Rio: beaches, hills, and sensible caution

Rio is cheaper than São Paulo for some costs but Zona Sul rent is high. Beach kiosks and neighborhood padarias stretch a budget; Ipanema and Leblon dining runs up fast.

Ferry or bridge crossing for the Contemporary Art Museum building and Guanabara Bay panoramas. Half-day.

Niterói (MAC + ferry views)

Imperial mountain town with museums and cooler air. About 1–1.5 hours by bus or car.

Petrópolis

Peninsula beaches and boutique town vibe. 2.5–3 hours by car or shuttle—many visitors stay overnight.

Búzios

Car-free island trails and beaches; typically Angra dos Reis port plus boat. Best as a long day or overnight.

Ilha Grande

Black-bean stew with pork and beef cuts, served Saturdays in many botecos—rice, farofa, and orange slices complete the plate.

Feijoada

Endless skewers of picanha, sausage, and chicken carved at the table; Rio steakhouses are a full-event meal.

Churrasco / rodízio

Thick frozen açaí blended and topped with granola and fruit—the post-beach energy bowl cariocas swear by.

Açaí na tigela

Chewy cheese bread made with tapioca flour; breakfast staple at padarias across the city.

Pão de queijo

Fudgy chocolate truffle sweets rolled in sprinkles—party dessert that shows up in every corner confeitaria.

Brigadeiro

Rio de Janeiro

A continent-sized country of coastal megacities, river towns, and inland hubs tied together by music and football.

Brazil

São Paulo

Campinas

Niterói

Belo Horizonte

Uberlândia

Minas Gerais

Salvador

Bahia

Curitiba

Paraná

Porto Alegre

Rio Grande do Sul

A vast and varied country where every major city brings a different mix of food, culture, and opportunity.

United States

Birmingham

Montgomery

Alabama

Anchorage

Alaska

Phoenix: desert sun and pool culture

Phoenix is relatively affordable. Summer AC costs add up; pool and patio dining are everyday, not luxury.

Phoenix

Scottsdale

Arizona

Little Rock

Arkansas

Los Angeles without the overwhelm

LA is pricey but more spread out than NYC. Rent drops away from the coast; having a car adds cost but expands options.

Los Angeles

San Francisco fog, hills, and micro-climates

San Francisco is expensive, driven by housing and dining. Save by eating in the Mission, Richmond, and Sunset, using Muni and BART, and choosing stays outside the core hotel strips when possible.

San Francisco

San Diego: coast, canyons, and cross-border day trips

San Diego is pricey near the coast and downtown but more manageable inland. Fish tacos, brewery neighborhoods, and the trolley help stretch a budget.

San Diego

San Jose

Sacramento

California

Denver: mile-high and mountain gateway

Denver costs reflect outdoor lifestyle demand. Breweries and casual dining help; mountain access adds recreation spending.

Denver

Boulder

Colorado

Hartford

Stamford

New Haven

Norwalk

Mystic

Greenwich

Westport

Bridgeport

Danbury

Fairfield

Milford

Connecticut

Wilmington

Delaware

Washington, D.C.: monuments by day, policy town always

DC combines government salaries with tourism demand—hotels and dining near the Mall add up. Ethnic corridors on U Street and in Adams Morgan, plus Metro, keep daily costs more reasonable.

Washington

District of Columbia

Miami sun, art, and bilingual rhythm

Miami’s costs rise quickly during peak seasons, especially around the beach. If you base yourself slightly inland and plan for summer heat (and sudden rain), daily spending can be kept reasonable through local grocery runs and affordable lunch spots.

Miami

Orlando: theme parks and Florida sunshine

Orlando costs spike near theme parks. International Drive and Kissimmee offer value. Rideshare common for park-goers.

Orlando

Tampa: Cuban heritage and Gulf Coast

Tampa is more affordable than Miami. Ybor and Channelside are walkable; suburbs stretch costs. No state income tax.

Tampa

Jacksonville: river city and beaches

Jacksonville is one of Florida's more affordable metros. Beaches and Southside cost more; Northside offers value.

Jacksonville

Florida

Atlanta: BeltLine, civil rights, and sprawl

Atlanta is more affordable than coastal metros. Intown is pricier; suburbs and ethnic corridors (Buford Highway) offer value.

Atlanta

Savannah

Georgia

Honolulu: aloha, beaches, and island life

Honolulu is expensive; Waikiki and beachfront cost more. Plate lunches and local spots offer value. Groceries cost more on island.

Honolulu

Hawaii

Boise

Idaho

Chicago in a weekend frame

Chicago can fit most budgets: eating out is easy and neighborhood food scenes keep options diverse. Costs are mostly driven by rent and winter heating—living a bit farther from the Loop can lower expenses without sacrificing access.

Chicago

Springfield

Illinois

Indianapolis

Indiana

Des Moines

Iowa

Wichita

Kansas

Louisville

Kentucky

New Orleans: jazz, Creole, and second lines

New Orleans rewards walkers. French Quarter and Garden District cost more. Po-boys and local spots offer value.

New Orleans

Baton Rouge

Louisiana

Portland, Maine: lobster and lighthouses

Portland ME has a premium for waterfront and walkability. Lobster and seafood define dining. Summer is priciest.

Portland

Maine

Baltimore

Maryland

Boston: compact core, sprawling universities

Boston is expensive for rent and parking. Walking, the T, and neighborhood spots in Jamaica Plain or Allston help. Students and visitors often share housing or stay near transit hubs.

Boston

Cambridge

Massachusetts

Detroit

Michigan

Minneapolis: lakes, skyways, and Nordic roots

Minneapolis is affordable for a major metro. Skyways help in winter. Twin Cities culture without coastal prices.

Minneapolis

Saint Paul

Minnesota

Jackson

Mississippi

Kansas City

Saint Louis

Missouri

Billings

Montana

Omaha

Nebraska

Las Vegas: Strip, desert, and 24/7 energy

Las Vegas can be cheap or lavish. Off-Strip dining and locals' spots save money. Resort fees add to hotel costs.

Las Vegas

Reno

Nevada

Manchester

New Hampshire

Newark

Jersey City

Hoboken

Atlantic City

Princeton

Asbury Park

Morristown

New Brunswick

Edison

Montclair

Red Bank

Cape May

Fort Lee

Cherry Hill

New Jersey

Albuquerque

Santa Fe

New Mexico

Getting oriented in New York City

New York is one of the most expensive cities in the US. Budget travelers can save by staying in outer boroughs, eating at delis and ethnic spots, and using the subway.

Museum of Tomorrow exterior

Overview

Location & Contact

Highlights

Planning notes

Good to know

Visitor tips

Best for

Explore other Top 10 picks — Photo Spots in Rio de Janeiro

#1 Arpoador sunset

#2 Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar)

#3 Christ the Redeemer platform

#4 Vista Chinesa

Best Rooftop Bars in the World

Best Markets and Bazaars in the World

Best Beach Cities in Asia