Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Billings
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $60-155 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Billings
Accommodation
$35-75 per night
Budget motels, shared rooms in hostels, basic chain hotels on outskirts
Food & Dining
$20-40 per day
Fast food, diner breakfast specials, grocery store meals, food trucks
Transportation
$5-15 per day
City bus system, walking, occasional rideshare for longer distances
Activities
$0-25 per day
Free parks and trails, self-guided downtown walks, occasional museum entry
Currency: $ US Dollar
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Billings
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Stay at hotels near the airport or highway rather than downtown for typically 25-40% savings
Eat lunch at local diners and cafes instead of dinner restaurants for similar food at 30-50% less cost
Use the city bus system instead of rideshares for 70-80% transportation savings
Visit during shoulder seasons (spring/fall) when hotel rates typically drop 20-35%
Pack lunches for outdoor activities rather than buying food at tourist sites
Look for hotel packages that include breakfast to save $15-25 per day on meals
Book accommodations outside peak summer months for significant rate reductions
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Staying only in downtown hotels during peak season without comparing suburban options (can cost 50-100% more)
Relying entirely on rideshares and taxis instead of using public transit or walking (typically 3-4x more expensive)
Eating all meals at hotel restaurants or tourist-area establishments (usually 100-200% markup over local spots)