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How much does Boston cost?
Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Boston trip before you book anything.
Photo by Yuval Zukerman on Unsplash
Boston travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
$150–$220
per day
Hostels, street food, public transit
Accommodation
$50–$80
Hostel dorm or a room in a shared apartment outside the immediate city center.
Food
$40–$60
Street food, casual delis, and groceries for self-prepared meals.
Transport
$10–$15
MBTA public transit (subway and bus) with a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket.
Activities
$30–$40
Free walking tours, exploring historic sites like the Freedom Trail (external views), and visiting public parks.
Misc
$20–$25
Souvenirs, occasional coffee, and other small personal expenses.
Mid-range
$330–$520
per day
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
Accommodation
$150–$250
Comfortable 3-star hotel or a well-located Airbnb apartment.
Food
$70–$100
Mix of casual restaurants, cafes, and one nicer dinner.
Transport
$30–$50
Occasional taxis or ride-shares, plus MBTA for longer distances.
Activities
$50–$80
Museum admissions (e.g., Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum), guided tours.
Misc
$30–$40
Shopping, drinks, and other incidentals.
Luxury
$730–$1220
per day
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
Accommodation
$350–$600
4-5 star hotel in a prime location like Back Bay or Beacon Hill.
Food
$150–$250
Fine dining, tasting menus, and premium cocktails.
Transport
$80–$150
Private car services, airport transfers, and premium ride-shares.
Activities
$100–$150
Private historical tours, premium seats at a performance, or exclusive experiences.
Misc
$50–$70
High-end shopping, spa treatments, and discretionary spending.
Destination-specific money tips
- •Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for smaller vendors or tips.
- •Major banks like Bank of America and Chase have extensive ATM networks; check for out-of-network fees.
- •Tipping 15-20% at restaurants and for service providers is standard and expected.
- •Parking in Boston is notoriously expensive and difficult; rely on public transport or ride-shares when possible.
- •While many attractions are pricey, walking the Freedom Trail and exploring neighborhoods like Beacon Hill are free.
Plan the rest of your Boston trip
Trip budgets elsewhere