Travel Budget for Cape Cod Visit Cape Cod on a Budget or Travel in Style

Cape Cod, Massachusetts, United States of America

Cape Cod is a beautiful beach destination known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Cape Cod and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, relaxing on the beaches, or taking in the beauty.

How much does it cost to travel to Cape Cod?

You should plan to spend around $227 per day on your vacation in Cape Cod. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $103 on meals
  • $50 on local transportation
  • $183 on hotels

A one week trip to Cape Cod for two people costs, on average, $3,178. 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
    $227
  • One Week Per person
    $1,589
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,178
  • One Month Per person
    $6,810
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,178
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $6,356
  • One Month For a couple
    $13,620
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 Cape Cod cost?

A one week trip to Cape Cod usually costs around $1,589 for one person and $3,178 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Cape Cod on average costs around $3,178 for one person and $6,356 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 Cape Cod will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Cape Cod on average costs around $6,810 for one person and $13,620 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Cape Cod expensive to visit?

Cape Cod is a terrific beach destination that captivates many with its charm, appealing to a wide range of travel styles and budgets. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

You can find Cape Cod to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails can help you save money.

On average, budget travelers spend $99 per day, mid-range travelers spend $227 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $433 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cape Cod.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Cape Cod is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Washington or Portland, Maine.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cape Cod Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Cape Cod?

The average Cape Cod trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cape Cod travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cape Cod cost?

Cape Cod on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$40 $92 $175
Local Transportation 1 $22 $50 $96
Food 2 $45 $103 $197
Entertainment 1 $12 $27 $52
Alcohol 2 $4-13 $10-29 $18-55

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in Cape Cod is important. While you might think you can save money by cutting expenses, traveling comfortably requires a bit more spending for most people. Think about your favorite vacation activities and ideal travel style. Staying in a resort or comfortable hotel, along with sightseeing and dining out are generally what many people prefer. Your travel preferences will determine how much you'll end up spending on your trip.

What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?

You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $99 per day that backpackers typically manage.

Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.

Food also plays a significant role in a visitor's experience to Cape Cod, yet budget travelers might stick to street food or hostel meals, resulting in less exposure to the wonderful culinary scene.

What Makes You an Average Traveler?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A significant number of visitors to Cape Cod will want to tour the main attractions, museums, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $227 per person, per day.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $433. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the beach destination will require a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Open-Air Pedicab Tour in Provincetown - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Cape Cod

Prices for hotels in Cape Cod vary widely, with luxury hotels charging more due to higher amenities. In the off-season, expect to pay around $0, but during peak summer season, average prices climb to $0. With options ranging from $0 to $0, there's something for every budget. Hostels are usually cheaper, especially dorm rooms. To save, book during the off-season or keep an eye out for special deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Cape Cod for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $183. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $92 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $92
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $183

Hotels in Cape Cod

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

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

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

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Cape Cod

This family-friendly beach destination makes Cape Cod a great option for traveling with kids, and you'll want to find a larger place to stay.

If you're visiting Cape Cod for a week or more, opting for a vacation rental with a kitchen will let you prepare some of your meals, saving you money.

Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during summer, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.

As a major tourist spot, Cape Cod is frequently busy, but its smaller size means accommodations can fill up quickly. If you're visiting during summer, it's best to plan and book early.



Transportation Budget in Cape Cod

Unfortunately, Cape Cod does not provide a solid public transit network. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Cape Cod is easy to navigate on foot in some locations, which can help you enjoy the sights. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (good)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $50 per person, per day, on local transportation in Cape Cod. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cape Cod is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $50

Transportation Tips

When driving, it's important to check that your hotel has good parking options.



Flights to Cape Cod
How much does it cost to go to Cape Cod? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Cape Cod
The price of renting a car in Cape Cod will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Cape Cod

The food in Cape Cod is delightful, and it's important to take the time to experience all the local tastes. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Cape Cod can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cape Cod is $103 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $103

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cape Cod is around $103 ($103) per person, with previous travelers spending from $45 to $197. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Cape Cod are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $10 to $31
  • Lunch: $15 to $41
  • Dinner: $31 to $72
  • Coffee: $8
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $15

Dining is an activity in itself in Cape Cod. There are countless local restaurants that serve seafood or other specialties. Head to a "clam shack" to enjoy some freshly caught lobster, clams, fish, and mussels. Another favorite of the area is New England clam chowder.

