New York City · United States

How Much Does New York City Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips

New York City is a high-cost global hub where daily expenses for a solo traveler range from $140 for budget-conscious stays to over $1,345 for luxury experiences. While it shares the premium price point of cities like London or Geneva, the city offers a unique balance of extreme high-end dining and world-renowned street food. Visitors should prepare for a landscape where base prices are often just the starting point, as taxes and mandatory gratuities significantly impact the final bill. Navigating the city effectively requires leveraging the extensive transit network and free public spaces to offset the high cost of attractions. Despite the expense, the density of culture, from Broadway to world-class museums, provides a high level of value for those who plan their budget carefully.

Is New York City expensive to visit?

New York City is an expensive destination where a typical daily budget ranges from $140 to $1,345 depending on your preference for dorms or five-star hotels.

Currency: US Dollar (USD)

On This Page

Daily Budget

How much to budget per person per day in New York City

Budget

$140

per person /day

Mid-Range

$384

per person /day

Luxury

$1,345

per person /day

Trip Costs by Duration

Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights

Trip Costs by Duration	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
3-Day Trip	$419	$1,151	$4,036
5-Day Trip	$698	$1,919	$6,728
7-Day Trip	$977	$2,686	$9,418

Trip Costs by Duration	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
3-Day Trip	$344	$926	$2,840
5-Day Trip	$573	$1,544	$4,734
7-Day Trip	$803	$2,162	$6,628

Trip Costs by Duration	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
3-Day Trip	$314	$823	$2,452
5-Day Trip	$524	$1,370	$4,087
7-Day Trip	$732	$1,919	$5,720

per person — Excludes international flights

Budget Buffer

Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses

A 15–20% budget buffer is recommended to account for the mandatory 18–22% restaurant tips and hotel facility fees, which can add ~$29–$41 per night to a mid-range stay. Additionally, travelers should budget for the 14.75% hotel occupancy tax and the Manhattan congestion surcharge applied to all taxi trips south of 96th Street.

How Does It Compare?

See how New York City stacks up against other popular destinations

London NYC is generally more expensive for dining due to the 18–22% tipping culture, though NYC's subway fare of $2.9 remains more affordable than London's Zone 1 Tube fares.

San Francisco Both cities have high accommodation costs, but NYC offers more budget-friendly lodging options like the HI Hostel at $64 and a wider variety of cheap street eats.

What Things Cost

Real prices for common tourist expenses in New York City

Food & Drink (3)

Item	Price	Notes
Mid-Range 3-Course Dinner for Two Typically excludes 20% tip (~$28) and drinks.	$140	Typically excludes 20% tip (~$28) and drinks.
Draft Beer (Local Craft) Expect to pay ~$12–$15 in upscale cocktail bars or rooftops.	$8.97	Expect to pay ~$12–$15 in upscale cocktail bars or rooftops.
Flat White / Latte Price for a standard 12oz latte in a specialty cafe like Blue Bottle or La Colombe.	$6.47	Price for a standard 12oz latte in a specialty cafe like Blue Bottle or La Colombe.

Transport (4)

Item	Price	Notes
Subway & Local Bus Base Fare Use OMNY (contactless) for a weekly fare cap of ~$34 (12 rides).	$2.9	Use OMNY (contactless) for a weekly fare cap of ~$34 (12 rides).
NYC Ferry Single Ride Great for views of the skyline. A 10-trip pack reduces the cost to ~$2.88 per ride.	$4.48	Great for views of the skyline. A 10-trip pack reduces the cost to ~$2.88 per ride.
JFK to Manhattan Flat Taxi Fare Excludes ~$18–$24 in tolls, tips, and peak surcharges (16:00–20:00).	$70	Excludes ~$18–$24 in tolls, tips, and peak surcharges (16:00–20:00).
Citi Bike 24-Hour Pass Includes unlimited 30-minute rides on classic bikes; e-bikes cost ~$0.26/min extra.	$19	Includes unlimited 30-minute rides on classic bikes; e-bikes cost ~$0.26/min extra.

