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How much does Washington DC cost?

Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Washington DC trip before you book anything.

Photo by Caleb Perez on Unsplash

Washington DC, United States travel budget

Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.

Budget

$120–$180

per day

Hostels, street food, public transit

Accommodation

$40–$70

Hostel dorm bed or a shared room in a budget guesthouse.

Food

$35–$50

Street food, casual cafes, and groceries from a supermarket.

Transport

$5–$10

Unlimited use of the Washington Metro and bus system with a SmarTrip card.

Activities

$20–$30

Free Smithsonian museums, walking tours, and exploring national monuments.

Misc

$20–$20

Souvenirs, occasional snacks, or a small donation.

Mid-range

$250–$400

per day

3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis

Accommodation

$120–$200

Comfortable 3-star hotel or a private apartment rental.

Food

$60–$100

A mix of casual restaurants, cafes, and one nicer dinner.

Transport

$15–$30

Occasional taxis or ride-sharing services, supplemented by public transit.

Activities

$40–$50

Paid museum exhibits, guided tours, and evening entertainment.

Misc

$15–$20

Coffee, snacks, and small incidentals.

Luxury

$500–$850

per day

4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers

Accommodation

$250–$450

4-5 star hotel with amenities and prime location.

Food

$100–$150

Fine dining experiences, tasting menus, and premium beverages.

Transport

$50–$100

Private car services, airport transfers, and premium ride-sharing.

Activities

$70–$100

Private guided tours, exclusive access events, and high-end cultural experiences.

Misc

$30–$50

Spa treatments, high-end shopping, or premium event tickets.

Destination-specific money tips

•Most establishments accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), but carry some cash for smaller vendors or tips.
•Using ATMs outside of your bank's network can incur significant fees; look for ATMs associated with major banks.
•Tipping is expected in restaurants (15-20%), bars, and for service providers; it's a significant part of service workers' income.
•While many DC museums are free, special exhibits or tours within them may have a fee.
•Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are widely used and often more convenient than taxis for certain routes.

Plan the rest of your Washington DC trip

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