United States · tool
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, United States 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.
Unlimited MetroCard for subway and bus travel.
Walking tours, Staten Island Ferry, exploring parks, free museum days.
Small souvenirs, coffee, snacks.
Mid-range
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
3-star hotel or a comfortable Airbnb in a well-connected neighborhood.
Mix of casual sit-down restaurants, ethnic eateries, and a few nicer meals.
Occasional taxis or ride-shares, plus public transport.
Major attractions like museums, observation decks, Broadway matinee.
Shopping, drinks, moderate souvenirs.
Luxury
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
4-5 star hotel in prime Manhattan locations or luxury suites.
Fine dining, tasting menus, premium cocktails.
Private car services, taxis, occasional helicopter tours.
Private tours, Broadway premium tickets, exclusive events, high-end shopping.
Spa treatments, designer impulse buys, high-end gifts.
Destination-specific money tips
- •Tipping is expected: 15-20% for restaurant servers, bartenders, hotel staff, and taxi drivers.
- •Broadway tickets can be expensive; look for rush tickets or lotteries for discounts.
- •While many museums have suggested admission, some require fixed prices, especially for special exhibits.
- •Avoid using ATMs inside tourist-heavy areas or convenience stores, as they often have higher fees.
- •Consider purchasing a CityPASS or similar if you plan to visit many major paid attractions to save money.
Plan the rest of your New York City trip
Trip budgets elsewhere