Accommodation (3)

Item	Price	Notes
HI New York City Hostel (Dorm Bed) Price for a bed in a 10-12 bed dorm. Use code WINTER to save ~$13 per night.	$64	Price for a bed in a 10-12 bed dorm. Use code WINTER to save ~$13 per night.
Pod 51 Hotel (Mid-Range Room) Small but efficient rooms in Midtown. Excludes ~$29–$41 nightly facility fees.	$184	Small but efficient rooms in Midtown. Excludes ~$29–$41 nightly facility fees.
The Plaza Hotel (Luxury Room) Iconic luxury at Central Park. Expect an additional ~$159 in taxes and fees.	$922	Iconic luxury at Central Park. Expect an additional ~$159 in taxes and fees.

Activities (3)

Item	Price	Notes
Empire State Building Top Deck (102nd Floor) The 86th Floor-only ticket is cheaper at ~$44.	$79	The 86th Floor-only ticket is cheaper at ~$44.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Admission International visitors must pay the full ~$30; ticket is valid for 3 consecutive days.	$30	International visitors must pay the full ~$30; ticket is valid for 3 consecutive days.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island (Pedestal Access) The only authorized ferry. Includes access to the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island.	$25	The only authorized ferry. Includes access to the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island.

Connectivity (1)

Item	Price	Notes
Local SIM Card (T-Mobile Tourist) Valid for 21 days with 10GB of data and 1000 minutes of talk.	$30	Valid for 21 days with 10GB of data and 1000 minutes of talk.

Food & Dining

What to eat and what it costs

The dining landscape is defined by extremes, ranging from iconic pizza slices for under $3.53 to a mid-range three-course dinner for two that typically costs $140 before drinks. Specialty coffee at cafes like La Colombe averages $6.47 for a latte, while a local craft beer at a neighborhood bar is approximately $8.97.

Cheap Eats

Where locals eat — real places, real prices

Joe's Pizza

$4.98–$9.97

Greenwich Village · Local chain

Grab a classic cheese slice for ~$4.94; it's the gold standard for NYC pizza.

Los Tacos No. 1

$5.48–$15

Chelsea Market · Street food area

Three tacos and a drink will cost around ~$21. Try the Adobada.

Xi'an Famous Foods

$12–$18

Chinatown · Local chain

Their signature hand-ripped noodles are a massive portion for ~$14.

Mamoun's Falafel

$6.98–$14

West Village · Local chain

One of the oldest and cheapest spots in the city; a sandwich is ~$7.47.

Central Park in autumn with colorful fall foliage and Manhattan skyline, New York City, United States

Getting Around

Transport costs and the smartest ways to move

The subway and local bus network is the most economical way to traverse the city at a base fare of $2.9 per ride. Travelers can cap their weekly transport spending at ~$34 by using the OMNY contactless payment system, while the NYC Ferry offers a scenic alternative for $4.48 per trip.

Subway & Local Bus Base Fare $2.9

NYC Ferry Single Ride $4.48

JFK to Manhattan Flat Taxi Fare $70

Citi Bike 24-Hour Pass $19

Accommodation Overview

Lodging prices vary from $64 for a dorm bed at HI New York City Hostel to $184 for efficient mid-range rooms at Pod 51 in Midtown. Luxury stays at landmarks like The Plaza Hotel reach upwards of $922 per night, often excluding significant additional taxes and facility fees.

