How much does a one-week (7 days) trip to Monterey cost?

A one week trip to Monterey costs $1,477 per person on average. This information comes from the actual expenses of travelers and includes accommodation, food, local transportation, sightseeing, and other typical travel costs.

How much does a two-week (14 days) trip to Monterey cost?

Two weeks in Monterey costs $2,954 per person on average. This information comes from the actual expenses of travelers and includes accommodation, food, local transportation, sightseeing, and other typical travel costs.

How much does a one-month (4 weeks) trip to Monterey cost?

One month in Monterey costs $6,330 per person on average. This information comes from the actual expenses of travelers and includes accommodation, food, local transportation, sightseeing, and other typical travel costs.

How much do hotels cost in Monterey?

The average daily cost per person, per day for Accommodation in Monterey is $90

How much does transportation cost in Monterey?

The average daily cost per person, per day for Transportation in Monterey is $32

How much does food cost in Monterey?

The average daily cost per person, per day for Food in Monterey is $98

How much do alcoholic beverages cost in Monterey?

The average daily cost per person, per day for Alcohol in Monterey is $21

Monterey Travel Cost - Average Price of a Vacation to Monterey: Food & Meal Budget, Daily & Weekly Expenses

Q: How much does it cost to travel to Monterey?

$211 is the average daily price for traveling in Monterey. The average price of meals in Monterey for one day is $98. The average price of local transportation in Monterey for one day is $32. The average price of a hotel in Monterey for a couple is $181.

Planning a trip to Monterey? This travel cost guide will help you understand what to expect before you go. Our Monterey trip cost calculator uses average expenses from thousands of real travelers, including hotel rates, food and dining costs, sightseeing and entertainment prices, and transportation expenses. Monterey is a relaxing city known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood, and you shouldn't miss out on anything because you did't plan your budget. This guide will help you plan the best trip to Monterey and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.

How much does it cost to travel to Monterey?

A typical traveler spends $211 per day on a trip to Monterey. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Monterey based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

$98 on meals
$32 on local transportation
$181 on hotels

A one-week trip to Monterey for two people costs, on average, $2,954. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

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

Travel Style:
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

$211

One Week Per person

$1,477
2 Weeks Per person

$2,954
One Month Per person

$6,330
One Week For a couple

$2,954
2 Weeks For a couple

$5,908
One Month For a couple

$12,660

This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. .

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Monterey cost?

A one week trip to Monterey usually costs around $1,477 for one person and $2,954 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Monterey on average costs around $2,954 for one person and $5,908 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 Monterey will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Monterey on average costs around $6,330 for one person and $12,660 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Is Monterey expensive to visit?

In Monterey, budget travelers spend $91 per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $211 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $428 per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Monterey.

Monterey is a great city that brings in a diverse crowd of visitors, each with unique travel styles and spending behaviors. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

Monterey can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and exploring on foot.

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

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

How much money do I need for a trip to Monterey?

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

Monterey on a Budget

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation¹ For 1 person in double occupancy	$39	$90	$186
Local Transportation¹	$14	$32	$62
Food²	$42	$98	$198
Entertainment¹	$11	$27	$57
Alcohol²	$4-13	$10-31	$21-64

Accommodation Budget in Monterey

Hotel prices in Monterey can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak summer season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $172 up to around $321. From $110 for budget options to $575 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Monterey for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $181. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $90 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

Accommodation¹ Hotel or hostel for one person

$90
Accommodation¹ Typical double-occupancy room

$181

Hotels in Monterey

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

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Monterey include:

The Jabberwock Bed & Breakfast starting at $289
Hotel Abrego starting at $241
Victorian Inn Monterey starting at $239
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa starting at $149
Wave Street Inn starting at $259

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Monterey

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

Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of summer, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.

Walking is a common way to explore Monterey, so look for a place right in the heart of the action. This might, however, come at a higher price.

Recommended Properties

Transportation Budget in Monterey

Unfortunately, Monterey does not provide a solid public transit network. There is a bus system through the area.

Anyone who enjoys a good walk to discover their surroundings will love it here. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

Public Transit: (moderate)
Walkability: (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

On average, past travelers have spent $32 per person, per day, on local transportation in Monterey. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Monterey is significantly more than public transportation.
Transportation¹ Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

$32

While you can fly into the Monterey regional airport, which is conveniently 10 minutes away from downtown Monterey, road trips are recommended because the ride on Highway 1, aka Pacific Coast Highway, from either San Francisco or Southern California, allows you to see the beautiful scenery of the California Central Coast.

By train, Amtrak Coast Starlight train runs through Salinas, up and down the Pacific Coast at various budgets.

The nearest Greyhound Station for those who prefer traveling by bus is in Salinas. From Salinas, there is a free bus that can take you to downtown Monterey in 30 minutes.

Within the city, during high travel season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), the Monterey-Salinas Transit offers free rides on the Wave Trolley, between various points including the aquarium, the wharf and downtown Monterey. Bike rentals are also a popular way to see and get around the city. Bay Bikes and Adventures by the Sea both offer bike and electric bike rentals.

