The United States is a huge country with a lot to see and do. How much a trip to the U.S. is going to cost you depends on various factors, including the duration of your trip, your mode of transport, how much of the country you would like to see during your visit, how much time you plan to spend in big cities versus smaller towns, the type of accommodation you prefer, the kind of meals you like to eat, the time of year you choose to go, and whether you are traveling as an individual or part of a group.
Accommodation
This is without any doubt going to be one of the biggest cost factors you have to take into account. The rock bottom option here is to buy a tent and sleep at campsites. These are not free, of course. The average daily cost of a campsite in the US is $30-$50 per night. This can vary depending on several factors, including the location of the campsite, the time of year, and the amenities that are offered.
Another option is to stay in a hostel. Here, you can expect to pay anywhere between $25 and $35 per night, depending on the same factors mentioned under camping. You will typically sleep in a bunk bed and share a dormitory room with other travelers.
When it comes to hotels, you are looking at paying anything between $50 and $100 a night in a motel or a budget hotel. For that price, don’t expect the epitome of comfort and luxury – but you will have a roof over your head and a comfortable bed to sleep in.
As far as mid-range options go, you should be able to find accommodation starting at $100 a night.
With high-end hotels, there is quite literally no upper limit. Expect to pay at least $300 per night for a luxury room and much more in big, touristy cities.
Where available, you can also consider staying at a casino. Many of them have fairly affordable rooms because they hope that if you stay there, you will spend time on the casino floor. Another plus is that there will often be affordable eating and drinking options.
Transport costs
Generally speaking, using public transport wherever available in cities and towns will cost less than e.g. calling a taxi. In general, bus and train travel is also cheaper than renting a car. This is because the cost of bus and train tickets is fixed, while the cost of renting a car can vary depending on the type of car you rent, the time of year you rent it, and the length of your rental.
What about longer trips? Let’s consider a trip from New York to Los Angeles, for example.
Train
Amtrak is the only train company that offers direct service from New York to the US West Coast. The cheapest train tickets for this trip start at around $300, but prices can go up to $950 or more for a sleeper car. The journey takes between 3 and 7 days, depending on the route you take.
Bus
Several bus companies, including Greyhound, Megabus, and BoltBus, offer service from New York to the US West Coast. The cheapest bus tickets start at around $390, but prices can go up to $600 or more for a premium seat. Depending on the route you choose, the bus journey takes anywhere from 2 days to 9 days.
Rental car
The cost of renting a car from New York to the US West Coast will vary depending on the type of car you rent, the time of year you rent it, and the length of your rental. However, you can expect to pay around $1,000 – $2,000 for a one-way rental. Car rental will allow you more flexibility and freedom to explore the country at your own pace.
Renting a small car for a week will cost around $300, while a mid-sized model will cost closer to $500 or $600. A luxury car will set you back anywhere between $500 and $2000 a week, depending on the type and size of the vehicle, the time of the year, and the rental location.
The cost of meals in the United States
The amount of money you should budget for your daily meals while traveling the U.S. will vary depending on your travel style, where you are traveling, and what you like to eat. You can, however, expect to spend anywhere from $20 to $50 per person per day on food. In Dallas, you can get by with $20 a day for meals, while in New York, you can easily spend more than $50 a day.
Here are a few tips for saving money on food during your U.S. trip:
- Eat at fast food eateries or buy a ready-made meal at a store like 7-Eleven. The cost of prepacked meals at 7-Eleven varies depending on the meal, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $3 to $7 per meal. This is much cheaper than eating at a restaurant, where you could easily spend $10 or more on a basic meal. In addition to being cheaper, prepacked meals are also very convenient. Not only are they ready to eat, but you also do not have to spend time and effort on cooking and cleaning up.
- Eat breakfast at your hotel. Many hotels offer free breakfast buffets, which can save you a lot of money.
- Stay at a place with a kitchen and cook your own meals. If you have access to a kitchen where you stay, you can save a lot of money by cooking your own meals.
- Eat at smaller, local restaurants. These are often less expensive than big-brand chain restaurants.
- Try to take advantage of happy hour. Many restaurants offer significant discounts on meals and drinks during what they often refer to as “happy hour”.
How much should I budget for sightseeing during my U.S. trip?
The cost of sightseeing in the United States will vary depending on the city or region you are visiting and the specific attractions you want to see. However, a good rule of thumb is to budget between $50 and $75 per person per day for sightseeing.
Tips for saving money on sightseeing in the U.S.
Get a city attraction pass
City attraction passes are a great way to save money on admission to multiple attractions in one city. There are many different city attraction passes available, so be sure to compare prices and benefits before you buy one.
Buy an annual pass for national parks
If you plan on visiting multiple national parks during your trip, an annual pass can save you a lot of money on admission fees. The America the Beautiful National Parks Pass comes with a price tax of only $80, and it is valid for a full year from the time you buy it.
Visit attractions on free days
Many tourist attractions in the U.S. offer free admission on specific days of the month or week. Remember, therefore, to research the attractions you are interested in visiting before the time to see if they offer such free days.
Wherever possible, book in advance
Booking in advance can save you time and money on sightseeing. Many attractions offer discounts for advance purchase tickets.
Look for discounts or free entry for members of certain groups
. Many attractions offer discounts or free entry to members of certain groups, such as seniors, veterans, or students. Always inquire about discounts when you buy tickets.