HI New York City Hostel (Dorm Bed) $64

Pod 51 Hotel (Mid-Range Room) $184

The Plaza Hotel (Luxury Room) $922

Accommodation Budget in New York City

Budget

$82 /night

Typical Range: $71 – $94

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Mid-Range

$233 /night

Typical Range: $200 – $271

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$520 /night

Typical Range: $441 – $600

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Money-Saving Tips

Insider tricks to stretch your budget further

1 Use the OMNY contactless system for 12 rides to trigger the weekly fare cap of ~$34, making all subsequent rides that week free.
2 Visit the TKTS booth in Times Square for same-day Broadway tickets at 20–50% off the face value.
3 Take the Staten Island Ferry for a free view of the Statue of Liberty instead of paying the $25 for the authorized Statue City Cruises ferry.
4 Eat at Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market or Xi'an Famous Foods for high-quality, authentic meals under $18.
5 Book a dorm bed at HI New York City Hostel using the code WINTER to save approximately $13 per night during the off-peak season.
6 Purchase a 10-trip pack for the NYC Ferry to reduce the cost of individual scenic rides to ~$2.88.
7 Walk the High Line between 07:00 and 22:00 for an elevated park experience that costs $0.
8 Utilize the 'Pay-What-You-Wish' hours at the Whitney Museum of American Art on Friday evenings and the second Sunday of every month.
9 Refill water bottles at public fountains in Central Park to avoid paying $3.53–$5.89 for bottled water at street carts.
10 Look for 'Early Bird' specials or prix-fixe lunch menus in Midtown to enjoy sit-down dining at a fraction of the $140 dinner price.

Hidden Costs

Surprise expenses that catch tourists off guard

Hidden Costs
Item	Amount	Notes
Hotel Occupancy Tax & Fees Includes $2 nightly fee plus 14.75% sales tax on the room rate.	$1.99/night	Includes $2 nightly fee plus 14.75% sales tax on the room rate.
Mandatory Restaurant Tip 18-22% is the expected standard for sit-down service (~$18–$21 on a $100 bill).	18–22%	18-22% is the expected standard for sit-down service (~$18–$21 on a $100 bill).
Hotel Resort/Facility Fee Commonly charged in Manhattan hotels; covers Wi-Fi, gym, and 'perks'.	$35/night	Commonly charged in Manhattan hotels; covers Wi-Fi, gym, and 'perks'.
Manhattan Congestion Surcharge (Taxis) Applies to all trips south of 96th Street in Manhattan.	$2.5/trip	Applies to all trips south of 96th Street in Manhattan.

Common Scams & Ripoffs

Watch out for these tourist traps

⚠ Times Square Mascots: Costumed characters will pose for photos but often aggressively demand $5.89–$12 per person as a 'tip' immediately afterward.
⚠ The CD Scam: Individuals in Midtown may hand you a 'free' music CD, then refuse to take it back and demand a donation of $12–$24 once you have touched it.
⚠ Pedicab Overcharging: Some Central Park pedicabs display rates per minute rather than per ride; always confirm the total price before boarding to avoid bills exceeding $118.
⚠ Fake Monk Blessings: Men in robes near the High Line may offer a bracelet and a 'blessing' for peace, then insist on a mandatory cash contribution of $12 or more.

Seasonal Pricing

When prices rise and fall throughout the year

Peak Season

Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec

+30-50%

Cheapest

Jan, Feb, Mar

-25-40%

Best Value

Apr, May, Sep, Oct

January and February offer the best hotel deals, often with room rates ~$118 lower than the December peak. Temperatures range -1–4°C (30–40°F).

Events to Watch

● UN General Assembly (late Sept): +100% hotels
● New York Marathon (early Nov): +60% hotels
● New Year's Eve (Dec 31): +200% hotels

Night view of illuminated billboards and bright lights at Times Square, New York City, United States

Free Things to Do

The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing

1 Walk across the 1.8km Brooklyn Bridge for panoramic views of the Lower Manhattan skyline.
2 Explore the 341 hectares of Central Park, including the Strawberry Fields memorial and Bethesda Terrace.
3 Visit the New York Public Library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building to see the Rose Main Reading Room.
4 Ride the Staten Island Ferry for a 25-minute cruise past the Statue of Liberty at no cost.
5 Tour the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal to see the celestial ceiling mural.
6 Explore the Chelsea Gallery District, where entry to most contemporary art galleries is free to the public.
7 Pay respects at the 9/11 Memorial's outdoor reflecting pools at the World Trade Center site.
8 Visit Federal Hall on Wall Street, the historic site where George Washington took the oath of office.
9 Take a free ferry to Governor's Island on weekend mornings before 11:30 (check seasonal schedules).
10 Explore the African Burial Ground National Monument in Lower Manhattan to learn about the city's history.
11 Walk through the High Line, a 2.3km linear park built on an abandoned elevated rail line.
12 Window shop along Fifth Avenue or through the luxury boutiques of SoHo.

