Explore average daily travel costs in top U.S. cities including food, transport, hotel, and more. Plan smarter with this breakdown.
Average Daily Travel Cost in the USA (City-by-City)
Understanding travel costs is essential for tourists planning a USA trip. Prices have been rising in recent years, and expenses can vary dramatically from one city to another. By researching average daily costs for each destination, travelers can budget wisely and avoid surprises. The cost of hotels, food, transportation, and attractions in New York City will differ greatly from, say, Kansas City or Memphis, so it’s important to plan by location. In this guide, we break down the average daily travel cost in the USA on a city-by-city basis, helping you anticipate expenses and plan smarter for your adventure.
Prices are on the rise nationwide – from higher gasoline and airfare to increasing hotel rates – making it more important than ever to budget for each destination. A little planning goes a long way. Knowing, for example, that New York is among the most expensive U.S. cities while some smaller cities are far more affordable will help you adjust your itinerary or spending. Whether you’re a backpacker or a family on vacation, being informed about typical daily costs in each city will empower you to travel within your means.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel in the USA Per Day?
On average, traveling in the United States costs around $325 per day per person for a mid-range travelerbudgetyourtrip.combudgetyourtrip.com. This national average includes lodging, meals, local transportation, attractions, and miscellaneous expenses. Budget travelers (backpackers or frugal tourists) spend less – around $121 per day on average – while luxury travelers might spend $900 or more dailybudgetyourtrip.com. Of course, these numbers are just benchmarks; your actual spending will depend on your travel style and the cities you visit. To better understand where the money goes, here’s a sample daily cost breakdown for an average mid-range traveler in the USA:
| Expense Category | Average Daily Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (Hotel)** | ~$130 (mid-range hotel or Airbnb) |
| Food & Drinks | ~$90 (meals, snacks, drinks) |
| Local Transportation | ~$45 (public transit, taxis, rideshares) |
| Attractions & Entertainment | ~$40 (museums, tours, park fees) |
| Miscellaneous (Souvenirs, tips, etc.) | ~$20 |
| Total Per Person Per Day | ≈ $325 |
Estimated costs; actual prices vary by city and season.
As the table suggests, accommodations and food tend to be the biggest daily expenses for most travelers. For example, mid-range hotels average about $130 per night (though this ranges from under $100 in smaller cities to well over $250 in places like New York). An average traveler might spend around $90 per day on food, which accounts for dining at restaurants for most mealsbudgetyourtrip.com. Local transportation (about $40–$50) can include subway or bus passes, rideshare fares, or maybe a rental car and gas if you’re road-trippingbudgetyourtrip.com. Attractions and entertainment costs vary widely – you might spend nothing on a free hiking trail or Smithsonian museum, or $50 on a theme park ticket or Broadway show. Miscellaneous expenses include things like souvenirs, coffee, tips, or travel supplies. All together, it adds up quickly.
Keep in mind these are national averages – costs in each city can deviate significantly from the mean. Next, we’ll dive into a city-by-city breakdown to see how daily budgets differ in popular U.S. destinations.
City-by-City Cost Breakdown
Every city has its own price tag. Below, we break down the average daily travel cost in several top U.S. cities, highlighting typical expenses for hotels, food, transportation, and attractions in each. These estimates assume a moderate travel style (comfortable but not luxury) and are based on data from other travelers and cost-of-living resources. Use these city breakdowns to fine-tune your budget for each stop on your trip.
New York City, NY
New York City is often cited as the most expensive city in the United States for travelers – and for good reason. An average visitor in NYC spends about $363 per day to see the Big Applebudgetyourtrip.com. This daily budget includes lodging, meals, transit, and activities. Hotels in NYC are a major expense: a basic hotel room in Manhattan can easily cost $200–$300 per night (even higher for central locations), while hostel dorm beds start around $50lonelyplanet.com. On average, past travelers have reported spending roughly $350 per day on hotelsbudgetyourtrip.com, which likely reflects a mid-range hotel split between two people. Food is another costly item – expect to spend about $80–$100 per person per day on meals if you’re eating out for breakfast, lunch, and dinnerbudgetyourtrip.com. Upscale restaurants in NYC are pricey (a three-course dinner for two can run ~$90 according to Numbeo’s cost databasenumbeo.com), but you can save by grabbing $2 pizza slices or dining where locals do. Local transportation is relatively affordable: a subway ride costs about $2.90 one-waylonelyplanet.com, and an unlimited daily MetroCard is around $13. Using the subway and buses, or simply walking, can keep your transport costs under $10 per day. Taxis and Ubers, however, add up quickly (a few rides could easily be $40–$50 in total). Attractions in NYC can range from free (Central Park, public museums on certain days) to $30+ for famous sites (e.g. Top of the Rock observation deck, museum entries). Many travelers budget about $25–$50 per day for attractions in NYC – for example, you might pay ~$30 to visit one big attraction and enjoy free sights for the rest of the daythesavvybackpacker.com.
