buycycle unveils the ultimate budget-friendly cycling havens.
Amidst soaring living costs, with inflation at a 40-year high, finding budget-friendly vacation spots is more important than ever. In a recent study, buycycle, the leading marketplace for premium pre-owned bikes, analyzed more than 50 US cities to find the top budget-friendly cycling destinations, where the cost of living is up to 30% lower than other major metro areas.
Whether you're planning a long getaway, a quick city break, or a cycling expedition, these destinations offer the perfect mix of affordability, quality of life, and extensive cycling routes. Discover these hidden gems and plan your next adventure. For more details, visit buycycle.
This study highlights:
- Boise, ID Ranks #1: With an impressive 608 bike routes and low average bike maintenance costs, Boise is a cyclist's paradise with scenic routes and affordability.
- Omaha, NE slides in at #2: Omaha offers a budget-friendly cycling experience with 423 bike routes, affordable fast food meals, and the lowest hotel room rates among the top cities at $46.80 per night.
- Knoxville, TN ranks #3: Knoxville's Southern charm is complemented by 249 bike routes, the lowest average transportation cost of $1, and inexpensive dining options, making it a cyclist's dream destination.
1. Boise, Idaho
Boise clinches the title as the most budget-friendly cycling city in the U.S.! Boasting 608 bike routes and a low bike maintenance cost of just $50, it's a haven for cyclists eager to explore without draining their wallets. Hungry from your ride? Refuel with a fast food meal for $10 or a sit-down restaurant dish for $19. Need to rest? Cozy up in a hotel room averaging $52.50 per night, making extended stays a breeze.
Ready to ride? Start at the Boise River Greenbelt, a picturesque 25-mile path that hugs the river and links you to vibrant parks and local spots. For a dash of adventure, hit the Ridge to Rivers Trail System in the Boise Foothills. This sprawling network features over 190 miles of trails, from gentle to challenging, all with stunning city and wilderness views. Prefer urban cycling? Downtown Boise is equipped with ample bike lanes and racks, making it a breeze to explore shops and cafes on two wheels. Don’t miss Boise Bike Week, a celebration that revs up the cycling spirit with community rides and activities.
For a nature-filled retreat, cycle to Eagle Island State Park, just a short ride from downtown. It's an ideal spot for camping, fishing, or a dip in the lake, perfect for a relaxing day off the saddle. Boise melds affordability with adventure, offering diverse trails and a welcoming atmosphere for cyclists. Whether you’re after scenic routes, urban excursions, or outdoor adventures, Boise delivers a top-notch cycling experience.
2. Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha pedals into second place as an affordably fantastic cycling destination! With 423 bike routes and an average bike maintenance cost of just $55, it’s a haven for cyclists on a budget. Refuel with a fast food meal for $12 or enjoy a sit-down dinner for $20. Affordable hotel rooms averaging $46.80 per night make it easy to extend your stay.
Explore scenic trails like the Keystone Trail, a 15-mile stretch along Papio Creek, perfect for nature lovers and wildlife spotting. For a blend of history and greenery, cruise the historic Field Club Trail, which winds through one of Omaha’s oldest neighborhoods and past picturesque sites like the Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens.
Downtown Omaha is also cyclist-friendly, with well-marked bike lanes leading to vibrant arts and cultural spots. Don’t miss Omaha Bike Night, an annual celebration with music, food, and community rides.
For a peaceful escape, venture to Standing Bear Lake on the city’s outskirts, offering gentle trails, lake views, and picnic spots. Omaha mixes urban convenience with natural beauty, providing an unforgettable, budget-friendly cycling experience.
3. Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville spins into third place as a charming and affordable cycling city! With 249 bike routes and a budget-friendly average bike maintenance cost of $60, Knoxville invites cyclists to pedal through its scenic Southern landscapes. Grab a quick fast food meal for just $10 or enjoy a heartier restaurant meal for $13.50. With hotel rooms averaging $53.80 per night, it’s easy to plan a prolonged visit without overspending.
Explore Knoxville’s varied terrains, starting with the Third Creek Greenway, ideal for a relaxed ride with its flat, easy paths and scenic views that connect to major parks and attractions. For a mix of urban and natural experiences, the Neyland Greenway offers stunning riverfront views and access to Knoxville's vibrant downtown, full of history and culture. Don’t miss the chance to join local cycling events, like the annual Tour de Knoxville, which showcases the city’s friendly community and diverse routes. For a serene escape, head to Ijams Nature Center where trails weave through lush greenery and rugged landscapes, offering both tranquil retreats and adventurous rides.
