How much does a trip to New York City cost?
Faraway Worlds
If you’re planning on travelling to New York, you’re probably wondering how much you need to budget for your trip. While your travel costs will depend on your travel style, generally speaking New York is best for travellers with some spending money.
Accommodation costs are generally on the high side and food and drinks are relatively expensive. Many of New York’s best attractions are rather expensive to visit and, while some activities could set you back a fair amount, there’s plenty to do at lower price points too.
How much should I budget for a trip to New York?
A reasonable budget for two for a weekend in New York is around $1,200. This assumes you’ll be spending two nights and three days in the city.
The above cost is based on staying in good, mid-range accommodation and going to a mix of restaurants and cafes for meals. It makes allowances for a couple of sightseeing activities, but doesn’t take into account expensive activities like adventure sports or private tours.
How much does accommodation cost?
You can expect to spend between $200-$300 a night, per couple, on accommodation in New York. This will get you a private room with your own bathroom in a 3-4-star hotel or apartment rental.
See latest hotel deals in New YorkHostels are, of course, cheaper, but a private room with a shared bathroom will still cost around $120 per night. A bed in a dorm room also averages around $60 per night, per person, although there are definitely cheaper options out there.
See the highest rated hostels in New YorkAs is the case in many major cities, accommodation costs in New York City vary, depending on which neighbourhood you choose to stay in. Manhattan is considerably more expensive than Brooklyn and the further away you get, the more affordable the accommodation. Saying that, there are a few cheaper neighbourhoods in New York City which are still very convenient. If you're still deciding where to stay, read our neighbourhood guide for New York.
How much should I budget for food and drinks in New York?
Budget to spend around $450 for two for a weekend in New York. This assumes you’re eating out and drinking some alcohol.
If you enjoy eating out, you can expect to pay around $115 for a nice dinner for two, including an alcoholic drink. A meal at a pub is likely to be around $65 for two, with cheaper meals available (especially for lunch) for around $15 each. You can buy a beer from a bar for around $7 and you can expect to pay around $5 for a cappuccino from a local café.
While eating out in New York can be expensive, groceries and fast food options are a lot more affordable. If you want to spend less than the above, finding cheaper places to eat is the way to go. Look for food trucks, head to Chinatown and try the local bagels and hot dogs - typical New York food.
How much does it cost to get around New York?
Getting around New York is easiest with a train. Transport costs fluctuate depending how much you travel, but budgeting around $70 for two is a good starting point. This should allow you to take a couple of intercity train routes. If you’re planning on doing any tours or using hop-on hop-off buses, you’ll need to up your budget a bit.
Expect to use the subway to get around New York City. You can buy a MetroCard with unlimited trips or pay as you go. The above amount will cover unlimited MetroCards for two people.
What should I expect to spend on activities?
A lot of the best things to do in New York are free. However, there definitely are some attractions that cost money – entry fees to a museum or an art gallery are usually around $25 - $60 per person. If you want to do organised day trips or join smaller tour groups to learn more about some of the sites, budget around $150 per activity per person.
In summary
New York is a beautiful destination to visit and although it’s not cheap, it’s definitely possible to travel there for less. Cooking your own meals, carefully selecting accommodation or limiting meals out will definitely help you to reduce your travel costs. And, if you're wanting to treat yourself, there are many luxury options available.
Share this article
Last Updated 26 May 2022