Despite the high costs, there are ways to save in New York. Public transit and walking are your friends (not only is it cheaper, it’s often faster than a cab in traffic). Eating at least some meals from food trucks, cafes, or grocery stores will cut food costs. Also consider combo tickets or city passes – the New York CityPASS bundle, for instance, can save money if you plan to hit multiple marquee attractions. NYC’s bottom line: be prepared for a high daily spend, but wise choices (like staying in a borough outside Manhattan or visiting free attractions) can moderate the budget. According to traveler surveys, New York ranks in the top 25% of most expensive North American cities for travel costsbudgetyourtrip.com, so allocate your funds accordingly.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, the sprawling city of Hollywood glamor and sunny beaches, has an average daily travel cost around $300 per personbudgetyourtrip.com. LA can be expensive, but slightly less so than New York. Accommodation in Los Angeles typically runs about $275 per night for a hotelbudgetyourtrip.com (mid-range), which often comes out to roughly $140 per person if you’re sharing a room. Deals can be found in less central areas, but popular districts (Downtown, Santa Monica, Hollywood) will see higher rates, especially in peak season. Food in LA will cost roughly $100+ per day for three mealsbudgetyourtrip.com, since the city has a thriving dining scene from food trucks to upscale restaurants. You can feast on $1 tacos or splurge on a $60 celebrity-chef dinner – it’s all available. Budget about $30–$40 for dinner at a casual restaurant, and less for lunch or breakfast; plenty of inexpensive ethnic eateries and fast-food options help keep meal costs manageable. Local transportation in Los Angeles might be a larger part of your budget compared to other cities, because the city is so spread out. Public transit exists (the Metro rail and buses) and is cheap (~$1.75 per ride or $7 for a day pass), but many visitors opt to rent a car or use ride-shares. Rental cars add costs for daily rates, gas, and parking fees. If you do rent a car, expect to spend $40 or more per day on transport (including parking at attractions or hotels). If relying on Uber/Lyft, those trips can average $20–$50 each depending on distance – it adds up. Past traveler data shows an average of $40 per day on local transport in LAbudgetyourtrip.com, which likely combines some transit with occasional rideshare use. Entertainment and attractions in Los Angeles often revolve around theme parks and tours. A single-day ticket to Disneyland or Universal Studios is around $100–$150, which will spike your daily budget. However, many LA attractions are free or low-cost: you can stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame, hike to the Hollywood sign, or relax on the beach for little to no money. If you plan on theme parks or studio tours, factor those in separately (they can double your daily cost on those days). In general, setting aside $20–$40 per day for attractions (museums, studio tour, etc.) is reasonable for a typical LA itinerary. Los Angeles is in the top tier of expensive U.S. cities (roughly top 25% in North America)budgetyourtrip.com, so budget carefully, especially for transportation. With some planning – like using public transit on days you explore the city center, or visiting free attractions (Griffith Observatory has no entry fee, for example) – you can enjoy LA without overspending.
