Washington is an active city known for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. 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. So, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Washington, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Washington?
You should plan to spend around $226 per day on your vacation in Washington. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $66 on meals
- $47 on local transportation
- $226 on hotels
A one week trip to Washington for two people costs, on average, $3,164. 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.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,582
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$3,164
-
One Month
Per person
$6,780
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,164
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,328
-
One Month
For a couple
$13,560
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Washington cost?
A one week trip to Washington usually costs around $1,582 for one person and $3,164 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Washington on average costs around $3,164 for one person and $6,328 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 Washington will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Washington on average costs around $6,780 for one person and $13,560 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Washington expensive to visit?
Washington is a bustling city full of activities to keep you entertained. With travelers coming from all walks of life, you'll see everything from budget adventurers to high-end explorers enjoying the scene. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you choose to make it so, Washington can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $103 per day, mid-range travelers spend $226 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $477 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Washington.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Washington is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Chattanooga or Cape Cod.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Washington Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Washington?
The average Washington trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Washington travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Washington cost?
Washington on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$47
|
$113
|
$256
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$19
|
$47
|
$105
|
Food 2
|
$29
|
$66
|
$129
|
Entertainment 1
|
$9.25
|
$24
|
$62
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-12
|
$9-28
|
$18-54
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Washington cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $103 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Luckily, Washington offers plenty of hostels, including Highroad Hostel DC, Generator Washington DC, and Duo Nomad. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal. The city boasts excellent public transit, allowing budget travelers to skip costly taxi or Uber fares. Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to Washington, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. A trip to Washington wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $226 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Washington. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Lyle Washington DC is a good kid-friendly option, and Morrison Clark Inn is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Washington here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $477. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the city, be prepared for premium pricing. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Skip-the-line National Archives Building Guided Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Washington
In Washington, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $185 and peak summer season rising to an average of $345. Prices typically range from $119 to $681, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Washington for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $226. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $113 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Washington? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Washington include:
- The Avery Georgetown starting at $284
- The Fairmont Washington DC starting at $283
- Eaton DC starting at $204
- Lyle Washington DC starting at $179
- Morrison Clark Inn starting at $139
Washington is a vast city with an abundance of lodging choices. You can find everything from budget hostels such as Highroad Hostel DC to vacation rentals and luxurious hotels. While city center accommodations tend to be pricier, they provide easy access to public transit and tourist attractions.
The great public transit system in Washington gives you the option to stay outside the city, but keep in mind that while it may save you on lodging, it could cost more in transit.
Washington is known for being family friendly, so when traveling with kids, look for accommodations that offer more space. It's a large city, so don't be surprised if the rooms feel a bit small and cramped.
Many visitors spend up to a week in Washington. If you're staying for an extended period of time, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be a great option that would allow you to prepare your own meals.
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of summer, you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
Lots of folks enjoy wandering around Washington, making it ideal to book a place in the heart of the city. Be aware that this may mean spending a bit more.
Transportation Budget in Washington
Washington is a large city, so transportation is key. Luckily, Washington has a great public transit network. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city. To save money, public transit is your best bet, but taxis and rideshares are also available for convenience.
Visitors who prefer to discover the area by walking will find it enjoyable. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.
Public Transit: 



(excellent)
Walkability: 



(excellent)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $47 per person, per day, on local transportation in Washington. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Washington is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$47
If you expect to ride public transit often, multi-day passes can be an effective way to save money.
Be cautious of pickpockets on buses and trains, as well as in the stations. Remember, Washington is a bustling metropolis.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Ronald Reagan, Washington National Airport transfer for $150 details
- Private Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) transfer Round trip for $300 details
- Transfer from Ronald Reagan Airport DCA to Washington DC by SUV for $167 details
How much does it cost to go to Washington? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Washington 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.
Below, you'll find common transit prices in Washington, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.
Food Budget in Washington
The cuisine in Washington is world-class, and you don't want to miss it. Make sure to take some time to eat at the local restaurants and taste some of the special dishes. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Washington can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Washington is $66 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$66
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Washington is around $66 ($66) per person, with previous travelers spending from $29 to $129. 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 Washington are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $20
- Lunch: $10 to $26
- Dinner: $20 to $46
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
Washington DC's restaurants are heavily influenced by the international character of the city. There is no shortage of ethnic restaurants around town, most of which are excellent. Popular options include Ethiopian, Filipino and Vietnamese restaurants. Unfortunately, the most interesting restaurants are generally not located near the tourist attractions. The dining options around the National Mall are limited to food stands and museum cafeterias, most of which are way overpriced and low in quality. Plan your day so that you can venture further out to find a local eatery with unique food. Otherwise, you're sure to be disappointed with your dining options and miss a large part of what the city has to offer.
