New York is one of the world’s most iconic cities, drawing millions of visitors every year. Whether you’re tempted by its famous landmarks, distinctive neighbourhoods or vibrant cultural scene, a trip to New York deserves careful budgeting. So, how much does a trip to New York really cost? Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key expenses that go into an unforgettable stay in the Big Apple.
Flight costs: finding the best fare
The cost of a flight to New York can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the season, the airline and your departure city. To make the most of your cabin luggage, it can help to choose a cabin backpack. Discover our top cabin backpacks below:
Airfare by season
In general, flight prices are higher during the peak tourist season. That includes the Christmas holidays, Easter and the summer months (June to August). January, by contrast, is often a more affordable time to travel. Return fares can range anywhere from 350€ to 1000€ per person.
- Peak Season (Christmas, Summer): 700€ - 1000€
- Shoulder Season (Spring, Autumn): 500€ - 750€
- Low Season (January, February): 350€ - 600€
Choosing the right airline
Low-cost airlines often offer cheaper flights, but watch out for hidden fees like extra baggage. Traditional airlines, on the other hand, usually give you more comfort and included services — which can make all the difference, especially on a long-haul flight.
Staying in New York: hotels and other accommodation options
In New York, accommodation options range from budget hostels and luxury hotels to Airbnb rentals. Don’t forget to pack a hanging wash bag to keep everything neatly organised throughout your stay.
Hostels and budget hotels
For smaller budgets, hostels are still the best-value option. Prices can start at around €30 per night per person for a bed in a dorm. Budget hotels offer double rooms for roughly €100 per night — ideal for couples looking to keep costs down.
Mid-range hotels
Mid-range hotels usually cost between €150 and €250 per night for a double room. They generally offer more amenities, such as breakfast included, a gym and a central location.
Luxury hotels
If you're after an upscale stay, New York is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, with rates that can easily exceed €400 a night. Many include a spa, refined dining and spectacular city views.
Getting around New York: subway, taxis and other options
Getting around New York comes with plenty of options: subway, buses, taxis, Uber/Lyft, bike sharing and even walking. To stay comfortable on the go, don’t forget to pack a sleep mask.
Using the subway
The subway remains the most affordable and efficient way to get around. A single ticket costs $2.75. For longer stays, an unlimited MetroCard can be well worth it:
- 24 hours: $13
- 7 days: $33
Taxis and alternatives
New York’s iconic yellow taxis tend to be pricier, with minimum fares often close to $10. That said, ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft can sometimes offer competitive rates. Expect to pay around $15 to $25 for journeys within central Manhattan.
Food and dining: options and costs
From street food to Michelin-starred dining, eating in New York caters to every budget.
Street food and quick bites
New York street food — from hot dogs and pretzels to pizza slices — is a brilliant way to eat for under €10. Fast-food spots and small local eateries also serve filling meals at a similar price.
Mid-range restaurants
For a relaxed sit-down meal, mid-range restaurants typically charge between €20 and €40 per person, excluding drinks. You'll find everything from American favourites to international cuisine.
Fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants
For food lovers, discovering Michelin-starred restaurants can push the budget up considerably. Prices often start from €100 per person, excluding wine. It’s worth booking ahead, as these prestigious restaurants are in high demand.
Tourist attractions : exploring the Big Apple
A trip to New York also means ticking off its must-see attractions, each with its own admission price. To make sure none of it slips away, jot down your favourite discoveries in a travel journal.
Popular landmarks and sights
Places such as the Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History and Madame Tussauds typically charge between $25 and $40 for entry. Multi-attraction passes such as the New York City Pass can help you save money, bundling several admissions for around $130.
Free activities
The good news? Plenty of things to do in New York are completely free. Think a stroll through Central Park, a walk along the High Line, or exploring neighbourhoods such as Greenwich Village and SoHo.
Budget by traveller type
The overall budget for a stay in New York can vary hugely depending on your travel style.
Budget traveller
A backpacker or budget-conscious traveller could get by on around €50 to €70 per day, genuinely covering everything — food, accommodation and transport. Over a week, that’s about €700, excluding flights.
Couple seeking comfort
For a couple after a little more comfort — think mid-range hotels, a few meals out and some sightseeing — a daily budget of around €150 to €250 is more realistic. For a week, that works out at roughly €2,000, not including the cost of a possible flight upgrade.
Luxury traveller
If you want the full New York experience — a luxury hotel, fine dining and plenty of nights out — expect to spend around €300 to €500 per day. Over a week, that comes to roughly €3,500, before any unexpected extras.