Knoxville combines affordability with a welcoming atmosphere, making it a prime spot for cyclists who appreciate both city sights and pastoral escapes. Whether you’re weaving through downtown streets or cruising along riverfront paths, Knoxville ensures a memorable and economical cycling journey.
4. Eugene, Oregon
Eugene rides in at fourth place, boasting a vibrant cycling community with an impressive 793 bike routes. Known for its bike-friendly atmosphere, maintaining a bike here averages around $65. Refueling is easy on the wallet too, with fast food meals at $10 and more filling dinners at just $20. With hotel rooms averaging $52.30 per night, Eugene offers an affordable base for cyclists eager to explore a city that truly embraces biking.
Take a ride on the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Trail System, a local favorite that stretches along the picturesque Willamette River and connects several parks and key attractions across the city. This trail is perfect for cyclists of all levels, offering both leisurely rides and more challenging distances.
Eugene's downtown area is also a hotspot for cyclists, featuring dedicated bike lanes and a plethora of bike racks. Be sure to check out the annual Eugene Bicycle Film Festival, which celebrates the city’s cycling culture with movie screenings, community rides, and workshops. For those who crave a bit of nature, Spencer Butte offers trails through old-growth forests and the chance to climb to stunning viewpoints overlooking the city. Eugene seamlessly combines its natural beauty with a well-supported biking infrastructure, making it an ideal, budget-friendly destination for cycling enthusiasts.
5. Columbus, Ohio
Columbus cruises into our top five with a robust selection of 738 bike routes and an average bike maintenance cost of just $55. This city marries affordability with vibrant urban culture, making it a magnet for cyclists. Dining is easy on the wallet too, with fast food meals at $10.80 and sit-down dinners for $20. With hotel accommodations averaging only $50 per night, Columbus is a budget-friendly option for cyclists who want to explore a lively cityscape. Pedal through the Olentangy Trail, one of the city’s longest and most scenic routes, which winds along the river and offers access to several parks and key attractions. This trail is perfect for both leisurely rides and more intense cycling, providing a picturesque backdrop to your journey.
Columbus’s downtown is another cycling hotspot, boasting a network of bike lanes that make it easy to navigate the bustling city center. Don't miss the annual Columbus Bike Festival, where cyclists from all walks of life gather to celebrate their shared passion with rides, races, and workshops. For a blend of art and cycling, take a tour along the Scioto Mile, featuring stunning riverfront views and access to the city's vibrant arts scene. Columbus’s combination of affordable lifestyle, diverse bike paths, and dynamic urban environment makes it an ideal destination for cyclists.
These top five cities highlight the global trend of making urban areas more accessible and enjoyable for cyclists. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, these destinations offer incredible opportunities to explore and enjoy, all while being easy on the wallet.
Who rounds off the top 10?
6. Kansas City, Missouri - 142 cycling routes
7. Tucson, Arizona - 682 cycling routes
8. Albuquerque, New Mexico - 429 cycling routes
9. Louisville, Kentucky - 343 cycling routes
10. Austin, Texas - 1499 cycling routes
Methodology
The study assessed over 400 cities in the United States to identify the most affordable destinations for cycling enthusiasts. Key factors considered included the cost of a fast food meal, average hotel room price per night, and bike maintenance costs. Additionally, the quality of life was evaluated using a composite score, and the number of available bike routes was taken into account. Including cost of living data from Numbeo, ensured a comprehensive and accurate analysis of each city's affordability. This multi-faceted approach allowed for a robust ranking of cities based on their overall attractiveness and accessibility for cyclists.
About us
buycycle was founded in 2021 by Jonas, Florian, and Theo - three friends who met through their love of cycling. Back then, it was extremely challenging to get hold of affordable beginner bikes, especially pre-owned ones. When Jonas went to order his first triathlon bike, he didn't feel comfortable transferring money to a stranger on a local online marketplace, as he was unsure of whether the bike would actually arrive. From this experience, the idea for buycycle was born, and the three cycling enthusiasts were able to turn their passion into their profession. Today, the founders are thrilled to be working on buycycle’s vision of creating the world’s leading marketplace for high value pre-owned bikes, making selling and buying pre-owned bikes just as easy as riding them.