It is possible to find cheap meals in the city. Ethnic restaurants are some of the most affordable options. There are also high end, trendy restaurants where you may bump into lobbyists or politicians. The most expensive restaurants tend to be located in the West End, East End, Dupont Circle, and Georgetown.
Dining at nicer restaurants for lunch rather than dinner can help you save money. Many restaurants in touristy areas or business hubs provide lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' Often, these options are simply smaller and more affordable versions of their dinner menus. If you play your cards right, you could enjoy a full multi-course gourmet meal without breaking the bank. Then, you can keep it light for dinner.
When eating out with children, look for places that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a significant amount since those meals are typically priced lower. Be aware that some restaurants may not list the kids' options, so it's wise to inquire with your waiter beforehand.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Save money while enjoying the scenery by planning a picnic. Visit a local grocery store or market, gather some fresh treats, and find a lovely park or scenic spot to relish your meal.
Fill a water bottle rather than purchasing drinks constantly. It's a smart and eco-friendly choice.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Washington, 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:
- Cobblestones & Croissants, AM Georgetown Food Tour, Washington DC for $85 details
- Private Traditional Filipino Cooking Class Near Washington DC for $154 details
- Gastronomic Georgetown Walking Food Tour for $84 details
Typical food prices in Washington, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
-
Water
$2.00
-
Snacks on Monuments Tour
$6.15
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Washington
It's no wonder that tourists flock to Washington, as it is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Washington typically cost an average of $24 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.
$24
As a tourist, you are likely to spend much of your time around the National Mall. This is the name given to the giant lawn that is surrounded by many monuments and museums. Here you will find the famous Smithsonian Museums as well as the Washington Monument, the reflecting pool and the Lincoln Memorial among many others. The Tidal Basin is one of our favorite spots, as it is home to a few memorials along with plenty of Cherry Blossom Trees, which makes D.C. a great place to visit in the Spring.
The capital city has no shortage of monuments and memorials, and they seem to add new ones every year. Some of the most famous landmarks are the FDR Memorial (best visited at night), the Vietnam War Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the National Gallery of Art, the Holocaust Museum, the White House, and the US Capital Building. Most of the sights and museums in Washington DC are free. This makes the city a surprisingly budget friendly destination.
While many of the sights you want to see are around the mall area, it's important you venture into some of the neighborhoods around Washington, DC. Each neighborhood has its own feel and character. Make sure you step off the beaten path to see Washington DC as a real city, not just a gathering of monuments.
There is no shortage of activities and events in the city. There always seems to be a festival going on, particularly during the summer months. Parks worth exploring in the area include Rock Creek Park and Roosevelt Island. Interesting festivals include the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the National Kite Festival, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
The Zoo is part of the Smithsonian, and entry is free (parking a car entails a fee, though). Located near Rock Creek Park and not far from a couple of metro stations, getting here is easy. Plenty of amazing exhibits are on display, including Pandas! For more details, check out fun facts about the Smithsonian National Zoo which includes more information about the Pandas, the location, and other animals.
Museums and Attractions:
Washington is well-known for its iconic museums and renowned landmarks. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.
Theatre Productions:
You shouldn't miss out on the theater scene. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.
Shopping:
You'll find shopping here to be an experience worth having. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Washington. 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:
- Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard Exclusive Guided Tour for $52 details
- National Archives + National Portrait Gallery - Semi Private Tour for $175 details
- Residences of the Presidentses Walking Tour: Dupont & Kalorama for $25 details
Nightlife Budget in Washington
The nightlife scene in Washington is exciting and dynamic, drawing visitors who enjoy exploring the local bars, clubs, and parties. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $19 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Washington 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
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Washington. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited for $255 details
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl for $59 details
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl for $36 details
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 22, 2024
Traveling in Washington
The Lincoln Memorial during the Cherry Blossom Festival - Washington, D.C.
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
Washington DC is the center of all three branches of the federal government including Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court. As the political center of the country, there is no shortage of sights, landmarks and monuments. It is also one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. as it attracts immigrants and diplomats from all over the world. There are 176 foreign embassies located in the city along with the headquarters for many different international organizations, non-profits and professional groups.
Neighborhoods & Around
Most tourists spend the majority of their time around the National Mall. You should really explore other neighborhoods though, as the city has a lot to offer. The downtown area is where you'll find the National Mall, the East End, West End, and Waterfront. The North Central area has Dupont Circle, Shaw, Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, and LeDroit Park. The West has Georgetown and Upper Northwest. East has Capitol Hill, Brookland-Teworth-Takoma and Anacostia.
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I found the restaurants to be somewhat expensive, but everything else was cheap or free! So many of the major museums are free, and of course the monuments are too. So we got around town seeing so many places for free, and we took the metro which was also cheaper than a taxi or bus tour.