How Much Does Washington DC Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Washington DC offers a distinct financial landscape where the world's most famous museums are free, yet daily living costs remain high. Budget expectations should be balanced: while a solo traveler can get by on $105 per day, those seeking a mid-range experience with comfortable dining and central lodging should plan for $349. This city is often more affordable for sightseeing than New York or London due to the federal government funding many attractions, though hotel taxes and dining gratuities are among the steepest in the United States. Visitors can expect luxury tiers to exceed $1,246 per day, particularly when staying in high-end enclaves like Georgetown.
Is Washington DC expensive to visit?
Washington DC is moderately expensive, with typical daily costs ranging from $105 to $1,246 depending on whether you focus on free public museums or luxury hospitality.
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Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Washington DC
$105
per person /day
$349
per person /day
$1,246
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 | $314 | $1,046 | $3,737 |
| 5-Day Trip | $524 | $1,744 | $6,229 |
| 7-Day Trip | $732 | $2,442 | $8,720 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to carry a 15% budget buffer to account for the hotel occupancy tax, which can add roughly $38 to a $235 room, and the standard 18–20% tipping culture at restaurants.
How Does It Compare?
See how Washington DC stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Washington DC
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Original Half Smoke at Ben's Chili Bowl Signature DC street food dish. Costs ~$8.17. | $8.16 |
| Mid-Range Restaurant Dinner (Founding Farmers) Average main course price. Add ~$5.89–$9.42 for a side or drink. Total ~$28. | $28 |
| Craft Beer (Pint) Standard price for a local craft brew. Costs ~$8.97. | $8.97 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Metro One-Day Unlimited Pass Covers unlimited travel on Metro and Metrobus for one day. Cost is ~$13. | $13 |
| DC Taxi Flag Drop (First 1/8 mile) The initial base fare for any taxi ride in the District (~$3.99). | $3.99 |
| Dulles Airport (IAD) to Downtown via Silver Line The maximum peak fare from Dulles Airport to downtown is ~$5.98. | $5.98 |
| DC Circulator Bus Fare Flat fare for any route. Free transfers from Metro with SmarTrip. Costs ~$1. | $1 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm Bed at HI Washington DC Standard nightly rate for a dorm bed. Membership discount of ~$2.99–$3.99 often applies. | $45 |
| Mid-range Hotel (Hyatt Place DC/White House) Average mid-week rate for a standard room. Prices can spike significantly during cherry blossom season (~$247). | $248 |
| Luxury Hotel (Four Seasons Georgetown) Premier luxury stay in Georgetown. Expect to pay ~$871 per night excluding taxes. | $872 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| International Spy Museum Adult Admission One of the few major non-free museums in DC. Costs ~$30. | $30 |
| George Washington's Mount Vernon Admission Highest standard adult gate price. Includes house tour. Costs ~$28. | $28 |
| Washington Monument Reservation Fee Admission is free, but advance tickets booked online incur this ~$1 fee. | $1 |
| US Holocaust Memorial Museum Processing Fee Timed-entry tickets are required. Costs ~$1 per person. | $1 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| United States eSIM - 50GB (30 days) Comprehensive data package for heavy users. | $43 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining scene ranges from iconic street food like a $8.16 half smoke at Ben's Chili Bowl to sophisticated mid-range mains at Founding Farmers for $28. Travelers should account for a restaurant sales tax that is higher than the general city tax, as well as an expected 18–20% tip for table service.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Ben's Chili Bowl
$7.97–$15U Street · Local chain
The original counter on U Street is a historic landmark; try the Half Smoke for ~$8.18.
Union Station Food Court
$12–$20Capitol Hill · Food court
Reliable spot for a quick lunch near the Capitol for ~$12–$20.
Beefsteak
$11–$16Foggy Bottom · Local chain
José Andrés' vegetable-centric fast-casual spot; healthy meals for ~$11.
District Taco
$9.97–$18Multiple locations · Local chain
Excellent Yucatan-style tacos; a filling meal is about ~$13.
