I have stayed at many airbnb homes, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, San Fransisco and even New York City which the harbingers of doom and destruction try to scare you away from. You have to be wary of course (ask lots of questions, especially if there are no reviews) but I have found that what I saw, I got, and plenty more besides. Very reasonable prices, hosts have been very welcoming (even shared dinner at one place) and knowledgeable and much nicer than an impersonal, and often of dubious cleanliness, hotels or motels. Airbnb is my first line of enquiry when I need to find accomodation.

Approximate cost: $Reasonable