United States of America Travel Budget - Visit United States of America on a Budget or Travel in Style


How much does it cost to travel to the United States of America?

You should plan to spend around $284 per day on your vacation in the United States of America. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $58 on meals
  • $46 on local transportation
  • $259 on hotels

A one week trip to the United States of America for two people costs, on average, $3,971. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $284
  • One Week Per person
    $1,986
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,971
  • One Month Per person
    $8,510
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,971
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $7,943
  • One Month For a couple
    $17,020
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to the United States of America cost?

A one week trip to the United States of America usually costs around $1,986 for one person and $3,971 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to the United States of America on average costs around $3,971 for one person and $7,943 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in the United States of America will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to the United States of America on average costs around $8,510 for one person and $17,020 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




How much do package tours cost in the United States of America?

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in the United States of America is $400 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.



Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Is the United States of America expensive to visit?

The United States of America is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, the United States of America is very expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in North America for its travel costs. There are only a few countries as expensive or more expensive than the United States of America in the region.

For more details, see Is the United States of America Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to the United States of America?

The average United States of America trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these United States of America travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.


Category Cost
Accommodation 1 (Double Occupancy) $259
Local Transportation 1 $46
Food 2 $58
Entertainment 1 $55
Tips and Handouts 1 $17 - 50
Alcohol 2 $13 - 40
Accommodation Budget in the United States of America
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in the United States of America is $130. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in the United States of America is $259. This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.


  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $130
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $259

Hotel Prices in the United States of America

Looking for a hotel in the United States of America? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

 

Actual Hotel Prices
The average hotel room price in the United States of America based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $171. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.


Recommended Properties


Local Transportation Budget in the United States of America
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The cost of a taxi ride in the United States of America is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $46 per person, per day, on local transportation in the United States of America.


  • Local Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $46

Recommended Services

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in the United States of America are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in the United States of America, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Lightrail from Airport (for 2)
    $5.50
  • Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)
    $15
  • 24 hrs Deuce Bus
    $7.00
  • Taxi from Airport to the Strip
    $36
  • Bus Ride
    $1.00
  • Bus Ride
    $2.00
  • MARTA Subway Ticket
    $4.00
  • Subway Daily Pass
    $9.00


Food Budget in the United States of America
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While meal prices in the United States of America can vary, the average cost of food in the United States of America is $58 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in the United States of America should cost around $23 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in the United States of America is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.


  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $58

Recommended

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in the United States of America are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in the United States of America, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Lunch for Two
    $28
  • Lunch for 2
    $32
  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70
  • Anglers Restaurant for Lunch
    $29
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (for 4)
    $55
  • Dinner for 2
    $30
  • Quick Lunch
    $12
  • Breakfast
    $26


Entertainment Budget in the United States of America
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Entertainment and activities in the United States of America typically cost an average of $55 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.


  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $55

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in the United States of America are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in the United States of America, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Riverboat Cruise
    $70
  • French Quarter City Tour
    $100
  • Six Flags for 2
    $96
  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee
    $25
  • Sunset Cruise (for 4)
    $96
  • Children's Museum (for 4)
    $32
  • Patriots Point (for 2)
    $60
  • Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)
    $75


Tips and Handouts Budget in the United States of America
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average cost for Tips and Handouts in the United States of America is $33 per day. The usual amount for a tip in the United States of America is 10% - 20%.


  • Tips and Handouts1 For guides or service providers
    $33

What did other people spend on Tips and Handouts?

Typical prices for Tips and Handouts in the United States of America are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Tips and Handouts prices in the United States of America, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Airport Luggage Storage
    $14


Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in the United States of America
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in the United States of America is $83, as reported by travelers.


  • Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
    $83


Alcohol Budget in the United States of America
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $27 on alcoholic beverages in the United States of America per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.


  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $27

Recommended

What did other people spend on Alcohol?

Typical prices for Alcohol in the United States of America are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in the United States of America, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Beer
    $7.30
  • A Night of Shots
    $36
  • Drinks at Camp Fire (for 2)
    $40
  • Evening at a Bar
    $32
  • Camping
    $20


Water Budget in the United States of America
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, people spend $16 on bottled water in the United States of America per day. The public water in the United States of America is considered safe to drink.


