Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Buffalo

Accommodation

$25-60 per night

Hostels, budget motels, shared accommodations, or budget chain hotels in outer areas

Food & Dining

$15-35 per day

Local diners, food trucks, grocery store meals, happy hour specials, and casual ethnic restaurants

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public buses, walking, occasional rideshares, and bike rentals

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free attractions, self-guided walks, parks, beaches, and occasional museum visits

Eat at local neighborhood diners and ethnic restaurants instead of tourist areas - typically 40-60% cheaper than downtown establishments

Use public transportation and walk when possible - can save 70-80% compared to constant rideshare usage

Visit during shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for accommodation savings of 20-35% compared to peak summer rates

Take advantage of free attractions like waterfront parks, architectural tours, and seasonal festivals

Book accommodations outside immediate downtown core - often 30-50% less expensive with easy access via public transit

Look for restaurant happy hours and lunch specials - typically 25-40% less than dinner pricing

Purchase groceries for breakfast and snacks rather than eating all meals out - can reduce food costs by 30-50%

Relying solely on rideshares and taxis instead of using public buses - can cost 3-4 times more for transportation

Eating exclusively in tourist-heavy downtown areas - typically carries 50-100% markup over neighborhood restaurants

Booking last-minute accommodations during peak seasons or major events - can result in 100-200% higher rates

Not researching free activities and assuming all attractions require admission fees - missing out on significant savings