Worth the Splurge

Premium experiences that justify the price tag

Broadway Show (Orchestra Seat)

A world-class cultural experience; discounted seats (~$94–$141) are available at TKTS booths.

$249

Doors-Off Helicopter Tour

Unparalleled aerial views of Manhattan with no glass reflection for photographers.

$344

Summit One Vanderbilt (Sunset Entry)

The most immersive and artistic observation deck currently in NYC.

$64

Popular Activities

Top-rated tours and experiences in New York City

View All Activities

Day Trip Costs

Popular day trips from New York City and what they cost

Philadelphia, PA

Getting Around

$42 by train

Entry

Free

Total Cost

$115

Washington, D.C.

Getting Around

$60 by bus

Entry

Free

Total Cost

$140

Day Trip Costs
Destinations	Getting Around	Entry	Total Cost
Philadelphia, PA	$42 by train	Free	$115
Washington, D.C.	$60 by bus	Free	$140

Payment & Money

How to pay and what to know about money

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Cash Needed

Card Acceptance

Everywhere including street vendors and taxis

Tipping

Strictly expected: 20% in restaurants, ~$2/drink at bars, and ~$4.94/bag for bellhops.

ATM Tips

Avoid generic 'non-bank' ATMs (found in bodegas) which charge ~$4–$8. Use Chase or Citibank ATMs for safety.

Connectivity

eSIM: $20–$35 for 10GB (opens in new tab)

Local SIM: $29–$53 at T-Mobile or AT&T stores.

WiFi: Excellent in public parks (LinkNYC kiosks), libraries, and cafés.

Use an Airalo eSIM for immediate data; it's much cheaper than paying roaming fees or hunting for a physical SIM.

New York City skyline with iconic skyscrapers and Brooklyn Bridge, United States

Why you can trust this guide

Jan Křenek

35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data

Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.

Methodology:

All neighborhoods verified by walking them
Curated locations based on walkability & safety
Real-time availability via live partner maps
Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages

Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for New York City.

Updated: February 16, 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York City expensive to visit?

New York City is an expensive destination where a typical daily budget ranges from $140 to $1,345 depending on your preference for dorms or five-star hotels.

How much does New York City cost per day?

A trip to New York City costs $140 per day on a budget, $384 for mid-range, and $1,345 for luxury. These include accommodation, food, transport, and activities per person.

How much does a trip to New York City cost?

A 7-day trip to New York City costs approximately $977 (budget), $2,686 (mid-range), or $9,418 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.

What is the cheapest month to visit New York City?

The cheapest months to visit New York City are January, February, March, with prices -25-40% lower than peak season. January and February offer the best hotel deals, often with room rates ~$118 lower than the December peak. Temperatures range -1–4°C (30–40°F).

What are the hidden costs in New York City?

Common hidden costs in New York City include Hotel Occupancy Tax & Fees ($1.99/night), Mandatory Restaurant Tip ($0/meal), Hotel Resort/Facility Fee ($35/night). A 15–20% budget buffer is recommended to account for the mandatory 18–22% restaurant tips and hotel facility fees, which can add ~$29–$41 per night to a mid-range stay. Additionally, travelers should budget for the 14.75% hotel occupancy tax and the Manhattan congestion surcharge applied to all taxi trips south of 96th Street.

How can I save money in New York City?

Top tips for saving money in New York City: Use the OMNY contactless system for 12 rides to trigger the weekly fare cap of ~$34, making all subsequent rides that week free. Visit the TKTS booth in Times Square for same-day Broadway tickets at 20–50% off the face value. Take the Staten Island Ferry for a free view of the Statue of Liberty instead of paying the $25 for the authorized Statue City Cruises ferry.