Falafel Inc
$3.99–$9.97Wharf / Georgetown · Street food area
Possibly the best value in DC; a sandwich is only ~$4.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the District is cost-effective via the Metro, which offers a $13 unlimited one-day pass for trains and buses. The DC Circulator bus remains the best value for short hops between neighborhoods at just $1 per ride.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging represents the largest expense, with mid-range hotels like Hyatt Place near the White House averaging $248 per night. Budget travelers can find dorm beds at HI Washington DC for $45, while the Four Seasons Georgetown commands luxury rates of $872.
Accommodation Budget in Washington DC
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
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 Ride the DC Circulator bus for a flat $1 to travel between the National Mall, Georgetown, and Adams Morgan.
- 2 Utilize the Silver Line Metro for transit from Dulles Airport (IAD) to downtown for a maximum peak fare of $5.98.
- 3 Prioritize the Smithsonian Institution's 21 museums and the National Zoo, which all offer free admission.
- 4 Book the $1 online reservation for the Washington Monument early to avoid missing out on the views.
- 5 Eat at Falafel Inc in Georgetown or The Wharf, where high-quality meals are significantly cheaper than standard sit-down restaurants.
- 6 Grab a quick, affordable meal at the Union Station Food Court near Capitol Hill to avoid expensive tourist-trap cafes.
- 7 Walk the 3.2km stretch of the National Mall; the memorials are clustered close enough to skip taxis.
- 8 Purchase a SmarTrip card to get free transfers between the Metro and the DC Circulator bus.
- 9 Visit during the winter months (avoiding holidays) for the lowest hotel rates, though temperatures can drop to 0–5°C (32–41°F).
- 10 Opt for the $1 timed-entry tickets at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum to guarantee access to the permanent exhibition.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Mar, Apr, May, Jun
+30-50%
Dec, Jan, Feb
-25-40%
Sep, Oct
Winter is frigid but significantly cheaper, except during holidays. September offers the best balance of pleasant weather and moderate prices (~$212/night mid-range).
Events to Watch
- ● Presidential Inauguration (Jan every 4 yrs): +400% hotels
- ● Cherry Blossom Festival (Late March/April): +50% hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 The Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool
- 2 National Museum of Natural History
- 3 National Gallery of Art and Sculpture Garden
- 4 The Library of Congress Jefferson Building
- 5 Smithsonian National Zoo in Woodley Park
- 6 The United States Botanic Garden near Capitol Hill
- 7 Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- 8 The Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center (free daily 18:00 performances)
- 9 National Portrait Gallery (Kogod Courtyard is a great free indoor space)
- 10 Hiking the trails of Rock Creek Park
- 11 The Supreme Court of the United States (public lectures when not in session)
- 12 The National Air and Space Museum (timed entry required but $0 cost)
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Excellent way to navigate the sprawling National Mall and memorials with history commentary (~$58).
Fine Dining at Old Ebbitt Grill
DC's oldest saloon, located steps from the White House; classic atmosphere worth the ~$94 price tag.
Private Capitol Hill & Monuments Night Tour
Seeing the illuminated Lincoln and Jefferson memorials without the daytime crowds is magical (~$149).
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Washington DC
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Washington DC and what they cost
Mount Vernon
$15 by Bus/Rideshare
$28
$65
Old Town Alexandria
$12 by Water Taxi or Metro
Free
$50
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
US Dollar (USD)
No
Everywhere including food trucks and buses (via phone tap)
Strictly expected. 18–20% in restaurants. ~$1–$2 per suitcase for porters. Round up for taxis.
Plentiful. Avoid independent ATMs in convenience stores; use bank-affiliated ones like Chase or Capital One to save ~$4 in fees.
Connectivity
eSIM: $9.42–$44 for 3GB–50GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $40–$49 at T-Mobile or AT&T stores for prepaid plans.
WiFi: Excellent in all Smithsonian museums, libraries, and major parks.
Use an eSIM (Airalo or Holafly) for convenience as physical SIMs can be expensive at US airports.
Why you can trust this guide
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.
- 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 Washington DC.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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