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How much does New York City cost?
Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your New York City trip before you book anything.
New York City travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
Hostels, street food, public transit
Hostel dorm bed or a private room in a shared apartment outside prime Manhattan.
Street food, bagels, pizza slices, and casual delis. Limit sit-down meals.
Unlimited MetroCard for subway and bus access within the city.
Free museums (e.g., The Met on certain days), walking tours, Central Park, Staten Island Ferry.
Souvenirs, occasional coffee, small incidentals.
Mid-range
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
3-star hotel in Midtown or a well-located Airbnb apartment.
Mix of casual restaurants, cafes, and one or two mid-range sit-down dinners.
Occasional taxis or ride-shares, supplementing public transit.
Entry to popular museums (MoMA, Natural History), observation decks (Top of the Rock), Broadway show lottery tickets.
Coffee, snacks, small purchases, tips.
Luxury
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
4-5 star hotel in prime Manhattan locations like Times Square or SoHo.
Fine dining, tasting menus, premium cocktails, and room service.
Private car services, airport transfers, frequent taxis/ride-shares.
Premium Broadway seats, private guided tours, exclusive access events, high-end shopping.
Spa treatments, high-end souvenirs, discretionary spending.
Destination-specific money tips
- •Credit cards are king; Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted. Discover is less common.
- •Avoid using ATMs inside convenience stores or tourist hotspots; opt for those attached to major banks like Chase or Bank of America to minimize fees.
- •Broadway tickets can be a significant expense; look for rush tickets, lottery deals via the TodayTix app, or TKTS booths for same-day discounts.
- •While many attractions are expensive, consider free activities like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, exploring Central Park, or taking the Staten Island Ferry for iconic skyline views.
- •Tipping is expected for most services, including hotel staff (bellhops, housekeeping), taxi drivers, and restaurant servers (18-20% is standard).
Plan the rest of your New York City trip
Trip budgets elsewhere