The Manhattan skyline seen across the Hudson River

Hostels in the USA: where to sleep cheap in America's big cities

A dorm bed in a good hostel can cost a fraction of a hotel room in New York, Miami or San Francisco. Here's where to stay in each city, what to check before you book and how US hostels work.

Hostels in New YorkFirst time in a hostel?

  • Independent, we don't run any hostel
  • Areas and rules checked city by city
  • Updated October 2026

Photo: Dmitry Avdeev, CC BY-SA 3.0

Hostels in the United States are fewer than in Europe, but the big cities all have good ones: purpose-built hostels with private rooms, shared kitchens and lockers, a short walk from the sights. This guide covers the cities where travelers search for them most.

Choose your city

Most popularNew YorkManhattan & BrooklynMost hostels in the USFirst-timers, solo travelersRead guide MiamiSouth BeachSteps from the sandBeach trips, winter sunRead guide Los AngelesHollywood & Santa MonicaChoose by areaRoad trips, beachesRead guide ChicagoThe LoopDowntown, near transitArchitecture, museumsRead guide

More cities: Boston, San Francisco and Washington, DC.

Why stay in a hostel in the US?

  • Price: a dorm bed is usually much cheaper than the cheapest hotel room in a central area.
  • Location: the best city hostels sit in the middle of things, which saves on transport.
  • Kitchen: cooking breakfast and a few dinners cuts costs further.
  • Private rooms: many hostels also rent private rooms, often cheaper than nearby hotels.

New to hostels? Read what is a hostel for how dorms, lockers and check-in work, and our booking tips to find the best beds for the price.

Check hostel prices

Things to do on a budget

Frequently asked questions

Are hostels in the USA safe?

Well-reviewed hostels in central areas are generally safe. Choose one with lockers, 24-hour reception and recent reviews that mention cleanliness and security, and keep valuables locked.

Do I need to be 18 to stay in a US hostel?

Policies are set by each hostel. Most require guests in dorms to be 18 or older; guests aged 13–17 can often stay only with a parent or guardian. Check the house rules before booking.

Do US hostels accept local residents?

Some don't. A number of hostels only accept guests who live outside the city or region, so check the house rules if you're traveling within your own state.

Is ClubHostel a hostel?

No. ClubHostel is an independent guide. We don't own, run or represent any hostel, and bookings are made with our booking partners.

Hostel guides by city

San Diego Hostels in San Diego: the Gaslamp Quarter downtown vs Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach, getting around by trolley, top things to do and live bed prices. Read guide New York Hostels in New York City: Manhattan vs Brooklyn, the best areas, what NYC hostels require at check-in and live dorm bed prices. Plus cheap things to do. Read guide Miami Hostels in Miami and Miami Beach: why South Beach is the backpacker base, how to get there from the airport, what to check before booking and live bed prices. Read guide Los Angeles Hostels in Los Angeles compared by area: Hollywood for sightseeing, Santa Monica and Venice for the beach. Getting around LA without a car and live bed prices. Read guide Chicago Hostels in Chicago: why the Loop is the best base, HI Chicago and other options, getting in from O'Hare and Midway by train, and live bed prices. Read guide Boston Hostels in Boston, MA: why downtown near Boston Common is the best base, HI Boston, the free Silver Line from Logan Airport and live hostel bed prices. Read guide Seattle Hostels in Seattle: the best neighborhoods for a dorm bed, how to get from Sea-Tac Airport by light rail, safety notes, budget tips and live bed prices. Read guide Honolulu Hostels in Honolulu: why Waikiki is the best base, getting from Honolulu airport by bus or shuttle, safety and money-saving tips, and live hostel bed prices. Read guide New Orleans Hostels in New Orleans: the best neighborhoods for budget travelers, how to get from Louis Armstrong airport, safety tips, streetcar advice and live bed prices. Read guide Montreal Hostels in Montreal: where to stay in Old Montreal, the Plateau and downtown, the 747 bus from Trudeau airport, safety and budget tips, and live bed prices. Read guide Philadelphia Hostels in Philadelphia: the best areas near Old City and Center City, the SEPTA airport train, safety and budget tips, and live hostel bed prices. Read guide Denver Hostels in Denver: the best areas downtown, the A Line train from Denver airport, altitude and safety tips, budget advice and live hostel bed prices. Read guide Toronto Hostels in Toronto: the best downtown areas for budget travelers, the UP Express from Pearson airport, safety and money-saving tips, and live hostel bed prices. Read guide Nashville Hostels in Nashville: where budget travelers can stay near downtown, the Gulch and East Nashville, airport transfers, safety tips and live bed prices. Read guide Vancouver Hostels in Vancouver: the best areas downtown and near English Bay, the Canada Line SkyTrain from YVR airport, safety and budget tips and live bed prices. Read guide Portland Hostels in Portland, Oregon: the best areas to stay downtown, in the Pearl District and the Southeast, MAX light rail from PDX, tips and live bed prices. Read guide Austin Hostels in Austin, Texas: the best areas downtown, South Congress and East Austin, getting from the airport, heat and safety tips, and live hostel bed prices. Read guide First time? What is a hostel and how does it work? Dorms vs private rooms, lockers, kitchens, age rules and ID at check-in, plus tips for your first stay in a US hostel. Read guide