Chicago, IL
Chicago is the Midwest’s metropolitan hub, and its costs are moderately high – about $323 per day on average for a visitorbudgetyourtrip.com. This Windy City offers world-class museums, architecture, and food, but at prices that can rival the coasts in some categories. Hotels in Chicago average about $300–$400 per night for mid-range options downtownbudgetyourtrip.com, which can mean roughly $150–$200 per person if sharing a room. Staying in The Loop or Magnificent Mile area is convenient but pricey; you might save by choosing a hotel in a nearby neighborhood (or even in the suburbs with a commuter train in). According to one analysis, past travelers in Chicago spent around $397 on lodging for one daybudgetyourtrip.com (likely for a couple), indicating mid-range hotel rates in the high $100s per night. Food in Chicago will run $80+ per day per person on averagebudgetyourtrip.com. The city is famous for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and diverse eateries. An inexpensive lunch (say, a slice of pizza or a sandwich) might be $10–$15, while dinner at a nice restaurant could be $30–$50 per person. Chicago has plenty of budget-friendly bites (don’t miss the street food and ethnic neighborhood eats) to balance out the cost of its steakhouses and trendy restaurants. Local transportation is one of Chicago’s perks – the city has a robust public transit system. The “L” trains and buses can take you almost anywhere for a few dollars per ride (a 1-day CTA pass costs about $5–$10). Many visitors spend around $37 per day on local transportbudgetyourtrip.com in Chicago, but this figure may include some taxis. Using an unlimited transit pass and walking can keep daily transit costs under $10 easily, whereas taking a couple of Uber rides might push it to $30. Attractions in Chicago vary from free (strolling Millennium Park to see “The Bean,” or visiting Lincoln Park Zoo which has no admission fee) to costly (observatory towers, architectural boat tours, and museum entries). Major museums like the Field Museum or Art Institute cost around $25–$30 for adults. A popular CityPASS Chicago bundle offers discounted admission to five big attractions – a worthwhile purchase if you’re doing all the tourist highlights. Overall, plan about $20–$40 per day for attractions in Chicago (more on days when you go to a paid museum or catch a show). Chicago’s travel expenses rank it as a somewhat expensive U.S. city (top quartile)budgetyourtrip.com, but it’s generally a bit cheaper than New York or San Francisco. With free public attractions and an abundance of reasonably priced dining, you can enjoy Chicago on a moderate budget.
Miami, FL
Miami offers a mix of luxury and budget experiences, and an average daily cost of about $258 per personbudgetyourtrip.com, making it more affordable than some larger northern cities. Accommodation in Miami (especially Miami Beach or downtown) will likely be your biggest expense. A mid-range hotel or resort can cost around $250–$300 per nightbudgetyourtrip.com, which is roughly $125–$150 per person if shared. Prices spike in winter high season and for hotels along South Beach’s oceanfront. Budget travelers can find guesthouses or motels for under $150 if staying farther from the beach. Food in Miami is moderately priced – plan on about $70–$80 per day for mealsbudgetyourtrip.com. Miami has a fantastic culinary scene with Cuban cuisine, seafood, and trendy eateries. A casual meal might be $15, while dinner at a nice restaurant could be $30–$40 per person. If you indulge in the famous nightlife or cocktail scene, remember drinks can be expensive ($15+ cocktails add up quickly). Transportation in Miami often involves a combination of modes. In the city, public transit (Metrobus, Metrorail) is usable and inexpensive (a one-way fare on Metrorail is $2.25). There’s also the free Metromover in downtown. However, many tourists opt for rideshares or renting a car to explore wider Miami and day-trip to places like the Everglades. Past traveler data shows about $38 per day on local transportation on averagebudgetyourtrip.com. If you’re mostly staying in South Beach, you might just walk or use the local trolley and spend very little on transit. Attractions in Miami can largely be enjoyed for free: the beaches don’t cost a thing, and people-watching in neighborhoods like Wynwood or Little Havana is free entertainment. That said, popular activities include boat tours of Biscayne Bay, entrance fees for Vizcaya Museum or Zoo Miami (~$20–$25 each), or day trips to theme parks in nearby areas. You might allocate $20 or so per day for activities, knowing some days you’ll spend nothing (beach day!) and other days you might pay for a tour or attraction. Miami is considered a moderately expensive city by U.S. standards – more affordable than New York or LA, but not “cheap”budgetyourtrip.com. It helps that outdoor and beach activities are free and plentiful. To save money, you can eat where the locals do (delicious $10 Cuban sandwiches rather than costly hotel restaurants) and use public transit or shared rides instead of renting a car. With its mix of upscale options and local favorites, Miami’s daily cost can be tuned to your budget relatively easily.