Downtown Evanston  + Urbana Voted Among the Top Spots for Eating Well On a Budget (Survey of Foodies). 

• Survey of 3,024 foodies. 
• Downtown Evanston emerged in #54, followed by Urbana in #58.
• Infographic included.

For many Americans, stretching a food budget can feel like a juggling act – balancing taste, nutrition, and the clock. With rising costs, it’s easy to fall back on drive-thru value menus and convenience foods. But eating well doesn’t always mean spending more. Across the country, there are cities and neighborhoods where good food is both affordable and an essential part of the local culture.

Advance America, a leading loan provider, surveyed 3,024 self-proclaimed “foodies” to identify the top U.S. cities and neighborhoods where eating well and eating affordably go hand in hand. 

Here are the ten locations proving that you don’t need a top salary to enjoy a top meal:

#1. Athens, Georgia
College towns know how to stretch a dollar, but Athens takes it to another level. The city’s farmers’ markets brim with fresh produce and local specialties, while independent cafés and restaurants serve up meals that are both tasty and budget-friendly. From Southern classics to creative vegetarian plates, Athens makes eating well a habit, not a splurge.

#2. Riverside, Jacksonville, Florida
Riverside is a feast for both the eyes and the appetite. Its historic streets are lined with cafés that keep menus affordable without cutting corners on flavor. The Riverside Arts Market, held beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge, overflows with fresh produce and artisanal bites. It’s a neighborhood where “good food” is as much about community as it is about the cuisine.

#3. Downtown Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville has quietly built one of the Southeast’s most celebrated food scenes — and it’s refreshingly accessible. The Saturday market draws crowds for its local produce, while the downtown district is peppered with restaurants offering creative dishes at approachable prices. Whether it’s a quick bite on Main Street or a sit-down dinner, Greenville proves you don’t need deep pockets to eat well.

#4. East Nashville, Tennessee
Trendy yet approachable, East Nashville has become a magnet for foodies who appreciate personality on their plates. The neighborhood farmers’ market offers everything from heirloom vegetables to artisanal baked goods, while its eclectic mix of restaurants caters to diners on a budget. It’s a neighborhood where eating well feels effortless.

#5. North Charleston, South Carolina
This city may be known for industry, but North Charleston’s eateries are buzzing. The farmers’ market overflows with local produce, while the city’s restaurants — from soulful Southern kitchens to global flavors — keep nutritious, affordable meals on the table. It’s proof that dining well doesn’t require a premium price tag.

#6. Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga’s revitalized downtown hums with energy, and its food scene keeps pace. The farmers’ market showcases organic produce and locally made goods, while neighborhood cafés and restaurants focus on hearty, budget-friendly meals. Whether you’re fueling up before an outdoor adventure or winding down with a casual dinner, Chattanooga keeps eating well accessible.

#7. East Austin, Texas
Food trucks, live music, and a proudly quirky vibe define East Austin. Here, affordable doesn’t mean ordinary: street-side tacos, globally inspired bowls, and artisanal snacks dominate the menus. Farmers’ markets add another layer of fresh options, making the neighborhood one of the city’s best places to eat well without emptying your wallet.

#8. Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico
Steeped in history but forward-looking in its food, Old Town makes dining on a budget feel special. The farmers’ market offers fresh, locally grown produce, while neighborhood cafés blend traditional Southwestern flavors with modern twists. It’s a spot where character and cuisine go hand in hand — at a price that encourages repeat visits.

#9. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster is more than Amish quilts and rolling fields — it’s also a rising culinary hub. The Central Market, one of the oldest in the country, sells fresh, local ingredients at fair prices. Around town, cafés and restaurants are serving dishes that highlight quality without inflating costs. Eating well here means enjoying both history and flavor in every bite.

#10. Downtown Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville has long been known for its mountain charm and artistic spirit, and the food scene is no exception. Farmers’ markets offer organic produce and local goods, while area restaurants emphasize wholesome meals at approachable prices. Add a dash of Appalachian culture, and Asheville serves up one of the most inviting spots for budget-conscious foodies.

Illinois had two locations among the best in the country for eating well:

#54. Downtown Evanston 
Downtown Evanston has built a reputation around community and healthy living. The seasonal farmers market draws crowds for fresh, organic produce and other goods, and nearby eateries focus on wholesome, affordable meals. For diners on a budget who don’t want to compromise on health, Evanston’s downtown is a reliable spot.

#58. Urbana
Urbana combines its college-town energy with a wide range of affordable dining options. Its seasonal farmers market supplies fresh, locally sourced produce and artisanal products, while the city’s cafes and restaurants keep their menus centered on nutritious, budget-friendly meals. Eating well in Urbana is straightforward and affordable.

Infographic showing America’s top spots for eating well for less

“Eating well isn’t just about what’s on the plate — it’s about access, affordability, and real-life schedules,” says Laura McCutcheon, VP of Marketing at Advance America. “These spots show that dining well doesn’t need to be complicated or costly – it just needs to be part of the community fabric.”