Accomodation USA and Canada

Hello,

at the end of August we are going to the USA (NY, Boston, Niagara etc.) and Canada (Montreal, Toronto etc.).
I heard that there are lots of motels which are a good alternative to the hostels. Are there motels also in the big cities or only along the roads outside the cities?
What is better and/or cheaper, hostels or motels?

Thanks for your help.

If you are travelling alone, the cost of a motel room will likely be more than a hostel dorm bed, plus the cheaper motels will probably not be convenient to the things you want to see in each city. Hostels are often centrally located, or close to attractions, or have ways to access these attractions built-in.

Alternatives to hostels or motels would be CouchSurfing or AirBnB.

If there is more than one of you (and if you are a couple), then it may be more cost effective to get a cheap hotel/motel as you pay by the room rather than by the bed. If you have your own vehicle as well, then that opens up your options further.