89 U.S. cities to rank the most affordable destinations for your next road trip. They used factors like cost of living, quality of life, purchasing power and popularity on TikTok to create an index and score each city.
Chandler, Arizona, topped the list as the most affordable road trip destination. According to Numbeo, Chandler has the best purchasing power of the cities included in the study, so your money stretches further there. It also ranked best for quality of life for residents, which visitors can enjoy as well. There’s plenty to do in Chandler too. TikTokkers and previous visitors rave about Chandler’s vibrant farmers market, brimming with fresh produce, delicious food and handmade goods. History buffs can enjoy the Arizona Railway Museum.
Top 10 affordable road trip destinations
- Chandler, AZ
- Peoria, IL
- Houston, TX
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Little Rock, AR
- Cincinnatti, OH
- Boise, ID
- Huntsville, AL
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Des Moines, IA