Transportation Tips

Ensure that your hotel has easy parking arrangements if you're planning to drive.

Flights to Monterey

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

Rental Cars in Monterey

The price of renting a car in Monterey 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 Monterey

Don't overlook the delicious food in Monterey. Make sure you take some time to savor all the local specialties. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

While restaurant and meal prices in Monterey can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Monterey is $98 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
Food² Meals for one day

$98

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Monterey is around $98 ($98) per person, with previous travelers spending from $42 to $198. 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 Monterey are as follows:

Breakfast: $10 to $29
Lunch: $15 to $39
Dinner: $29 to $68
Coffee: $8
Fast Food or Street Food: $15

You'll find no shortage of restaurants around town and while most cater specifically to tourists, they still offer fresh and delicious foods, often at a good price. Seafood specialties in the area include clam chowder in sourdough bread, abalone, calamari, and Dungeness crab. Sanddabs are a local seafood that is typically fried.

There are plenty of excellent seafood restaurants at the Wharf and downtown. Grotto Fish Market, Old Monterey's Fish House, and Sea Harvest Fish Market are all contenders for the title of the best clam chowder around.

The Poke Lab is a hot new restaurant following the latest poke food trend. Diners love the ahi tuna bowl with sesame ponzu sauce. Crepes of Brittany offers delicious crepes, both savory and sweet at a budget price. Try the ever-popular caramelized onion buckwheat crepe and finish with the cooked banana crepe for dessert.

For brunch with a nice price, Loulou's Griddle in the Middle is famous for its crabcakes and eggs, calamari steak, and seafood omelette. Be warned: there's usually a long wait, so arrive early. On the up side, Loulou's takes your cell phone number so you can meander the pier while you wait.

Off the beaten path, Monterey's Fish House is a moderately-priced restaurant frequented by locals, who love the cioppino, crab ravioli, and oak-grilled cooking method.

Restaurant 1833, though a little pricier, is a lovely place for fine-dining in a romantic and intimate setting. Menu highlights include the applewood-smoked sturgeon, roasted bone marrow, and the crowd favorite, bacon cheddar biscuits.

Passionfish is Monterey's first certified green restaurant, taking pride in serving delicious food that is also sustainable and good for the planet. Passionfish draws in the crowds of fine diners with their dungeness crab salad, smoked trout, duck confit, and bread pudding. Wine lists are priced at retail, not only a bonus for your wallet, but they also keep stock of many rare wines.

In addition to seafood, the area is also well known for its artichokes, which can be a wonderful option when they're in season. You can find them prepared in any number of ways including fried, grilled, boiled, or as an ingredient in other dishes. While there's no shortage of seafood restaurants, you can also easily find international options in town ranging from Thai to Mexican.

Food & Dining Tips

If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.

Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.

Carry your own water bottle instead of spending on drinks. It's also a positive step for the environment.

Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.

Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Monterey

Tourists can't resist Monterey, especially for its well-known family-friendly activities, museums and attractions, food, and nightlife.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Monterey 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

Monterey is heavy with both Spanish and Mexican heritage as easily seen in the architecture of the Monterey Old Town Historic District. If you haven't planned out your trip, stop by the Visitor's Center for information about events and points of interest, including historical landmarks like the Presidio Chapel, the Cooper Ladera Adobe house, and Colton Hall, the building where California became a state and the first California constitution was written.

Some of the main attractions of Monterey are at the waterfront. Stroll down Fisherman's Wharf for souvenir shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars on the way to observe the seals laying out on the Coast Guard Pier. Rent a bike, a surrey, or simply walk north on the 18-mile-long paved Recreation Trail from the wharf to Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck's book with the same name.

Monterey was the sardine capital of the world in the 1930s and today, restaurants, shops and hotels occupy the former canning facilities. While you're there, search for seaglass at Macabee Beach and check out the starfish, anemones and other sealife in the tidepools at Saint Carlos Beach.

If you continue north on the recreation trail, you'll come across the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where visitors can see and learn about thousands of different species of animals. The aquarium is great for kids and hands-on fun with a 40-foot long touch pool to interact with different plants and sealife local to the bay. Further north on the Recreation Trail is Lover's Point, popular for sailing the rocky shores, swimming, and taking in the beautiful view from the peaceful and romantic park.

Get in your car for one of the most scenic drives in the world on the iconic 17-mile drive for views of the Lone Cypress,Point Joe, Fanshell Overlook, the Spanish Bay, and Pebble Beach. Monterey is a dog-friendly city and you'll be sure to come across plenty of dog-friendly hotels. Dogs are also welcome off leash at Del Monte Beach, where you can end your evening with a bonfire in the fire pits under the night sky.

Another great place to visit which is not far from Monterey and other nearby coastal towns is the new Pinnacles National Park. With a rental car or camper van, reaching this park only takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. This beautiful natural area is full of peaks, forest, and wildlife. For more information, check out this great guide to Pinnacles National Park.