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, known for the Golden Gate Bridge and its tech wealth, has a reputation for high costs – yet the average traveler spends about $251 per day herebudgetyourtrip.com, a bit lower than some other major cities. One reason is that many of SF’s best attractions (the bridge views, waterfront promenades, parks) are free or low-cost. Still, accommodations in San Francisco are costly: average hotels run about $250–$300 per nightbudgetyourtrip.com (so roughly $125+ per person with double occupancy). In popular areas like Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf, expect hotel rates to be on the higher end, especially during summer or when there’s a big conference in town. There are budget hotels and hostels (a dorm bed might be $50–$60), but overall lodging will likely eat a large chunk of your budget. Food in San Francisco will cost around $75–$80 per day per person on averagebudgetyourtrip.com. The city’s famous restaurants, from Chinatown dim sum to Mission District burritos, offer a wide price range. You can grab a burrito for $10 or have an organic farm-to-table dinner for $50. On average, travelers reported spending about $79 per day on mealsbudgetyourtrip.com in SF. To save, hit up food trucks or markets (the Ferry Building Marketplace has vendors for a cheap lunch), and consider that many hotels offer free breakfast. Local transportation in San Francisco is relatively affordable and efficient. The city is compact, and the Muni system (buses, light rail, historic streetcars) plus BART trains cover many areas. A Muni day pass is around $5 (bus only) or ~$13 if including the famous cable cars. Past data showed travelers spending only $16 per day on local transportation on averagebudgetyourtrip.com, which suggests heavy use of public transit (or just walking the city’s 7×7 mile area). If you rely on cable cars and the occasional Uber for those steep hills, it might be higher, but still likely under $30 a day. Parking and driving in SF is not recommended (expensive garages and traffic). Attractions in San Francisco can mostly be enjoyed inexpensively: roaming Fisherman’s Wharf, seeing Lombard Street, exploring Golden Gate Park, or walking the Golden Gate Bridge are free. The priciest common tourist expense is the Alcatraz Island tour, roughly $40 per person and absolutely worth it. Museums (like SFMoMA or the California Academy of Sciences) run about $25–$35 entry. Many people spend modestly on attractions, perhaps $20–$30 per day, unless doing a big activity. San Francisco is often ranked among costly cities to live, but for travelers it can be moderately priced compared to NYC or LAbudgetyourtrip.com because you can enjoy much of the cityscape without opening your wallet. Still, dining and lodging are pricey here, so budget accordingly. Plan ahead for cheaper accommodations (consider staying just outside the city and taking BART in) and take advantage of the city’s many free sights and cheap eats (those food trucks and ethnic eateries can be gems).
Orlando, FL
Orlando is famously America’s “vacation capital”moneylion.com thanks to Walt Disney World and other theme parks – and with that fame comes high travel costs. The average daily cost in Orlando is about $368 per personbudgetyourtrip.com, one of the highest in the country. A big reason is that many visitors are here primarily for theme parks, which have steep prices. Accommodation in Orlando can range widely. You’ll find budget motels for under $100 and luxury Disney resorts for $500+, but a typical mid-range hotel near the parks or in the city runs around $150–$200 per night. Interestingly, traveler data shows about $308 per day spent on hotels on averagebudgetyourtrip.com – likely reflecting family groups or couples staying at resort hotels (that figure could be the total lodging cost for multiple people). If we break it down, plan roughly $150 per night ($75 per person) for a decent hotel if you shop around, and much more for on-site Disney properties. Food costs in Orlando average about $113 per person per daybudgetyourtrip.com, which is higher than many cities. This is partly because food inside theme parks is notoriously expensive (a simple lunch can be $15–$20, and character dinners can be $50+ per adult). Outside the parks, Orlando has plenty of family restaurants, fast food, and buffets that are fairly affordable – you could eat for under $50 a day if you stick to those. But many vacationers splurge a bit on dining as part of the experience. Local transportation expenses in Orlando are also higher than average at $66 per day (per person)budgetyourtrip.com. The city is very car-centric; most visitors will either rent a car or rely on shuttles and ride-shares. Parking at theme parks costs over $25 a day, and distances are large (driving from one park to another or to your hotel). If you stay on a Disney or Universal property, you might use their free shuttles, but the hotel cost is higher. Budget-conscious travelers can use public Lynx buses or hotel shuttles to attractions, but it’s less convenient. Attractions are the crux of the Orlando budget. A one-day one-park ticket for Disney World or Universal Orlando is around $110–$150 per adult, which dwarfs all your other daily expenses. Many families will park-hop or visit multiple parks over several days, so the costs multiply (though multi-day passes reduce the per-day price slightly). Even smaller attractions like the Orlando Eye or Gatorland have fees. It’s easy to spend $100+ per day on attractions in Orlando if theme parks are on the agenda. In fact, Orlando’s high average daily cost reflects that most visitors are indeed hitting those pricey parks. By the numbers, Orlando ranks in the top 10% most expensive U.S. cities for travelersbudgetyourtrip.com, alongside places like Las Vegas. To save money, look for bundle tickets or passes (Disney/Universal combo deals, CityPASS for Orlando, etc.), stay at hotels with free shuttles, and perhaps plan some off-park days enjoying the free resort pools or visiting free attractions in the area. Also, traveling in the off-season (avoiding summer and holidays) can yield cheaper hotel rates and sometimes discounted park tickets. Orlando can be a budget-buster, but with careful planning, you can keep costs manageable while still enjoying the magic.
