The term “foodie” now describes anyone passionate about exploring diverse flavors, from street food to upscale restaurants. For many, eating is more than a necessity — it’s a lifestyle.

While exploring culinary delights can sometimes be costly, many cities across the U.S. offer budget-friendly options that do not sacrifice quality. These foodie-friendly cities appeal to both home cooks and adventurous eaters eager to sample local flavors.

Family life expert Dr. M.H. Raza offers money-saving advice and policy-related tips for improving the local food scene to WalletHub. He is also associate professor in the School of Teaching, Learning and Developmental Sciences at Missouri State University.