If you're looking for active things to do, you'll be sure to find plenty to do. From whale-watching tours to fishing trips to harbor cruises, there are lots of tour operators and charter boats to take you out to sea. During high tide, surfing is an amazing experience for beginner and seasoned surfers alike, and it's not uncommon to experience sea animals that come up right up to your board.

Monterey is also the perfect setting to try out other watersports, including paddle-boarding, kayaking, and skimboarding during low-tide. Scuba divers can check out the the immense kelp forests and explore "the best beach to dive in the US," as named by by Scuba Diving magazine.

Those who are looking for a lower impact workout can enjoy Monterey Wine Country, named the wine-tasting destination of 2013. A Taste of Monterey on Cannery Row features wines from more than 85 local wineries. Climb aboard the Monterey Wine Trolley, which takes visitors on 3-5 hour wine tours which can take you to 3-6 different wineries (depending on the package) around town and in Carmel Valley Village, which also has a number of wine tasting rooms.

Monterey Peninsula also has popular golfing spots at Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pacific Grove Golf Links, and Spyglass Hill. Meanwhile, shoppers will find a plethora of shops at Del Monte Center and around Cannery Row.

For nightlife, Cannery Row and Alvarado Street are both hotspots. Lined with pubs playing live music, venues for comedy shows and intimate concerts, dance clubs, and karaoke bars, there's bound to be a nightlife scene fit for anyone, even if it's live entertainment out on the street.

Thrillseekers can take advantage of Monterey's beautiful terrain as they skydive and paraglide over the Santa Lucia Mountains, sand dunes and Monterey Bay.

For a local experience, check out Monterey's Farmer's Market which is open every Tuesday, rain or shine, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Old Monterey Marketplace.

Some popular annual events and festivals in Monterey are:

- The Monterey Beer Festival and the Monterey Wine Festival, both in early June.

- The Monterey Jazz Festival, one of the biggest and best jazz festivals in the world, a 3-day weekend festival which takes place each year in September.

- The Redbull US Grand Prix in April.

- The Big Sur Half-Marathon in mid-November.

Monterey has over 150 accommodations so you'll be sure to find a fitting place to stay, whether it's a luxury 4-star hotel, bed and breakfast, inn, brand name motel, or hostel, no matter what your budget. Super budget travelers can sleep under the stars while camping at Veterans Memorial Park.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Monterey have earned worldwide fame. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

Shopping:
Visiting this shopping destination is an experience you can't afford to miss. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Monterey. 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:

17-Mile Drive Pebble Beach E-Bike Tour for $75 details
"Family Friendly" Scenic E-Bike Tour along 17 Mile Dr for $79 details
Monterey Peninsula Sightseeing Tour including 17 Mile Drive for $202 details

Recommended Activities

Nightlife Budget in Monterey

Visitors to Monterey find the nightlife exhilarating, enjoying nights filled with fun at the local bars, clubs, and parties. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average person spends about $21 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Monterey per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Alcohol² Drinks for one day

$21

Nightlife Tips

While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.

Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Monterey. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour for $206 details

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Monterey

Prices generally surge and the city fills up during the peak season in summer. To enjoy some savings and a less crowded atmosphere, aim to visit during the shoulder or low seasons.
Slowing down your travel pace can be a great way to save money while still enjoying the beautiful sights around you. If you fill your days with too many activities, the costs can quickly add up. However, by taking your time and appreciating the moment, you'll typically find yourself spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

Many people visit Monterey to enjoy the stunning scuba diving experiences. This can become expensive, with limited ways to save. Dive trips, rental gear, and boating excursions could take up a large part of your budget. Make sure to review your travel insurance to confirm it covers everything, especially accidents or cancellations caused by the weather.
In Monterey, public transport options are quite limited. You might consider renting a car or scheduling some form of transportation in advance, such as a tour. However, be aware that this may impact your budget elsewhere.
If you were planning on staying in a hostel in Monterey, you might want to reconsider. There aren't many options available, so finding a budget hotel or renting an apartment might be a better choice.

Traveling in Monterey

Sea Lions in Monterey Bay

When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.

Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.

Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.

Neighborhoods & Around

Monterey has some interesting neighborhoods to explore. The downtown area has a high concentration of historic buildings. Alvarado Street is the main street through the area and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants, bars, and shops. Cannery Row is where you'll find the aquarium as well as many restaurants with local seafood. Adjacent to the downtown area is Old Town. This area can be further divided into two sections. The southern section is defined by the intersection of Madison and Pacific Streets and the northern section borders the bay. Del Monte Beach is to the east.

Related:

Looking for a party hostel in Las Vegas or San Diego? Traveling alone to NYC or LA? Want a budget hostel in San Francisco?

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in Monterey 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 is a budget traveler, anyway?

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 $91 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 is a key highlight for everyone who visits Monterey, but budget travelers often stick to street food or cook in their hostel, which means they might not fully appreciate the local culinary offerings.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Those traveling to Monterey often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $211 per person, per day.

In Monterey, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. The Jabberwock Bed & Breakfast is a great choice for families, and Spindrift Inn is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Monterey.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $428. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city means you'll need a more luxurious budget.

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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.

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