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas can be as cheap or as expensive as you want – but on average, a typical traveler in Vegas spends about $369 per daybudgetyourtrip.com, similar to Orlando. Vegas is a city of extremes: amazingly, you can snag a hotel room for as low as $40, but also blow $250 on a fancy dinner or hundreds on casino games in a flash. Hotels in Las Vegas are actually a bargain for what you get. Thanks to casino subsidies, you can often find mid-range hotels on the Strip for $100–$150 per night (and basic ones even cheaper). The average reported spend on hotels is about $317 per daybudgetyourtrip.com, which likely represents a nice Strip hotel suite or multiple rooms – in general, Vegas gives good value in accommodations compared to cities like NYC. Beware of daily resort fees though (often $30 extra per night). Food in Vegas ranges from dirt-cheap to ultra-luxury. On average, visitors spent about $139 per day on mealsbudgetyourtrip.com, which is higher than most cities. This might be because many indulge in buffets, steakhouses, and celebrity chef restaurants. A lavish Vegas buffet can be $40–$60 per person, while a simple diner meal might be $15. Drinks are another factor – outside of the casino floor (where cocktails are free if you’re gambling), expect to pay $12–$15 per drink at clubs or bars. If you’re trying to save, plenty of off-Strip eateries offer meals under $10, and there are food courts for quick bites. Transportation in Las Vegas is relatively low in cost. The Strip is walkable (though distances are deceivingly long) and there are monorails and trams connecting some casinos. A rideshare or taxi from the airport to the Strip is about $20. There’s also a Deuce bus that runs along the Strip and downtown for a few dollars. Past data indicates around $53 per day on local transportationbudgetyourtrip.com, but most of that might be for taxis/ride-shares after a late night out. If you stay on the Strip, you might not need to spend much on transport at all (aside from maybe a bus to Fremont Street or a taxi in the heat). Entertainment and attractions are where Vegas can really rack up costs. If you go to a Cirque du Soleil show, expect tickets to be $100+. Nightclub entry can be $20–$50 (sometimes free for ladies or with guestlist). Tours (like to the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam) cost $70+. And of course, gambling is a big unknown in the budget – hopefully you win, but odds are you should budget some losses for the tables or slots as “entertainment” spend. Many visitors reported spending roughly $139 on entertainment (which might include gambling) per daybudgetyourtrip.combudgetyourtrip.com. On the flip side, there are plenty of free things to do in Vegas: watching the Bellagio fountains, exploring the themed casino hotels, and people-watching 24/7. Las Vegas is indeed among the top 10% most expensive travel destinations in North Americabudgetyourtrip.com when you factor in how much the average person splurges there. But if you’re disciplined, you could do Vegas on far less – take advantage of cheap hotel rates, eat at casual restaurants, use the free attractions, and set a strict gambling budget. It really comes down to your personal travel style in Sin City.
