Travel Budget for New York City Visit New York City on a Budget or Travel in Style

New York City, New York, United States of America

How much does it cost to travel to New York City?

You should plan to spend around $326 per day on your vacation in New York City. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $50 on meals
  • $49 on local transportation
  • $350 on hotels

A one week trip to New York City for two people costs, on average, $4,564. 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
    $326
  • One Week Per person
    $2,282
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $4,564
  • One Month Per person
    $9,780
  • One Week For a couple
    $4,564
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $9,128
  • One Month For a couple
    $19,560
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 New York City cost?

A one week trip to New York City usually costs around $2,282 for one person and $4,564 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to New York City on average costs around $4,564 for one person and $9,128 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 New York City will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to New York City on average costs around $9,780 for one person and $19,560 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to New York City 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 New York City expensive to visit?

New York City is a somewhat more expensive place to visit. Located in the United States of America, which is a moderately priced country, visitors will need to plan for the extra expenses of this destination. It is in the top 25% of cities in the country for its overall travel expenses. When visiting, expect to pay somewhat higher prices for accommodation, food, and activities.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, New York City is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, New York City is generally more expensive than most.

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

How much money do I need for a trip to New York City?

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


Category Cost
Accommodation 1 (Double Occupancy) $350
Local Transportation 1 $49
Food 2 $50
Entertainment 1 $180
Alcohol 2 $15 - 44
Accommodation Budget in New York City

The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in New York City can be very surprising. Some destinations have much higher price tags than others, and even within the same areas you can find a big difference between the budget-friendly and higher-end hotels. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in New York City is $175. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in New York City is $350. This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.


  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $175
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $350

Hotel Prices in New York City

Looking for a hotel in New York City? 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 New York City based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $175. (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.

The most affordable highest rated hotels in New York City include:

  • Merrion Row Hotel and Public House starting at $228
  • Blakely New York Hotel starting at $182
  • Casablanca Hotel New York City starting at $242

Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in New York City
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The cost of a taxi ride in New York City is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $49 per person, per day, on local transportation in New York City.


  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $49

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Private Transfer from JFK Airport to Hotel in Manhattan Mas Tour for $195 details
  • Newark Liberty International Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to / from NYC for $34 details
  • NYC Airports All Inclusive Private Departure Transfer JFK LGA EWR for $75 details

Recommended Services


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

Rental Cars in New York City
The price of renting a car in New York City 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.


What did other people spend on Transportation in New York City?

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


  • Subway
    $4.50
  • Taxi Ride
    $8.00
  • Subway
    $2.50


Food Budget in New York City
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While meal prices in New York City can vary, the average cost of food in New York City is $50 per day, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.


  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $50

If you want to experience the culture in New York City, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Bridge, and DUMBO Food Tour for $84 details
  • The Best of New York Food Tour for $129 details
  • East Village Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour (Small Group) for $69 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on Food in New York City?

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


  • Gelato
    $7.50
  • Snacks for Two at Yankees Game
    $34
  • Coffee
    $6.53
  • Smoothie
    $6.95


Entertainment Budget in New York City
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

A nice way to explore destinations in New York City is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. 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:

  • Central Park PAW Pedicab Tour for $120 details
  • New York City Historic Walking Tour of Hamilton and Washington for $50 details

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on Entertainment in New York City?

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


  • Comedy Show Tickets
    $56
  • City Map
    $8.00
  • Broadway Musical
    $111
  • Broadway Show Program
    $10
  • Magazine
    $6.99


Alcohol Budget in New York City
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $29 on alcoholic beverages in New York City per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.


  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $29

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in New York City. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • History Tour Pub Crawl of Historic Stone Street for $25 details
  • 4 Hours Friending & Bar Crawl as Local New Yorker for $29 details
  • Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl for $49 details

Recommended


Last Updated: Jan 15, 2024
Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about New York City.

Why would you recommend New York City to budget travelers? Or, why not?

It's an iconic city and, while it's expensive, it's still possible to find hostels and affdable things to do.

lucille b
-
Mar 18 2024

It's not cheap, but definitely one of those not-to-be-missed international cities. We stayed in Brooklyn at a reasonably priced hotel and ate at slightly cheaper restaurants.

Changfi X
-
Jun 19 2023

What makes New York City a budget-friendly destination? Or not?

Most people think that New York is expensive to visit, but it's one of the few American cities with hostels. We loved staying in a hostel here. There's also public transit and plenty of free activities around town.

paulana c
-
Jul 26 2023

How can you save money during your time in New York City?

We stayed in a hotel outside of Manhattan in Long Island City to save money. There were also some cheaper restaurants in this area too, so we didn't eat every meal in the more expensive areas of the city. Taking the subway was by far the best decision, too.

