Stay mobile and do it all. Yes, you really do get what you pay for, with a few exceptions along the way. Those exceptions are not going to be widely talked about on the internet, for fear of prices going up for the current renters.
Your past will dictate your needs, and your perception of an area. Since everyone has a different history, use their needs only as a starting point for yours. Some love to live in area's of only dust and rocks, while others love the big city pulse.
Plan on at least $35 a night and over a couple of years of traveling it will all come into balance. Once you find what works for you, then you can go after reducing the nightly cost to spend the winter. Till then it is very unwise to cut corners trying to save a buck. Spend the money upfront, so you can save money in the long run.