Restaurant prices can be a bit steep in Cape Cod, but the food is reliably good. Don't forget to tip the expected 15% to 20% on top of your bill.

Food in Cape Cod

Food & Dining Tips

If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.

Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.

Save some money and appreciate the beautiful scenery by having a picnic. Find a nearby grocery store or market, pick out some fresh food, and choose a nice park or scenic spot for your meal.

Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.

Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cape Cod

The appeal of Cape Cod is evident, thanks to its food, beaches, family-friendly activities, and romance.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cape Cod typically cost an average of $27 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.
    $27

With its rich history, Cape Cod has a wide diversity of sights to enjoy. The area is known for its lighthouses, with some of the most famous being Nobska Light in Woods Hole, Sandy Neck Light, in Barnstable, Lewis Bay Light in Hyannis Harbor, Hardings and Chatham Light in Chathan, Nauset Light in Eastham, Cape Cod Light in Truro, and Race POint, Wood End, and Long Point Light in Provincetown.

The Historic English Weeping Beech Tree is said to have been gifted by the British Governor in 1776.

Natural beauty is also plentiful in the area. The Cape Cod National Seashore is where you'll find many beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and hiking trails and the Bass River is a popular place for water sports.

Towns
Most people divide Cape Cod into four regions - the Upper Cape, the Mid Cape, the Lower Cape, and the Outer Cape. In the past, the Outer Cape was included with the Lower Cape. There are 15 towns on Cape Cod.

The Upper Cape includes four - Bourne, Sandwich, Falmouth, and Mashpee. The three towns of the Mid Cape are Barnstable, Yarmouth, and Dennis. The Lower Cape includes Brewster, Harwich, Chatham, and Orleans, and the Outer Cape includes Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown.



There really is no shortage of activities to enjoy in Cape Cod, and there really is something for everyone. With its miles of coastline, there are plenty of great swimming spots. Bikers appreciate the wide variety of trails in the area, and anybody interest in water sports can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and more.

If you want to enjoy something a little more subdued, there are plenty of antique shops and art galleries in the area. Golfing is also a popular activity, as is whale watching and tennis.

Sightseeing Tips

Beaches:
Beachgoers frequently travel to Cape Cod for a restful retreat. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Shopping:
Shopping here is a unique experience you'll want to have. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Cape Cod. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Provincetown Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour for $15 details
  • Cape Cod Sunset Kayak Tour for $80 details
  • The Local Tasting Tour - Provincetown & Truro! For $185 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Cape Cod

The nightlife options in Cape Cod are virtually non-existent. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $19 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cape Cod per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $19
Nightlife Tips

Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.



Travel cost data last updated: Dec 16, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Cape Cod

  • During the peak season of summer, prices are typically elevated and the beach destination can be quite crowded. You can enjoy savings and a more relaxed atmosphere by visiting in the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Traveling at a more relaxed pace can help you save money, giving you a chance to appreciate the stunning surroundings while you unwind. Packing your days with too many activities often leads to higher expenses. On the other hand, slowing down can lead to lower costs and a more enjoyable experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Options for public transportation in Cape Cod are limited. Renting a car or prearranging transportation, like a tour, could be a good idea, but it may impact your budget elsewhere.
  • Cape Cod isn't known for its hostels, so if you're banking on finding a cheap dorm, it might be time to adjust your travel plans. A budget hotel or apartment rental could work better for you.
Traveling in Cape Cod
Cape Cod Cape Cod, MA

Cape Cod, in eastern Massachusetts, is a popular travel destination for its natural beauty, rich history, and world renowned restaurants. Many visitors enjoy the bed and breakfasts that are so common in the area, but travelers on a budget may find their money goes a bit farther if that find a short term rental property a bit removed from the water.

This peninsula draws a crowd, particularly during the summer months when it enjoys cooler temperatures than most nearby areas. It's not uncommon for the area's population to swell to three times its year round population between June and August.



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.