Shanice40330
-
Dec 30 2023

Are you an experienced traveler?
Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels.

+ Add Comment

New York City on a Budget
New York City New York City
The most populated city in the United States, New York City, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River and encompasses both the island of Manhattan as well as the surrounding land on Long Island, most of which is known as Brooklyn. It's a cultural, culinary, theatrical, and art center that has much to offer domestic and international travelers alike. The city covers an area of 305 square miles and has a population of about 8.2 million people in the city proper with 18.7 million in the metropolitan area.

New York is very expensive. Generally, it's the most expensive city in the U.S. for both travelers and residents. Making a trip to New York on a budget can be a real challenge, but it can be done. Food can be found for cheap prices, and transportation around the city can be cheap if you use public transportation. However, expect to pay a lot for accommodations as well as tours and activities.

The city is where you will find the famous Ellis Island, which is the historical gateway for immigration to the United States. New York City's influence touches commerce, finance, media, art, technology and entertainment globally. It is also a center for international diplomacy and a financial capital for the world.

New York has a humid continental climate with long and cold winters and warm summers with high humidity.
Sights
There is no shortage of sights and attractions in New York City. After all, this is usually the start of many people's U.S.A. travel bucket list. You can't expect to fit everything into one visit, but there are a few places that you must see. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is truly a fascinating experience. Also make sure you visit the memorial at the sight of the World Trade Center. The New York Stock Exchange is worth a stroll, and the views from the top of the Empire State Building are quite impressive. Of course, these are just the most famous of the many things to do in New York City.

A trip to New York isn't complete without a trip to Times Square and an evening at a Broadway Show. There are some great options to pick up discount tickets if you book ahead online, or get a last minute ticket in person.

Also make sure you allow yourself some time to visit the city's excellent museums, such as the Met, which are unmatched.
Neighborhoods
The metropolitan New York City area has many boroughs, with Manhattan being the most famous and frequently visited. Brooklyn is the largest borough outside of Manhattan and is home to Coney Island as well and a great art and music scene. Queens has the city's two international airports and is one of the most ethnically diverse areas. The Bronx has the famous zoo, as well as botanical gardens and the popular Yankees baseball team. Staten Island is more suburban in character.

Within Manhattan, notable neighborhoods include Inwood, Harlem, Mornigside Heights, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Midtown, Gramercy Park, Madison Square Park, Times Square, Chelsea, Union Square, East Village, Greenwich Village, the Meatpacking District, NoHo, SoHo, Chinatown, Little Italy, Lower East Side, and Lower Manhattan.

Activities
New York City is all about entertainment. The theaters are among the best in the world, so you must check out a show. Shopping is also excellent as are the concerts and street fairs. Parades are very common so don't be surprised if you stumble into one. If you're interested in a walking or bus tour, they are also available almost everywhere. Ask at your hotel or at any of the booths that are near tourist attractions.

New York is full of activities and energy any time of the year. Summer is a busy season with plenty of outdoor festivals and concerts in Central Park. Or spend time outdoors enjoying the multitudes of famous street art in New York City.

But the holidays are busy, too. Check out the best Christmas markets in New York City, or the Thanksgiving Day Parade, or the iconic New Year's Eve celebration.

For more ideas of things to do and what to see, check out this great 5-day New York City itinerary for your next trip.
Food and Dining
There are thousands of restaurants around New York that are for all styles, cuisines and budgets. The city is known for its diversity of ethnic cuisines so wander around and if you see a place that looks interesting, check it out. Of particular interest for visitors are the famous New York delis, street food, pizza, hot dogs and cheesecake. Or dine at one of NYC's many rooftop restaurants. Also make sure you grab a bite in Little Italy, and pick up some dim sum in Chinatown. New York pizza is also some of the best, so find a hole in the wall restaurant and pick up a slice, or read this amazing New York Pizza restaurant guide. For more information, see this guide to where to eat in New York City.

And if you're looking to treat yourself to something nice, check out afternoon tea in New York City, too!

Transportation
In general, NYC is laid out like a grid. Streets run east and west while avenues run north and south. It's relatively easy to find your way once you understand the system. Streets are numbered increasing to the north. Avenues are numbered east to west.

The subway system in New York City, while old, is generally efficient and a good way to make your way around the city. If you're only traveling a short distance, walking is definitely the way to go though. Taxis seem abundant, but in a crunch it can be difficult to flag one down. They are also quite expensive and best avoided if you're on a tight budget.

If you plan to ride the buses or subway then you should buy a MetroCard. You can buy these cards at station booths, vending machines in the subway stations, at grocery stores, news stands or online.
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?

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.