The Total Traveling Cost of Visiting the United States: A Detailed Guide

May 18, 2025

The Total Traveling Cost of Visiting the United States: A Detailed Guide

Visiting the United States is a dream for many international travelers. With its diverse landscapes, world-famous cities, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks, the U.S. offers a travel experience like no other. But such a vast and varied country also comes with a wide range of costs — and understanding the full financial picture is crucial for smart trip planning.

This in-depth guide breaks down the total cost of traveling to the U.S. for a 2-week trip, suitable for solo travelers or couples on a moderate budget. It also highlights options for both budget and luxury travelers.

1. Visa and Documentation Costs

ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)

If you're from one of the 40+ countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you'll need to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

Cost: $21 (valid for 2 years, for stays of up to 90 days)
Processing Time: Usually within 72 hours

Tourist Visa (B-2 Visa)

If you’re not eligible for ESTA, you’ll need to apply for a B-2 Tourist Visa.

Application Fee: $185
Additional Costs: Visa interview travel, document preparation, courier fees
Total Average Visa Costs: $200 - $300

2. International Flight Costs

Flight costs vary dramatically based on the departure country, time of year, and destination city in the U.S.

Sample Round-Trip Flight Prices (Economy Class):

From Europe (UK, Germany, France): $400 – $800
From India/Asia (China, Japan, Philippines): $600 – $1,200
From Australia/New Zealand: $900 – $1,400
From South America: $400 – $900
From Africa: $600 – $1,200

Seasonality Matters: Flights are more expensive during U.S. summer (June–August) and holiday seasons (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year).

Average Flight Cost for Moderate Traveler: $800 – $1,000

3. Domestic Transportation Within the U.S.

The U.S. is huge, so you’ll likely use multiple modes of transport.

Air Travel (Domestic Flights)

Common for long distances (e.g., New York to Los Angeles)
Average one-way fare: $100 – $250
Budget airlines: Spirit, Frontier, Southwest

Train (Amtrak)

Scenic but slower and not always cheap
Cost: $50 – $150 depending on route

Bus (Greyhound, Megabus, FlixBus)

Cheapest option for city-to-city travel
Typical fares: $10 – $50

Car Rental

Average cost: $40 – $70 per day (excluding insurance and fuel)
Gasoline: ~~$3.50 per gallon (~~$0.90/liter)

Public Transportation

Metro/subway fare: $2 – $3 per ride (in cities like NYC, Chicago)
Daily pass: $5 – $10
Ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft): Short rides cost $10 – $20

Total Estimated Transport Budget (2 weeks): $300 – $600

4. Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is often the biggest travel expense in the U.S. It varies by city, type, and season.

Per Night Costs (2-star to 3-star hotels):

Budget hotels/hostels: $40 – $70
Mid-range hotels/motels: $80 – $150
Airbnb (private room): $60 – $100
Luxury hotels (4-5 stars): $200+

City Variance:

NYC, San Francisco, Boston = most expensive
Dallas, Atlanta, and Midwest cities = more affordable

Estimated 2-week Hotel Cost (mid-range): $1,000 – $1,800

5. Food and Dining Costs

You’ll find everything from $1 street hot dogs to $100 Michelin-starred meals.

Average Daily Food Costs:

Budget traveler: $20 – $30/day
Moderate traveler: $40 – $70/day
Luxury traveler: $100+/day

Breakdown for Moderate Traveler:

Breakfast (café/fast food): $5 – $10
Lunch (casual restaurant): $10 – $20
Dinner (dine-in): $20 – $40

Estimated Food Budget for 2 Weeks: $600 – $1,000

6. Tourist Attractions and Entertainment

Many U.S. attractions charge entrance fees, but city passes can offer value.

Top Attractions and Ticket Prices:

Attraction	Cost (Approx.)
Statue of Liberty & Ferry	$25
Empire State Building (NYC)	$44
Grand Canyon Park Fee	$35 (per vehicle)
Disneyland or Universal Studios	$110 – $150/day
Kennedy Space Center (Florida)	$60
Smithsonian Museums (Washington)	Free
Hollywood Studios Tour	$50 – $70

Entertainment & Events:

Broadway Show: $50 – $200
Concerts/Sports Events: $30 – $150

Estimated Activities Budget (2 Weeks): $300 – $600

7. Shopping and Souvenirs

The U.S. is great for shopping, especially during sales seasons (Black Friday, July 4th, end-of-season).

8. Travel Insurance

While not mandatory, it’s strongly recommended due to high healthcare costs in the U.S.

Cost for 2 weeks: $40 – $100
Covers: Medical emergencies, trip delays, lost luggage

9. Internet, SIM Cards, and Connectivity

Most major U.S. cities have free public Wi-Fi, but having your own mobile data is convenient.

Tourist SIM Cards:

Providers: T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon
Prepaid plans: $30 – $60 (unlimited data, calls, texts)
Some international SIMs work on roaming, but costs may be high

10. Tips and Taxes

Sales Tax: Not included in listed prices, varies by state (5% to 10%)
Tipping:
- Restaurant: 15% – 20%
- Taxi/Uber: 10%
- Hotel housekeeping: $1–$2 per day

11. Sample 2-Week Budget for a Moderate Traveler

Category	Estimated Cost (USD)
Visa/ESTA	$21 – $300
Round-trip flight	$800 – $1,000
Accommodation	$1,000 – $1,800
Transportation	$300 – $600
Food and dining	$600 – $1,000
Attractions	$300 – $600
Shopping & souvenirs	$100 – $500
SIM & Internet	$30 – $60
Travel insurance	$50 – $100
Miscellaneous & Tips	$50 – $100
Total (Per Person)	$3,300 – $6,060

12. Budget vs. Luxury Comparison (Per Person for 2 Weeks)

Expense	Budget	Moderate	Luxury
Flights	$400 – $800	$800 – $1,000	$1,200+
Accommodation	$500 – $1,000	$1,200 – $1,800	$3,000+
Food	$300 – $500	$600 – $1,000	$1,500+
Transport	$150 – $300	$300 – $600	$1,000+
Attractions	$150 – $300	$300 – $600	$800+
Miscellaneous	$100 – $200	$200 – $300	$500+
Total	$1,600 – $3,100	$3,300 – $6,000	$8,000+

13. Tips to Save Money While Traveling in the U.S.

Book flights and hotels early for better rates.
Use public transportation in cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.
Travel off-season (spring or fall) for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Stay outside city centers to save on accommodation.
Use CityPass or Go Cards for discounted attraction bundles.
Eat like a local—food trucks and diners offer great meals at a fraction of the cost.
Leverage free attractions, like national parks, beaches, public museums, and walking tours.

Conclusion: How Much Does a Trip to the U.S. Really Cost?

The United States is an exciting, diverse destination, but it’s not the cheapest — especially for long-distance travelers. Still, by smart planning and budgeting, a memorable 2-week U.S. trip is achievable for around $3,000 to $6,000 per person, depending on your travel style.

Whether you're taking selfies in Times Square, hiking the Grand Canyon, road-tripping along Route 66, or exploring Southern jazz and food, America has something unforgettable for everyone — as long as your budget is ready for it.

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