Best Budget-Friendly Food Cities in the U.S.

Eating well while traveling doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Some of the best food cities in the U.S. offer amazing meals at budget-friendly prices, from legendary food trucks to historic diners and hole-in-the-wall gems. Whether you’re craving tacos, barbecue, or fresh seafood, these cities prove that great food doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top budget-friendly food cities in the U.S., what makes them great, and where to get the best cheap eats in each city.

🍕 Top Budget Food Cities in the U.S.

1. New Orleans, LA – Best for Cheap Cajun & Creole Food

New Orleans is one of the best cities for cheap eats, thanks to its rich culinary history and affordable street food.

🍽️ Best Cheap Eats in New Orleans

✔ Po’boys at Parkway Bakery – Huge, stuffed sandwiches for under $10.
✔ Beignets at Café du Monde – Three powdered-sugar-covered beignets for just $4.50.
✔ Jambalaya at Coop’s Place – Classic Louisiana comfort food for under $12.

💡 Budget Tip: Skip the high-end restaurants in the French Quarter—head to local spots in Mid-City for better deals.

2. Austin, TX – Best for Food Trucks & BBQ on a Budget

Austin is known for its food trucks, offering everything from tacos to brisket at affordable prices.

🍽️ Best Cheap Eats in Austin

✔ Breakfast Tacos at Veracruz All Natural – Authentic, fresh tacos for under $5 each.
✔ BBQ at Micklethwait Craft Meats – Some of the best Texas BBQ without the high prices.
✔ Queso & Chips at Kerbey Lane Café – Famous queso for just $6.95.

💡 Budget Tip: Instead of waiting in long lines at Franklin BBQ, try La Barbecue or Micklethwait—just as good, but cheaper and faster.

3. Chicago, IL – Best for Deep-Dish Pizza & Hot Dogs

Chicago offers iconic street food at affordable prices, from deep-dish pizza to classic hot dogs.

🍽️ Best Cheap Eats in Chicago

✔ Deep-Dish Pizza at Pequod’s – A personal deep-dish pizza for under $10.
✔ Chicago-Style Hot Dogs at Portillo’s – Classic, fully loaded hot dogs for under $5.
✔ Italian Beef at Al’s Beef – Famous dipped sandwich for under $10.

💡 Budget Tip: Avoid touristy deep-dish spots in downtown—neighborhood pizzerias like Pequod’s or Bartoli’s are cheaper & better.

4. Los Angeles, CA – Best for Authentic Tacos & Street Food

Los Angeles is one of the best taco cities in the U.S., with incredible food trucks and international cuisine at budget-friendly prices.

🍽️ Best Cheap Eats in Los Angeles

✔ Tacos at Mariscos Jalisco – $2.50 tacos packed with fresh seafood.
✔ Korean BBQ Bowls at BCD Tofu House – Huge portions for under $12.
✔ Burger at In-N-Out – A classic Double-Double for under $5.

💡 Budget Tip: Skip overpriced rooftop restaurants—hit up food trucks in East LA and downtown for the best cheap eats.

5. Portland, OR – Best for Food Carts & Coffee

Portland’s food cart scene is legendary, offering gourmet-quality food at street food prices.

🍽️ Best Cheap Eats in Portland

✔ Chicken & Rice at Nong’s Khao Man Gai – $9 for a delicious, filling meal.
✔ Sandwiches at Lardo – Huge, flavorful sandwiches for $10 or less.
✔ Voodoo Doughnuts – Famous doughnuts starting at $2 each.

💡 Budget Tip: The food cart pods around downtown have gourmet food for half the price of restaurants.

6. Kansas City, MO – Best for Budget BBQ

Kansas City is famous for affordable, top-tier barbecue.

🍽️ Best Cheap Eats in Kansas City

✔ Burnt Ends at Joe’s KC BBQ – Legendary BBQ for under $10.
✔ Ribs at Gates Bar-B-Q – Huge portions of ribs and sides at low prices.
✔ Fried Chicken at Gus’s – Famous, crispy fried chicken for under $12.

💡 Budget Tip: Skip chain BBQ places—local spots like Joe’s KC or Arthur Bryant’s are way better & cheaper.

7. Philadelphia, PA – Best for Cheesesteaks on a Budget

Philadelphia is known for its legendary cheesesteaks, but you don’t need to spend big to get a great one.

🍽️ Best Cheap Eats in Philadelphia

✔ Pat’s King of Steaks – The original Philly cheesesteak for under $12.
✔ Dalessandro’s Steaks & Hoagies – A local favorite with huge, juicy cheesesteaks.
✔ John’s Roast Pork – Another Philly classic, famous for affordable roast pork sandwiches.

💡 Budget Tip: Skip the tourist-heavy spots in Center City—local delis and food trucks serve equally good cheesesteaks for less.

8. San Antonio, TX – Best for Budget-Friendly Tex-Mex

San Antonio is one of the best cities in Texas for authentic, affordable Tex-Mex food.

🍽️ Best Cheap Eats in San Antonio

✔ Tacos El Regio – One of the best taco trucks in Texas, serving cheap, authentic street tacos.
✔ Garcia’s Mexican Food – Famous for brisket tacos under $4.
✔ Ray’s Drive Inn – Home of the puffy taco, a San Antonio classic, for under $3.

💡 Budget Tip: Instead of pricey sit-down Mexican restaurants, hit up taco trucks and taquerias for the best deals.

9. Buffalo, NY – Best for Cheap, Classic Wings

Buffalo is the birthplace of buffalo wings, and you can enjoy them without overspending.

🍽️ Best Cheap Eats in Buffalo

✔ Anchor Bar – The original buffalo wing spot, still serving wings for cheap.
✔ Duff’s Famous Wings – A local favorite, known for crispy, saucy wings.
✔ Ted’s Hot Dogs – Serving charcoal-grilled hot dogs for over 90 years, under $5.

💡 Budget Tip: Go during happy hours or lunch specials for discounted wing baskets.

FAQs: Budget-Friendly Food Travel

1. What’s the cheapest way to eat in a new city?

🍽️ Stick to street food, food trucks, and local markets instead of high-end restaurants.

2. Are food trucks really cheaper than restaurants?

✅ Yes! Food trucks skip overhead costs, so they charge less while serving high-quality meals.

3. How much should I budget for food in a budget-friendly city?

💰 $20–$40 per day if you stick to cheap eats, food trucks, and casual spots.

4. What’s the best U.S. city for cheap food overall?

📌 New Orleans & Austin—both cities have amazing cheap food across different cuisines.