Where are the best places to sleep ? We are on a limited budget.

Monterrey and Santa Barbara : MOTEL6;Paul

In a tent at Pfeifer State Park

Last Time I checked Deetjen's wasn't that pricey. Well, it may be pricey, but it's certainly less expensive (way so) than Post Ranch and Ventana.
Have fun.

Deetjen's is pretty neat, and you can get a room for four (queen and two twins for $170. One problem is that you'll probably need to eat there -- Expect $50 for breakfast for four with tax and tip, and at least $ 125 for dinner if you don't have any drinks, appetizers or desserts.

Camping may be your best bet on a very limited budget.

Big Sur Lodge and Big Sur River Inn might both be cheaper than Deetjen's. And if you do stay at Deetjens, no one will force you to eat there (though the cabins do not have refrigerators to stock groceries). They do have a very nice breakfast for the money, though.

I'd do one of

Yes, Big Sur Lodge might be reasonable option. Stayed there years & years ago & it was pretty neat...in the woods.

Deetjens has always intrigued me though & I hope to stay there one day, altho' you have to be okay with rustic quaint. ;-)

You might also check the cabins at Ripplewood.

I believe that Pfeiffer Big Sur SP also has cabins for rent.

Big Sur Lodge is within Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park. Not exactly cabins, but more like small motel rooms, without television, not sure about telephones, but I wouldn't count on them. One of the less expensive places to stay in Big Sur, but that still means around $100+ a night.