Move over Chicago! These are the 4 cheapest cities in the Midwest that are actually worth a visit

Share the article

There is no city in the Midwest more famous than Chicago. Then it is up to your discretion. St. Louis, Cleveland and even the ever-so-trendy Indianapolis are all in the mix.

If we’re being honest, not every city in the Midwest, no matter how famous or hyped, is worth a visit.

I mean, when was the last time you heard of someone vacationing in Des Moines?

Big chance.

That said, financial wizards at GoBanking Rates has put together some numbers for us so we can reveal the best places to visit in the Midwest without breaking the bank or boring us to tears.

Our expert team here at Travel Off Path have hand-picked 4 of the most worthwhile destinations from their insightful list that are sure to amaze you, from timeless small towns to cities once known for their Parisian atmosphere.

4) Saint Paul, Minnesota: Trade the coast for crowd-free lakes

Many say Minneapolis is one of the most underrated cities in America. Taking it one step further, sister city Saint Paul (or brother city?), is even more underrated and easily accessible if you fly into Minneapolis.

We all know Minnesota as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Many of the most valuable sights are located in the St. Paul area.

Dozens of lakes surround the city’s vibrant center, gleaming with surprising, striking architecture, from the capital to the rows of Victorian wonders along Summit Avenue.

Lake Como is one of the closest and perhaps the most enjoyable. Moreover, the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is right next door, so you can make a whole day out of one place.

Best of all, Saint Paul will soon be easier to get to than ever now that Allegiant is acquiring Minneapolis-based Sun Country Airlines, so you should have no problem scoring cheap airfares.

According to GoBankingRates, you can budget for the following:

• Airfare for couple: $912 (probably excluding Allegiant – Sun Country merger)
• Total hotel cost: $323
• Total meals: $417
• Total drinks: $52
• Total for the entire vacation: $1,705

3) Kansas City: A rare 2-for-1 vacation

Largely known as a popular sports town as an excuse to get together and enjoy world-famous Kansas City-style barbecue. The question you need to ask yourself is which side of the track you should visit.

We’ll answer that for you — both!

You see, Kansas City is best known for its vibrant Missouri side, but we recently discussed its namesake across the Kansas state line, which often goes under the radar

Whether you’re bringing the whole family, flying solo or looking for a fun weekend getaway for couples, KC ticks all the boxes with vibrant neighborhoods, sensational food, welcoming locals and even a new Margaritaville hotel in Kansas, where GoBankingRates claims it is more affordable than in Missouri.

Expect to budget for the following:

• Airfare for couple: $917
• Total hotel cost: $230
• Total meals: $417
• Total drinks: $57
• Total for the entire vacation: $1,675

2) Saint Charles, Missouri: the timeless gem of St. Louis

Say what you will about “The Lou,” whether it’s high crime rates or an array of free attractions, but outside the city limits lies Saint Charles, one of the Midwest’s most storied cities that feels like a movie set.

Right now, with snowfall, it’s the perfect backdrop for a wintry spell Quality mark movie, but in early spring and summer it becomes a lot more fun to follow brick roads to downtown shops and enjoy the patios of wine bars.

Not to mention the prime real estate along the Missouri River makes it a great way to enjoy the outdoors with scenic parks and vibrant sunsets.

You can easily find an old-fashioned inn rather than a cookie-cutter chain hotel. We love Boone’s Lick Trail Inn for a nostalgic stay steeped in centuries-old history.

Expect to budget for the following:

• Airline ticket pair: $881 (presumably to STL)
• Total hotel cost: $216
• Total meals: $375
• Total drinks: $45
• Total for the entire vacation: $1,516

1) Cincinnati: the former ‘Paris of America’

Ohio may not be on your radar, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be. With Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, it is one of the most underrated states in the Midwest for a city trip.

Have you heard the legend of chile skyline and you want to try to warm up this winter, or rather wait for sunny days in the next season, Cincy does not disappoint.

Although it no longer bears its former nickname of ‘Paris of America’, that doesn’t mean you can’t delve deep into history with its well-preserved streets of Over-the-Rhine and its preserved theaters and concert halls.

Split by the Ohio River, just across the Kentucky state line, Cincy is almost Kansas City 2.0 in that sense, where you can double two states in one trip if you’re a state counter.

Expect to budget for the following:

• Airline ticket for couple: $754
• Total hotel cost: $272
• Total meals: $360
• Total drinks: $49
• Total for the entire vacation: $1,435

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.