NYC is a place that caters for all budgets, you can spend as little or as much as you like and still have a great time. However there are somethings that you just have to budget for in order to enjoy your time in the city, trust me I’ve stayed in a terrible hostel with terrible reviews because I couldn’t afford anything else. So here is a look at what I spent over four days in the big apple and a few price options for accommodation.
This is my 4 day budget for New York City
Accommodation:
We stayed at the Hotel Metro a mid-range priced accommodation that gave a little bit of luxury. $232 per a night based on 2 people sharing which is a total of $348 for three nights. This was inclusive of breakfast and was not for the cheapest room they offer.
Hostels from $30 a night for a dorm room – these book up a long time in advance, you should check reviews carefully and a private room will cost considerably more.
Our Room at the Hotel Metro – We got super lucky and were upgraded to a penthouse suite!
Transport
Subway from the airport to mid-town (including a metro card) $8.50
Subway from mid-town to the airport $7.50
Return train journey to Met Life Stadium $10.50
We also used the Big Bus Tours to get around NYC and visit attractions, however this isn’t a must and you can easily walk around parts of Manhattan if you have the time. Alternatively subway journeys are charged the same price ($2.50) no matter the distance.
Food
Food & drink at Met Life Stadium $18.50
Dinner & cocktail at Hard Rock Cafe $33
Burrito & beer at Lucy’s $22
Dinner & beer at Bill’s $25
Cheesecake $6.95
Hot dog and drink (from street cart) $6
Food at the airport $15
Breakfast was included with the hotel so we managed to save some money there. You could easily save money on food by continuously eating from food trucks in the streets and McDonald’s but these prices are pretty average for eating out in typical American foodie places.
These prices are also inclusive of tipping. Tipping is a huge part of the culture in America and you are expected to tip 18-20% anywhere you receive service.
Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe
Shopping and Attractions
Tickets for Jets vs Patriots at Met Life Stadium $74.50
Top Of The Rock Observation Deck $29
Big Bus Tour for 2 days $59
Shopping – for myself and Christmas presents $240 – You could easily send as little or as much as you like shopping and as we visited during December I made a point of doing half my Christmas shopping while in the city.
When shopping in New York and America in general you need to remember tax is not included in the price tag and will be added at the till.
Hanging out at Met Life Stadium
Total Budget
Budgetting for a mid-range hotel and all the attractions listed above your budget for 4 days in New York City would be:
$664//£440
Budgetting for a mid-range hotel but without the NFL game your budget for 4 days in New York City would be:
$578//£384
Budgetting for a hostel with all the attractions listed above your budget for 4 days in New York City would be:
$416//£276
Budgetting for a hostel, transport and food only would cost $254//£169 – but trust me that isn’t an enjoyable way to see the city
None of the above prices include shopping as I feel this is a complete luxury and certainly not a necessity!
*All prices were correct at the time of writing and this is only meant as a guide to help you plan.
Tags: Advice Budget Money NYC USA