Planning a trip to the United States and wondering how much money you’ll need? The USA has a reputation for being expensive, but with smart planning, your budget can stretch much further than expected.
This guide breaks down the USA travel cost for 7, 10, and 14 days, covering accommodation, food, transport, attractions, and realistic daily budgets for different travel styles.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel in the USA Per Day?
Average daily costs (per person, excluding international flights):
| Travel Style | Daily Budget |
|---|---|
| Budget | $80 – $120 |
| Mid-Range | $150 – $250 |
| Luxury | $300+ |
Your final trip cost depends on:
- Cities visited
- Travel pace
- Accommodation type
- Transport choices
- Dining preferences
🇺🇸 USA Travel Cost for 7 Days
Budget Traveler (7 Days)
- Accommodation: $280 – $450
- Food: $175 – $245
- Transport (domestic + local): $150 – $350
- Attractions: $80 – $150
Total: $685 – $1,195
Mid-Range Traveler (7 Days)
Total: $1,200 – $1,800
Luxury Traveler (7 Days)
Total: $2,200+
A 7-day trip is ideal for focusing on one region or 1–2 major cities.
🇺🇸 USA Travel Cost for 10 Days
Budget Traveler (10 Days)
- Accommodation: $400 – $650
- Food: $250 – $350
- Transport: $250 – $500
- Attractions: $120 – $200
Total: $1,020 – $1,700
Mid-Range Traveler (10 Days)
Total: $1,700 – $2,700
Luxury Traveler (10 Days)
Total: $3,000+
Ten days allows you to explore multiple cities comfortably.
🇺🇸 USA Travel Cost for 14 Days
Budget Traveler (14 Days)
- Accommodation: $560 – $900
- Food: $350 – $500
- Transport: $400 – $800
- Attractions: $180 – $300
Total: $1,490 – $2,500
Mid-Range Traveler (14 Days)
Total: $2,500 – $3,800
Luxury Traveler (14 Days)
Total: $4,500+
Two weeks gives you flexibility for multi-state trips or a scenic road journey.
Transportation Cost Comparison
| Transport Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Domestic Flights | $50 – $300 per leg |
| Long-distance Bus | $20 – $80 |
| Train (Regional) | $30 – $120 |
| Car Rental | $40 – $100 per day |
Choosing the right transport method significantly impacts your total budget.
Accommodation Cost Overview
| Type | Average Per Night |
|---|---|
| Hostel | $30 – $70 |
| Budget Hotel | $80 – $150 |
| Mid-Range Hotel | $150 – $300 |
| Luxury Hotel | $400+ |
Staying outside city centers can reduce costs by 20–40%.
Food Costs in the USA
- Fast food / street food: $8–15
- Casual dining: $15–30
- Mid-range restaurant: $30–50
- Fine dining: $60+
Budget travelers can comfortably eat on $25–35 per day.
How to Reduce USA Travel Costs
- Travel during shoulder seasons
- Book flights early
- Use public transportation in cities
- Stay in Brooklyn/Queens instead of Manhattan
- Choose free attractions
- Buy national park passes
Sample Total Budget Comparison
| Trip Length | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Days | $700 – $1,200 | $1,200 – $1,800 | $2,200+ |
| 10 Days | $1,000 – $1,700 | $1,700 – $2,700 | $3,000+ |
| 14 Days | $1,500 – $2,500 | $2,500 – $3,800 | $4,500+ |
Need a Detailed Daily Expense Breakdown?
While this guide provides a trip-length overview, some travelers prefer a deeper look into daily spending categories like accommodation, food, transport, attractions, and hidden costs.
👉 For a more detailed breakdown of everyday expenses, tipping guidelines, and real-world budgeting examples, see USA Travel Cost – How Much Money Do You Need?
That guide explains:
- Realistic per-day budgets
- City-specific price differences
- Transportation cost comparisons
- Food and tipping expectations
- Sample trip cost calculations
Using both guides together helps you estimate your total trip budget with greater accuracy.
Final Thoughts
The cost of traveling in the USA varies widely based on your travel style and route. A realistic budget ranges from $700 for a basic 7-day trip to $4,500+ for a comfortable two-week experience.
With smart planning, America can be surprisingly affordable — even for longer stays.
FAQs – USA Travel Cost
Q1: Is the USA expensive to travel?
It can be, but budget options make it manageable.
Q2: What is the cheapest way to travel in the USA?
Long-distance buses and budget flights are usually cheapest.
Q3: How much cash should I carry?
$100–200 is enough; cards are widely accepted.
Q4: Are national parks expensive?
Most charge $20–35 per vehicle entry.
Q5: How much should I budget per day?
$100–150 per day is realistic for comfort travel.
