How Much Money Does One Need to Visit the US?

Planning a trip to the United States can be an exciting prospect, but understanding the financial requirements is crucial. The amount you need to spend will depend on various factors such as the duration of your stay, the location, accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and insurance.

Factors Influencing the Cost

Duration of Stay: Longer stays will generally require more funds to cover accommodation, food, and activities.

Location: Costs can vary significantly between different regions. Major cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.

Accommodation: Prices for hotels can range from budget options at $50 to $150 per night to luxury resorts at over $300 per night.

Food: Dining out can cost anywhere from $10 for fast food to $50 or more for a nice restaurant.

Transportation: Consider costs for public transit, car rentals, or rideshares. Public transportation in cities might cost around $2-$3 per ride, while car rentals can be $30-$100 per day, plus fuel.

Activities: Entrance fees for attractions, tours, and entertainment can add up. For example, theme park tickets can be $100 or more per day.

Travel Insurance: Having proper insurance is advisable, and it can cost around $50-$100 for a short trip.

Estimated Daily Budget

Budget Traveler: $50-$100 per day, including hostel stays, fast food, and public transportation. Mid-range Traveler: $150-$300 per day, including hotels, casual dining, and some activities. Luxury Traveler: $300 per day or more, including high-end hotels, fine dining, and extensive activities.

Total Estimate for a Week-Long Trip

Budget: $350-$700 total Mid-range: $1,050-$2,100 total Luxury: $2,100 total or more

It's also wise to have extra funds for emergencies or unexpected expenses.

Alternative Living Costs

While many travelers opt for hotels, other options include camping, which can be quite affordable. My son often opts for camping over hotels because he loves the outdoor life. There are also Airbnb rentals and hostels available. Some people prefer foraging and eating at Mexican restaurants, particularly in the Southwest, where they are plentiful and offer good value.

Personal Experiences and Observations

I have visited the USA twice this year, and it was significantly more expensive than previous trips. In the first trip, which was a hybrid work/holiday, we stayed in a self-catered villa for the second week in Florida. In the second trip, which was a work trip to Boston, we stayed in expensive hotels, many of which were 4/5-star rated. Even so, the hotels felt very expensive, with three nights in the Boston hotel equating to a month's mortgage payment for me.

Food and dining out were also much more expensive. For instance, $60 for breakfast for two pancakes and coffee at a regular diner seemed excessive, and considering the tipping culture over there. Disney was so overpriced that we didn't even consider going. Shopping has also lost some of its appeal in terms of price, as it compares unfavorably to at home.

Both my partner and I agreed that we are unlikely to go back to the USA for a holiday due to the cost, and we suspect that the USA is on a downward spiral as a holiday destination.