Chapter 3: How Much Was Your Room?!

Southern Comfort on the Cheap

Vacationers traveling on the cheap can choose to experience southern comfort, the charming Midwest, or the sunny skies of the golden state, as the top 10 cheapest U.S. cities span from Alabama all the way to California. 

Georgia is one of the hottest destinations for cheap travel, with both Macon, GA and Albany GA , clenching spots two and three, respectively, on the list of least of expensive U.S. cities in 2011.

However, it’s the capital of South Carolina, Columbia, that gives travelers the best bang for their buck, with nightly rates at just $65. Columbia, with a population of over 700,000, is situated in the heart of the state at the convergence of three rivers, creating a charming riverwalk perfect for travelers looking for a strolling exploration.

	Least Expensive U.S. Cities Rank City (DMA) 2010 2011 YoY ADR 1. Columbia, S.C $64 $65 2% 2. Macon, GA $72 $72 0% 3. Albany, GA $75 $76 0% 4. Dothan, AL $75 $76 1% 5. Lima, OH $74 $78 5% 6. Bakersfield, CA $80 $78 -2% 7. Ottumwa - Kirksville, MO $75 $79 4% 8. Glendive, MT $65 $79 21% 9. Montgomery (Selma), AL $77 $79 4% 10. Parkersburg, WV $80 $80 1% 11. Beaumont - Port Arthur, TX $84 $81 -3% 12. Jackson, TN $77 $82 6% 13. Yuma - El Centro, CA $82 $82 0% 14. Joplin, MO - Pittsburg, KS $79 $82 3% 15. Wichita - Hutchinson Plus, KS $79 $82 4% 16. Dayton, OH $81 $82 1% 17. Bowling Green, KY $80 $83 4% 18. Lafayette, LA $81 $83 2% 19. Jonesboro, AR $77 $83 8% 20. Huntsville - Decatur, AL $81 $83 3% 21. Wichita Falls, TX & Lawton, OK $85 $84 -2% 22. Tulsa, OK $87 $84 -3% 23. Hattiesburg - Laurel, MS $84 $85 1% 24. Amarillo, TX $81 $85 4% 25. Rockford, IL $80 $85 6% 26. Boise, ID $80 $85 7% 27. El Paso (Las Cruces), TX $85 $85 0% 28. Monroe, LA - El Dorado, AR $82 $85 4% 29. Jackson, MS $82 $86 5% 30. Topeka, KS $84 $86 2%