Is Washington Expensive?

Is Washington expensive to visit?

Washington is a popular destination that is also moderately priced. It falls in the middle range of travel cost prices globaly with a daily average travel cost of $226. If we compare it to the rest of North America, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a moderately priced place to visit. It ranks in the top 50% of cities in North America for its travel costs. Its travel costs are comparable with places such as Mexico City and Anchorage.

The Lincoln Memorial during the Cherry Blossom Festival - Washington, D.C.

How expensive is Washington?

For a trip to Washington, travelers spend on average $226 per day (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations from previous visitors. As this is an average cost, your individual spending may vary, especially since there's a wide range of accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment options here. If you stick to moderately-priced hotels and restaurants, as well as take advantage of some of free things to do in the area, you can stick close to the average budget. See more travel costs for Washington here to see how all of the average spending costs pan out.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Washington?

On average, a weekend trip to Washington costs about $678 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a weekend trip costs $1,356.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Washington?

A one week trip to Washington costs about $1,582 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $3,164.

Is it expensive to backpack in Washington?

With more than 10 hostels around town, Washington is a very popular backpacker destination. Hostels usually cost around $35 per night. There's a wide range in prices though, with the cheapest beds costing about $22 and the most expensive rooms costing about $47. (See hostel prices in Washington here.)

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Washington.

• $32 for a dorm bed at Duo Housing DC
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• $33 for a dorm bed at Highroad Hostel DC
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• $42 for a dorm bed at Duo Nomad
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Are hotels expensive in Washington?

Examining hotel prices in Washington, we can see that they are moderately priced when compared to hotels in other cities. The average cost for a night in a hotel room is approximately $185. The city is equipped with about five-star hotels, boasting an average nightly rate of $420. For travelers aiming for a comfortable yet budget-conscious stay, three-star hotels come in at an average of $200 per night, while two-star hotels offer a more pocket-friendly choice at $197 per night.

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Washington?

In Washington, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $23 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is less than the country's average of $56.

• Private Pedicab Tour of DC Monuments and Memorials: $270
• Veteran-Led Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour: $54
• DC Mall w/ Washington Monument Ticket Exclusive Guided Tour: $52
• National Archives + American History Museum Exclusive Guided Tour: $175
• National Archives + National Portrait Gallery Tour 6ppl Max: $175
• DC: US Capitol & Library of Congress/Supreme Court Guided Tour: $65
• Socialites and Spies of Georgetown Walking Tour: $30
• Washington DC 2-Hour Golf Cart Morning Tour: $65

Is food expensive in Washington?

In Washington, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $66 per day on food, which is less than the country's average of $97.

• Local Neighborhood Washington DC Food Tour by DrinkEatWalk Tours: $169
• Eat Like a Local: Downtown DC Food Tour with 4 Tastings: $149
• Donuts, Lights & History: DC’s Holiday Walking Food Tour: $70
• Cobblestones & Croissants: A Morning Food Tour in Georgetown, DC: $89
• Washington's Hidden Gems Food Tour with 6+ Tasty Bites: $100
• City Cruises Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise: $116

Is transportation expensive in Washington?

Local transportation in Washington can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $47 on local transportation per person per day, which is more than the country's average of $46. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

More for Washington

If you're planning a trip to Washington, District of Columbia, check out these other informative travel guides.

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.