New York on a budget: daily costs 2026
How much a trip to New York, United States costs per day: where you sleep, eat, get around and what you do. Estimates in US dollars.
Daily costs by category
| Per person per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $60 dorm | $130 ($260 room) | $325 ($650 room) |
| Food & drink | $40 | $80 | $180 |
| Local transport | $12 | $20 | $60 |
| Activities & sights | $15 | $50 | $130 |
Hostel dorm bed, street food & markets, public transport, mostly free sights. Mid-range and comfort room prices are per room per night, shared by two.
Trip budgets for New York
| Trip length | Backpacker (1) | Mid-range (2) | Comfort (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $381 | $1,680 | $4,170 |
| 5 days | $635 | $2,800 | $6,950 |
| 7 days | $889 | $3,920 | $9,730 |
| 14 days | $1,778 | $7,840 | $19,460 |
Book for less
Flights to New York
Best time to visit
April to June and September to November. Hotel prices are lowest in January and February.
Money-saving tips
- Tap your contactless card on the subway: fares are capped after 12 rides in 7 days.
- Eat at delis, food carts and dollar-slice pizza places.
- Taxes and tips add a lot to prices; budget about 20% extra for restaurant bills.
Free things to do
- Ride the free Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty.
- Walk the High Line and across the Brooklyn Bridge.
- Explore Central Park.
Compare New York with
Questions
How much does a day in New York cost?
As a rough guide: about $127 per day for a backpacker, $280 per person per day mid-range (two people sharing a room), and $695 per person per day for a comfortable trip. Flights are extra.
How much money do I need for 5 days in New York?
For one backpacker about $635; for two people mid-range about $2,800 in total, excluding flights. Add a 10% buffer.
When is the best time to visit New York?
April to June and September to November. Hotel prices are lowest in January and February.
What currency is used in New York?
USD. Use the live converter on this page and pay in local currency when given the choice.
These are planning estimates based on typical prices, checked 2026-10-11. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood and how you travel. Always check the final price when you book. How we estimate