Cheapest vs Most Expensive U.S. Cities to Travel
Travel costs across U.S. cities span a wide spectrum. Some cities are budget-friendly for tourists, offering lots of free activities and low-cost food, while others are famously expensive, where daily expenses can soar. Below is a quick comparison of a few of the most affordable versus most costly U.S. cities to visit (excluding airfare). These examples illustrate how much costs can vary:
💰 Most Affordable Cities for Travelers:
- Memphis, TN – A music-filled city that’s relatively easy on the wallet. Many attractions have low or no entry fees (e.g. Mud Island River Park is free and lots of live music spots have no cover chargemoneylion.com). You can feast on BBQ ribs or fried chicken for cheap. Overall daily costs can be well under $200 here, thanks to affordable hotels and meals.
- Kansas City, MO – Known for jazz and barbecue, KC is very budget-friendly. The city offers free transit downtown via the KC Streetcarmoneylion.com and numerous free attractions (from art museums on free admission days to city markets). Hotels and food in Kansas City are also cheaper than in coastal metros – you might spend half of what you’d spend in NYC.
- Phoenix, AZ – This Arizona city often has cheaper airfare deals and plenty of reasonably priced accommodationsmoneylion.com. Once there, outdoor activities like hiking in the desert parks are free, and there are frequent free events (First Friday art walks, etc.). Dining in Phoenix can be inexpensive as well (think authentic tacos or diners). It’s easy to keep to a tight budget here, especially outside peak winter season.
- Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia is a major city that comes with a smaller price tag than NYC or DC. Many iconic Philly attractions are cheap: the Philadelphia Museum of Art is $30 (famous for the “Rocky” steps) and you can get an all-day public transport pass for about $13moneylion.com. Delicious street food (hello, cheesesteaks!) is plentiful and lodging tends to cost less than in New York or Boston.
- New Orleans, LA – The Big Easy can actually be easy on your budget. Average daily costs are around $271 for a travelerbudgetyourtrip.com, which is moderate. You can find affordable guesthouses, and many of the best NOLA experiences (live music in the French Quarter, window-shopping in the Garden District, watching street parades) are free. Food-wise, feasting on po’boys or beignets won’t break the bank. Even entertainment can be enjoyed cheaply at local jazz clubs. (Tip: Visit outside of Mardi Gras or festival season for lower hotel rates.)
💸 Most Expensive Cities for Travelers:
- New York City, NY – No surprise, NYC tops the list for expense. With average daily costs around $350–$400budgetyourtrip.com per person, it’s one of the priciest places to travel. High hotel rates, costly restaurants, and numerous paid attractions (observation decks, Broadway shows, etc.) can quickly drain a budget.
- San Francisco, CA – San Francisco consistently ranks as expensive due to pricey hotels and dining, though its average daily cost (~$250) is a bit lower than NYC. Still, things like parking and cocktails come at a premium. If you’re not careful, a few days in SF – with its $300/night hotels and $12 avocado toast – can rival the cost of NYC.
- Las Vegas, NV – Vegas can seem cheap with its $50 hotel rooms and free drinks for gamblers, but the average traveler spends a lot here (~$369/day)budgetyourtrip.com. Why? Because it’s easy to splurge on expensive show tickets, gourmet dinners, clubbing, and of course gambling. Those extra experiences push Vegas into the top tier of travel costs.
- Orlando, FL – Orlando is another destination that sneaks into the most expensive group due to theme parks. A family heading to Disney World can easily spend hundreds per day on park tickets alone, not to mention resort hotels and dining in the parks. It’s not the everyday city costs that are high (outside the parks, Orlando can be affordable), but the theme park experiences that make Orlando very expensive for travelersbudgetyourtrip.com.
- Los Angeles, CA – LA’s sprawl and car-centric nature mean visitors face high costs in both lodging and transportation. Staying by the beach or in Hollywood is costly, and getting around often requires spending on rentals or rideshares. Combined with upscale shopping or tours (like Universal Studios) that many partake in, LA ends up among the pricier U.S. cities to visitbudgetyourtrip.com. (Honorable mention: Honolulu, HI is also extremely expensive, with high hotel and food prices on Oahu – though it’s not in the continental U.S.)
These comparisons show that choosing the right destination can make a huge difference in your travel budget. A frugal traveler’s dollar will stretch much further in smaller or less touristy cities, whereas big-name destinations require more generous budgeting. Next, we’ll cover some general tips to help you save money no matter where you go in the U.S.
