You can expect to pay about $188 per night on average for a motel in Utah in 2026, with budget rooms starting near $42 and peak rates hitting the mid-$200s. Prices dip in November (~$146) and spike in March (~$230), with Ogden offering the cheapest options and St. George the priciest. Book early (around 88 days) or target off-peak weekdays for savings, and keep an eye on city-specific deals to stretch your budget further if you want more tips.
Average Motel Night in Utah in 2026: Headline Price and Range
Although prices vary by city and amenities, you can expect an average motel night in Utah in 2026 to run about $188, with budget rooms starting near $42 in places like St. George and Ogden.
You’ll find headline rates around $188, yet the real range stretches from low-$40 motels to mid-$200s during busy periods.
Embrace your freedom to choose: if you prioritize basic comfort and affordable motel amenities like free Wi‑Fi, parking, and breakfast, you can lock in bargains at properties such as Rodeway Inn St. George North or AmericInn-type options.
You’ll want to watch for seasonal discounts and book early — roughly 88 days ahead often yields the lowest deals, sometimes near $51 on weekends.
Peak months push averages higher, but informed timing and clear priorities let you shape travel costs.
Stay deliberate, compare inclusions, and use these ranges to plan lodging that supports your mobility and independence.
How Prices Change by Month, Day, and City in Utah
You’ll see motel rates swing by month, from a low average of $146 in November to a high of $230 in March.
Prices also vary by day—Sundays average about $192 while Wednesdays climb to roughly $239—so timing your stay matters.
And city differences are stark: Ogden averages just $58 per night versus Saint George at about $365, so where you go will heavily affect cost.
Monthly Rate Fluctuations
When you plan a Utah trip, expect motel prices to shift noticeably by month, day, and city, ranging from budget options at about $42 per night to upscale stays near $541.
You’ll use seasonal trends and price predictions to pick dates that maximize freedom and savings. November tends to be cheapest (~$146), March most expensive (~$230).
City choice matters: Ogden averages $58, Saint George $365. You’ll find Sunday bookings often yield deals (~$192) while Wednesday peaks (~$239).
- Travel in November for lower nightly averages and more choices.
- Target off-peak weekdays that align with your liberation goals.
- Compare cities: choose Ogden for budgets, Saint George for amenities.
- Use short-term price predictions to lock savings fast.
Weekday Vs Weekend
Because motel rates in Utah swing with both the day of the week and the month, planning your stay around weekday-weekend patterns can save you a lot: weekdays—especially Wednesdays—tend to be pricier (around $239), while Sundays and many weekends drop to roughly $192 or as low as $51 at the cheapest motels.
Seasonal shifts matter too, with November averaging about $146 and cities like Ogden offering low nightly rates (~$58) versus St.
You’ll want to time trips to match your pursuit of freedom—work remotely midweek if you must, or avoid peak business days to stretch your budget.
Watch weekday pricing for business-driven hikes and hunt weekend deals for leisure escapes. Shift dates to access savings without sacrificing spontaneity.
City-Level Price Differences
If you’re planning where to stay in Utah, city-level differences will shape your budget as much as weekday or seasonal patterns.
You’ll see sharp city comparisons: Ogden averages about $58, Saint George can climb to $365, and the statewide motel mean sits near $188.
Watch pricing trends by month and day — November is cheapest at $146, March peaks at $230, Sundays average $192, and Wednesdays hit $239.
You can seize liberation through smart timing and location choices.
- Choose Ogden or budget picks like Rodeway Inn St George North ($42) to stretch your dollars.
- Avoid March or midweek peaks if you can.
- Book Sundays for lower nightly averages.
- Use city comparisons to target savings.
Best Times to Book Motel Rooms (Timing and Advance-Booking Strategy)
Though timing can feel like guesswork, planning your motel stay around known patterns will save you money and stress. You’ll benefit by tracking booking patterns: November is the cheapest month (about $146/night), Sundays tend to be the lowest-cost day (~$192), and Wednesdays are pricier (~$239). Aim to book at least 88 days ahead to lock in the best regular rates, but keep an eye out for last minute deals if your schedule is flexible—3-star motels can dip to $54 and 4-star to $65 for immediate stays.
| Strategy | Typical Benefit |
|---|---|
| Book 88+ days ahead | Lower average rates, more choices |
| Travel in November | Best month for savings |
| Stay Sunday | Lower nightly averages |
| Hunt last minute deals | Deep discounts if flexible |
You’ll free up funds and reduce stress by combining advance-booking discipline with opportunistic last-minute checks, choosing timing that matches your freedom and priorities.
Budget Motel Options & Typical Rates (Ogden, Price, St. George, Moab)
If you’re prioritizing low cost, Ogden is your best bet with budget motels averaging about $58 per night.
Moab also offers wallet-friendly stays around $47 on average, while St. George can spike much higher—some listings show averages near $365, though budget options like Rodeway Inn St. George North can start as low as $42.
Many Utah motels still include essentials like free Wi‑Fi and breakfast, so you can save without sacrificing comfort.
Ogden Budget Motels
While Ogden stays one of Utah’s most affordable lodging choices, you’ll still find a range of budget motels that fit different needs and tastes.
