How much does a trip to the USA cost?
The United States is not a cheap destination, but it is a predictable one. Once you know the price of a motel room, a rental car and a diner breakfast, you can plan to the dollar. The big variables are where you sleep (cities cost double what small towns do) and how you get around.
What will my trip cost?
- Accommodation1 room × 13 nights$2,860
- Food & drink$80 per person per day$2,240
- Activities & toursmuseums, tours, shows$980
- Car rental + gasinsurance included, ~$25 gas a day$1,330
- Park passAmerica the Beautiful, per car$250
- Travel insurancemedical cover, roughly$126
Estimated total, excluding flights
$7,786
$278 per person per day
Averages for 2026 including taxes and tips. New York, San Francisco and Hawaii run 30–50% higher; the rural West and the South, lower.
Typical prices
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double room, small town / near a park | $90–$130 | $150–$250 | $300+ |
| Double room, big city | $150–$220 | $250–$400 | $450+ |
| Breakfast | $8–$12 | $15–$25 | $30+ |
| Dinner per person, tax and tip included | $15–$25 | $40–$70 | $100+ |
| Rental car per day, insurance included | $45–$60 | $60–$90 | $100+ |
| Gas, per gallon | $3–$4 (California $5+) |
Ten ways to spend less
- Travel in shoulder season (April–May, September–October).
- Sleep in gateway towns rather than inside the parks or city centers.
- Book refundable hotels early, then re-check prices as the date approaches.
- Use the America the Beautiful pass on any trip with three or more parks.
- Eat a big lunch rather than dinner: lunch menus are cheaper.
- Pick up a rental car at a downtown office rather than the airport to skip airport fees.
- Avoid one-way drop-off fees by planning a loop.
- Buy a cooler, water and picnic food at a supermarket for park days.
- Use free museums (the Smithsonian in Washington) and free views (the Staten Island Ferry).
- Pay with a card without foreign transaction fees.
Tolls and the rental company’s toll transponder fee add up fast in Florida and Texas: our driving pages explain how each state charges them. The road trip checklist lists what to book early, which is also what gets more expensive late.
Questions travellers ask
How much money do I need for 2 weeks in the USA?
For two people on a mid-range road trip, roughly $5,000–$8,000 excluding flights; $3,000–$4,500 on a tight budget.
Is the USA expensive for tourists?
Cities like New York and San Francisco are expensive; motels, gas and supermarket food elsewhere are reasonably priced. Taxes and tips are the hidden extra.
Should I bring cash to the USA?
A little, for tips and small purchases. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including contactless payment on transit.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026.