Tips to Save Money While Traveling in the U.S.
Traveling across the USA doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some practical tips to save money on your trip, whether you’re city-hopping or road-tripping through multiple states:
- Book Accommodation in Advance: Hotels and Airbnbs often have better rates when booked months ahead. Early booking can secure you lower prices and more choices in popular cities. Also, consider accommodations outside city centers – staying a bit further (or in the suburbs with public transit access) can be significantly cheaper. If you’re adventurous, compare prices with hostels or budget motels for big savings.
- Use Public Transit (or Walk/Bike): Taking public transportation can dramatically cut costs compared to taxis or car rentals. Major cities like NYC, Chicago, Washington D.C., Boston, and San Francisco have extensive transit systems that cost just a few dollars per ride. Many cities offer day or week passes (for example, a 7-day unlimited MetroCard in NYC is $34). Not only will you save money, but you’ll experience cities like a local. When possible, walk or rent a bike – it’s free or cheap and you get some exercise.
- Leverage City Tourist Passes: If you plan on hitting multiple paid attractions, look into tourist discount passes such as CityPASS or Go City cards. These passes bundle popular attractions at a reduced rate. For instance, CityPASS can save you around 40-50% on combined admission to top sights in cities like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco. Also, check official tourism board websites (like NYCgo or Visit Orlando) for city passes, free museum days, or coupon booklets for visitorsmoneylion.com. A little research can yield big discounts on sightseeing.
- Eat Like the Locals: Dining out for every meal can be costly, so balance your food budget by eating like a local. Seek out food trucks, local markets, and hole-in-the-wall eateries that offer authentic cuisine at lower prices than touristy restaurants. In many cities, the best tacos, sandwiches, or dumplings might be from a tiny shop where lunch is under $10. Also consider grocery shopping for some meals – picking up fruits, snacks, or even ingredients to make your own breakfast can save a lot. (If your hotel provides free breakfast, take advantage of it!). And don’t shy away from street food; a $3 hot dog in NYC or $1 slice of pizza is an experience in itself.
- Travel Off-Peak When Possible: Prices fluctuate with seasons. Traveling in the off-season or shoulder seasons can save you a bundle on hotels and even attractions. For example, visiting Florida or Arizona in the early spring or fall (instead of summer) means lower rates and fewer crowdsmoneylion.com. Ski towns are cheaper in summer, and big cities might have better hotel deals on weekends (when business travelers are gone) or in their slower months. If you have flexibility, plan your trip dates strategically – even flying mid-week vs. weekend can reduce airfare costs. Check out some of the best places to travel in the USA in March (a shoulder season) for inspiration on budget-friendly timing.
- Take Advantage of Free Attractions: Every city has worthwhile things to do that cost nothing. Prioritize free attractions and activities to fill your days. This could be national parks (if you have a parks pass or visit on a free day), free-entry museums or galleries, public beaches, hiking trails, festivals, walking tours (some are tip-based), or simply exploring different neighborhoods. Many museums in the U.S. have designated free days or suggested donation entry. Before you travel, do a quick search for free things to do in your destination – you might be surprised by the options. By substituting some pricey attractions with free ones, you maintain a rich experience without overspending.
With these tips, you can stretch your dollars further while still enjoying all that each destination has to offer. A little planning and local insight go a long way in reducing your daily travel costs.
Conclusion
Travel costs in the USA can range from as low as around $150 per day in the most affordable cities to $400+ in the most expensive ones. We’ve seen how city-by-city differences (hotel prices, local transit, food costs, and attraction fees) can significantly impact your budget. The key takeaway is that planning and budgeting for each destination will help you avoid surprises. Use this guide as a reference for what to expect: for example, know that a day in New York or Las Vegas will cost more than a day in New Orleans or Memphis, and plan accordingly.
By understanding these average daily costs and utilizing the money-saving tips provided, you can tailor your trip to fit your budget without sacrificing great experiences. Remember, a well-planned trip – with smart choices on where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around – will let you enjoy the USA’s incredible cities at any budget level.
Happy travels, and budget wisely! Check out more USA travel tips here for additional guidance on making the most of your American adventure. Safe journey!