You’ll pay roughly $41–$58 per night for basic rooms, so you can stretch your travel dollars and stay free to explore. Redrock Country Inn often hits the low end at $41, while some chains like Super 8 by Wyndham list higher rates around $87.55 for two adults — check discounts.
As a budget traveler, look for solid Ogden amenities like free Wi‑Fi, parking, and simple breakfasts that keep you mobile.
- Redrock Country Inn: lowest typical rates
- Super 8: chain reliability, occasional higher price
- Free Wi‑Fi: essential for planning
- Parking/continental breakfast: travel-friendly conveniences
Moab & St. George Options
Two standout budget options in southern Utah are Moab Gateway Inn and Rodeway Inn St George North, with typical rates starting around $47 and $42 per night respectively, so you can base your outdoor adventures without overspending.
You’ll find Moab Gateway Inn places you near popular Moab attractions so you can hit trails and arches at dawn.
Rodeway Inn St George North gives you affordable access to canyon routes and a growing St. George dining scene for relaxed evenings after hiking.
Elsewhere in Utah, Ogden often has the lowest motel rates (about $58), while Price’s Super 8 and National 9 Inn run roughly $75–$88.
Typical budget motel rates statewide span $42 to $87, depending on location and amenities.
Quick Ways to Lower Motel Costs in Utah (Discounts, Cancellation, Alerts)
Start by tracking rates and timing your booking: price alerts and Sunday searches can shave significant dollars off motel stays in Utah. You’ll use discount strategies like alerts to catch drops between $192 (Sunday averages) and higher midweek rates.
Set multiple price alerts and search Sundays to spot the best windows. Many motels list free cancellation options, so flexible cancellation policies let you lock a low rate now and rebook if prices fall.
- Set price alerts across two or three booking sites to catch brief dips.
- Search on Sundays and compare against Wednesday listings to exploit weekday surges.
- Book early—about 88 days ahead—to access budget rates near $56, then adjust if lower deals appear.
- Hunt budget properties; places like Rodeway Inn St George North can start around $42 per night.
You’ll gain mobility and control by combining alerts, early planning, flexible cancellation policies, and targeted budget searches.
Compare Motel vs. Midrange vs. Upscale Nightly Costs in Utah
Comparing lodging tiers in Utah shows clear trade-offs between price and amenities: motels average $51–$100 per night (with some as low as $42), midrange hotels run about $130–$200, and upscale properties jump to roughly $432 for 4-star and $893 for 5-star stays.
You can choose freedom over frills: motels give you essential motel amenities—clean room, parking, basics—letting you spend less and move on. Midrange properties expand comfort with breakfast, fitness centers, and more responsive service, a balance if you want convenience without excess.
Upscale hotels deliver luxury, concierge service, spa access and refined dining, but they carry steep nightly costs that you’ll want justified by experience.
Watch seasonal trends: November brings the lowest average rates (~$146), while March peaks (~$230), so timing your trip can reclaim budgetary freedom.
Decide which comforts matter, align them with your values, and use price swings to maximize the liberty your travel budget affords.
Itineraries & Motel Picks for Families, Skiers, and Road Trippers
Looking for the right motel for your trip? You’ll find budget-conscious options across Utah that match your itinerary and taste for freedom.
Families can choose Rodeway Inn St George North from about $42 per night, with family friendly amenities that keep kids happy and your budget intact.
Skiers can base themselves at Super 8 by Wyndham Price near slopes for roughly $87 nightly, often bundled with skiing packages for convenience.
Road trippers will like National 9 Inn Wellington—rates from $75 with free Wi‑Fi and easy access to highways and small-town charms.
Average motel costs span $51–$151 per night, so you can mix affordability with location.
- Book early to lock lower rates and flexible cancellations.
- Prioritize motels near attractions to cut transit time.
- Look for motels offering skiing packages or connected shuttle options.
- Use last‑minute deals when plans change; some rates drop to $48.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Reasonable Cost for a Hotel?
A reasonable hotel cost is about $50–$200 per night; you’ll seek budget accommodations under $60, compare prices to find $146–$188 sweet spots, and use price comparisons and timing to reclaim freedom from overspending.
Is a Motel Cheaper Than a Hotel?
Yes — you’ll usually pay less for motels than hotels; motels trade extensive amenities for lower rates, letting budget travelers stretch freedom on the road, prioritize essentials, and choose simple stays that support independent, liberated travel choices.
How Much Does a Motel Cost per Night in the USA?
You’ll typically pay about $60–$150 per night for a motel in the USA, varying with motel amenities and seasonal pricing; budget options can dip below $50, so you’ll shop smart to stretch freedom and choose comfort.
Is It Expensive to Stay in Utah?
Not usually — you’ll find luxury accommodations and budget travelers both served, so you can splurge or save; motels and smart timing cut costs, letting you roam freely without breaking the bank or sacrificing comfort.
Conclusion
You can save a lot by timing and location: book 2–4 weeks ahead for summer and ski seasons, grab midweek stays, and watch local events. For example, a family who drove from SLC to Moab booked midweek rooms 3 weeks out, used a AAA discount, and cut nightly costs from $160 to $95—freeing money for park fees. With these tips, you’ll stretch your Utah motel budget without sacrificing convenience or comfort.
