How to Experience Spokane on $50 a Day: Budget Travel Guide for 2023

My fascination with transit systems began as a child riding Toronto's streetcars with my father, so naturally, I start any city exploration by mapping out transportation options. Spokane's Spokane Transit Authority (STA) operates a surprisingly efficient bus network that connects most major attractions, with a day pass costing just $4 ($2 for students). The city's crown jewel for transport enthusiasts is undoubtedly the Spokane Falls SkyRide, a cable car system that provides breathtaking aerial views of the thundering Spokane Falls for just $9.75.

What makes Spokane particularly budget-friendly is its walkability. The downtown core is compact enough to navigate on foot, with the stunning Riverfront Park serving as a central hub. I spent an entire morning walking the Centennial Trail along the Spokane River without spending a dime, capturing architectural photos of the city's historic bridges and hydroelectric infrastructure—remnants of Spokane's industrial past that now serve as scenic backdrops.

For longer journeys, I relied on my foldable city map (though Google Maps works perfectly fine) and occasionally used the STA bus network. If you're staying for multiple days, consider purchasing a 7-day bus pass for $17, which quickly pays for itself compared to daily passes.

Accommodation typically consumes the largest portion of any travel budget, but Spokane offers several options that won't break the bank. During my week-long stay, I split my time between two budget-friendly accommodations.

For the first three nights, I stayed at the Spokane Hostel in Browne's Addition, where a bed in a shared dormitory cost me just $28 per night. The hostel offers free Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen for self-catering, and is located in one of Spokane's most charming historic neighborhoods. The proximity to Coeur d'Alene Park and several affordable restaurants made it an excellent base for exploration.

For the remainder of my stay, I tried something different and booked a private room through Airbnb in the Logan neighborhood near Gonzaga University for $45 per night. While this pushed my daily budget slightly, having access to a kitchen allowed me to prepare most of my meals, ultimately saving money. The university area offers a youthful energy and several student-friendly eateries with budget-conscious pricing.

If you're traveling during summer months (May-August), another option worth considering is temporary student housing at Gonzaga or Eastern Washington University, which sometimes offers short-term stays to travelers when dorms aren't at capacity. These can run as low as $25 per night with basic amenities included.

Before booking, I always check reviews using my travel planning app to ensure I'm selecting safe, clean accommodations with positive guest experiences.

Spokane excels in offering high-value attractions that cost little to nothing, making it ideal for budget travelers. Riverfront Park, the 100-acre urban park that hosted the 1974 World's Fair, deserves at least half a day of exploration. The park features several engineering marvels that appealed to my technical side, including the renovated U.S. Pavilion structure and the intricate system of pedestrian bridges spanning the falls.

As a technology enthusiast, I was pleasantly surprised by the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC), which offers $7 admission on Tuesdays (regular price: $12). The museum houses fascinating exhibits on regional history, including displays on industrial development and indigenous technologies that have shaped the Inland Northwest.

For architecture buffs like myself, the self-guided walking tour of downtown Spokane's historic buildings costs nothing but time. I spent hours photographing the ornate details of the Steam Plant Square, the Davenport Hotel, and the art deco Fox Theater. The Spokane Public Library offers free printed maps for these self-guided tours.

My unexpected favorite free attraction was the Manito Park and Botanical Gardens. The meticulously maintained Japanese Garden and Rose Garden showcase impressive landscape design and engineering, all accessible without an admission fee. I visited during early morning hours to capture the gardens in optimal lighting conditions with my travel tripod, which proved essential for low-light photography in the park's forested areas.

For those interested in urban transit history, don't miss the free exhibition on Spokane's historic streetcar system at the Downtown Spokane Library—a small but informative display that chronicles the city's transportation evolution.

Maintaining a $15 daily food budget in Spokane requires strategy but doesn't mean sacrificing quality or flavor. My approach combined strategic self-catering with carefully selected restaurant meals.

Breakfast was invariably self-catered. I started most mornings with a simple meal prepared in my accommodation's kitchen, typically consisting of oatmeal, bananas, and coffee. Total cost: approximately $2-3 per day. The Main Market Co-op downtown offers affordable bulk items perfect for travelers looking to prepare simple meals.

For lunch, I alternated between picnics and budget eateries. Rocket Market in the South Hill neighborhood became my go-to for creating picnic lunches, where $7-8 secured enough fresh ingredients for a satisfying riverside meal. On alternate days, I explored budget-friendly lunch spots like High Tide Lobster Bar in the Wonder Building Market, where a mini lobster roll satisfied my seafood craving for just $9.

Dinner presented the greatest challenge but also the most rewarding discoveries. The food court at River Park Square mall offers several options under $10, but venturing slightly further afield yields better value. My favorite budget dinner discovery was Queen of Sheba Ethiopian restaurant, where the vegetarian combo platter ($13) provided enough food for dinner plus leftovers for the next day's lunch.

The ultimate budget hack came from visiting local breweries during happy hour. Both No-Li Brewhouse and Iron Goat Brewing offer discounted appetizers that function as a meal when paired with a local craft beer (budget allowing). I tracked these specials using my happy hour app, which quickly paid for itself through savings.

For coffee enthusiasts, avoid the chains and visit Atticus Coffee & Gifts downtown, where a quality brew costs less than the ubiquitous green mermaid while supporting local business.

While Spokane itself offers plenty to explore, several fascinating destinations lie within easy reach without breaking your budget. As someone who appreciates both natural landscapes and technical infrastructure, I found these affordable excursions particularly rewarding.

My top recommendation is the Riverside State Park Bowl and Pitcher area, accessible via the #23 STA bus plus a short walk. The $5 Washington State Parks Discover Pass (available as a day pass) grants access to dramatic basalt formations and suspension bridges spanning the Spokane River. I spent hours photographing the ingenious engineering of the 1940s-era suspension bridge against the natural rock formations—a perfect juxtaposition of human and natural design.

Another excellent option is the 37-mile Spokane to Coeur d'Alene bike trail. If you're comfortable cycling, rent a bike from Spoke 'N Sport ($10 for two hours, $25 for a full day) and explore segments of this scenic trail that follows abandoned railroad corridors. The trail showcases remarkable examples of adaptive reuse, transforming industrial infrastructure into recreational assets—a subject I've documented across multiple cities.

For those interested in hydroelectric engineering, the free visitor center at Long Lake Dam offers fascinating insights into regional power generation. Reaching it requires some planning (it's a 30-minute drive from downtown), but carpooling with other budget travelers from your accommodation can make this a nearly free excursion if you split gas costs.

During my visit, I discovered that many locals use the ride-sharing app to organize carpools to nearby attractions, significantly reducing transportation costs compared to traditional taxis or solo rideshare trips. This approach introduced me to knowledgeable locals who shared insider tips about the region's hidden gems.