United States · tool
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
Trip budgets elsewhere