The United States offers incredible diversity from coast to coast, featuring world-class cities, stunning national parks, vibrant cultural scenes, and iconic landmarks. Experience everything from New York's skyline to California's beaches, from the Grand Canyon to tropical Hawaii.
Local currency: US Dollar (USD, $).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in United States.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $25-45
- Budget
- $80-130
- Midrange
- $150-280
- Luxury
- $350-800+
Food
- Street
- $3-8 (food trucks, street vendors)
- Local
- $12-18 (casual restaurants)
- Midrange
- $25-50 (mid-range restaurants)
- Fine
- $80-200+ (fine dining)
Transport
- Bus
- $2-3/ride public transit
- Taxi
- $15-25 average city Uber/Lyft
- Airport
- $25-70 depending on city
- Daytrip
- $25-50 by bus; $50-100 by rental car
Activities
- Museum
- $15-30 (Smithsonians free)
- Sites
- $20-35 national parks
- Tour
- $50-100 walking/boat tours
- Excursion
- $100-300 day tours
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to United States costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$420-700/week (hostels, street food, free museums)
Midrange traveller
$1,400-2,450/week (mid-range hotels, casual dining, paid attractions)
Luxury traveller
$3,500-7,000+/week (luxury hotels, fine dining, private tours)
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
City passes (NYC Pass, Chicago CityPASS, Go San Francisco) bundle attractions for 20-40% savings — worth it if visiting 4+ paid attractions
Visit national parks with the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass covering all 400+ NPS sites
Eat lunch at fine dining restaurants — same kitchen, same quality, 30-50% cheaper than dinner
Use public transit in NYC, Chicago, DC, SF, and Boston — rental cars and parking in cities are expensive
Book hotels slightly outside city centers — neighborhoods 20 minutes from downtown can be 40% cheaper
Hostel dorms in major cities provide excellent social atmosphere for $25-50/night
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Smithsonian Museums, Washington DC
The entire Smithsonian network of 19 museums including Natural History, Air and Space, and American History are completely free to enter — extraordinary value on the National Mall.
National Parks with America the Beautiful Pass
The $80 annual America the Beautiful pass covers entry to all 400+ national park sites for one year, providing exceptional savings if visiting two or more parks.
Central Park, New York City
843 acres of free green space in Manhattan with free Shakespeare in the Park performances in summer, free concerts, jogging paths, and iconic photography spots.
The Freedom Trail, Boston
A self-guided 2.5-mile red-brick walking trail past 16 significant Colonial and Revolutionary history sites through downtown Boston — all signage free.
Bourbon Street and French Quarter, New Orleans
Wandering the French Quarter, watching street musicians, and exploring the historic architecture of the French Market costs nothing.
Venice Beach Boardwalk, Los Angeles
The eccentric Venice Beach boardwalk with street performers, bodybuilders at Muscle Beach, and the famous Skate Park is free entertainment year-round.
Millennium Park, Chicago
Home to the free Cloud Gate Bean sculpture, Crown Fountain, and Lurie Garden. Free summer concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion from June through August.
Pike Place Market, Seattle
Free to walk through and watch the famous fish toss, browse artisan stalls, and admire Puget Sound views — though eating costs money.