  • Water2 Bottled water for one day
    $16


Last Updated: Mar 16, 2024
The United States of America On a Budget
United States of America Boston Harbor
The United States of America is one of the largest and most diverse countries in the world. It's geography varies dramatically between the two coasts. It's city's each have their own feel and culture and the small towns hold on to traditional mindset that is often missed by the casual tourist. The country is bordered to the north by Canada and to the south by Mexico. Because of its large size, it has varying climates that range from bitterly cold, to subtropical. There are a variety of reasons to come to the U.S., but one of the most popular is the national parks. The United States has a well established and impressive national park system. The parks vary in nature from the Grand Canyon, which is impressive not only in its size, but also its colors, to Hatteras National Seashore on the eastern coast of North Carolina. Alternatively, if you're looking to visit some interesting cities, there are many options. You can go star spotting in Los Angeles, or check out a Broadway show in New York.

The large size of the country makes visiting it somewhat challenging. The U.S. has a very car dependent culture and you will likely have to rent a car for at least part of your trip, particularly if you hope to explore any of the national parks. Some of the larger cities have decent public transportation systems, but the intercity transportation system is lacking. If you hope to explore more than one region of the country it is advisable that you take a plane flight. Flights can be reasonably priced and there are a handful of domestic airlines that serve the country. For the best deals travel during the week and book your tickets well in advance. While there may be some good last minute deals, these are in no way guaranteed and if your trip lacks flexibility then it's better to plan ahead.
At A Glance
  • The U.S. is best visited during a series of several different trips. Because it is so large and difficult to travel around, you'll do better if you visit one region at a time. Some people choose to do a highlights tour and see New York, San Francisco and perhaps one national park. A better option is to pick one part of the country and explore it in more depth.

  • If you want to avoid renting a car, the best area to visit is the northeast. There are trains and buses that connect the major cities, so it is possible to travel around without renting a car or taking a flight. The larger cities in these areas also have decent public transportation systems so it's easy to travel within the city without a car as well.

  • One of the best seasons to visit this country is during the fall months. In many areas the leaves are changing color and the landscape is beautiful. Children are also back in school so the crowds are less and the prices are usually lower.

  • You'll find plenty of great beaches on both coasts. If you're hoping to see a dramatic and rocky coast line, surf in the largest waves, and enjoy urban beaches, then the west coast is your best option. If you're looking for more natural beaches, warmer water for swimming, and more traditional towns, then head to the east coast.

  • If you're hoping to visit any beaches then it is best if you avoid college spring break periods. These breaks usually fall between early March and late April and can be a busy and expensive time to be at the beach. Unless you specifically want to take part in the partying then your best option is to visit at a different time.



Related:

Looking for a party hostel in Hawaii or Miami? Traveling alone to LA or New Orleans? Want a budget hostel in NYC?
Top Tourist Attractions
Golden Gate Bridge: This beautiful bridge in San Francisco is even more striking because its bright color is contrasted by the backdrop of green hills and the blue bay. Many people rent bikes for the day and spend some time biking across the bridge and then taking the ferry back to the city.

Grand Canyon: One of the most popular national parks in the US, this canyon is most beautiful when it's lit up at sunrise or sunset. It can get quite hot during the summer months, but if you're here during the fall or spring the weather will be ideal.

Broadway: This is where you can catch the best shows in New York City. You can get discount tickets around town the morning of so do some research in advance and it'll cut down on the cost.

Popular Foods
American cuisine is very region specific. Burgers, steaks and pasta can be found almost anywhere, but if you really want to try something good, seek out the local specialties. Clam chowder in the northeast, salmon in the northwest and barbecue in Texas are all recommended. There's a diversity of food choices throughout the country, and most cities have a good selection of local restaurants to choose from. You'll also find major chains almost anywhere with Ruby Tuesdays, Cracker Barrel, and Chick-fil-a being some of the favorites.

Macaroni and Cheese: Every child in America was raised on this staple, and now you can find it at most mid-range restaurants. Some high end restaurants have created "gourmet" versions, but this comfort food is best enjoyed in its simple, classic form.

Hamburgers: Also an American staple, hamburgers were first made famous by fast food chains. Hamburgers today range from cheap and classic to gourmet. For the best version, find yourself a diner and enjoy some fries on the side. Another American classic is to grill up a good hamburger on an outdoor grill.

Steak: Beef is an American classic, so find a steakhouse, which are prevalent in most cities, and order it to your liking. It's most often served with potatoes on the side, but you can really have it any way you like. There are some popular, expensive, steakhouses that serve only the highest quality meat. These places are typically a-la-carte with sides not included in the price.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.