New York City Prices & Travel Costs

Last Updated: Jan 2024

New York City is probably the only required stop for anyone visiting the United States for the first time. Unlike most other major US cities, the majority of the famous attractions in New York City are quite clustered together so you can actually see a lot each day.  The place has a reputation for being expensive and that is definitely true when looking for accommodation, but many other things can actually be surprisingly affordable.

New York City City Featured Image

Travel Costs to New York City

Population 8,400,000
Area 19,000,000
Timezone UTC-5
Currency US dollar
Airports John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia International (LGA), Newark International (EWR)
BACKPACKER INDEX: US$136.8
1 USD = 1 USD
134 World cities ranked cheapest to most expensive: Backpacker Index for 2024

Accommodation Costs in New York City

New York City Hotel Seasons

New York City Hotel Prices

Rating Price(USD)
starstarstarstarstar56.00 - 150.00
starstarstarstarstar152.00 - 344.00
starstarstarstarstar206.00 - 510.00
starstarstarstarstar313.00 - 435.00
starstarstarstarstar461.00 - 730.00

New York City Hostels Prices

Type Price(USD)
Hostel Bed40.00 - 66.00

New York City Attractions Prices

Best tours in New York City

Location Description Type Price(USD)
Metropolitan Art MuseumNYC's biggest and most famous museum asks for these "suggested donations" but you can pay less if you are broke or cheap.
adults
65+
students
30.00
22.00
17.00
Empire State BuildingThe building's observation deck has long lines and complicated pricing for extras, so you'll want to research a bit before you go.
adults
62+
6-12
44.00
42.00
38.00
Circle Line 2.5-hour harbor tourThis highly recommended tour is worth the money and allows you views of the NYC skyline.
adults
child
41.00
34.00
2-hour city bus tourThese bus tours are a fast way to see the city, but not as nice as the Circle Line. Buy tickets online for these prices.
adults
3-11
94.00
70.00
Statue of Liberty/Ellis IslandThe statue and Ellis Island are free but you have to take this ferry to get there, and lines are usually long so go early or buy online.
adults
62+
4-12
30.00
24.00
18.00
Guggenheim MuseumSome people say the building exterior is the main attraction here.
adults
students
seniors
30.00
19.00
19.00
Museum of Modern ArtOne of the best modern-art museums in the world.
adults
65+
30.00
22.00
Whitney Museum of American ArtThis popular museum mixes modern and classical American art. Pay what you want on (crowded) Friday evenings.
adults
62+
19-25
30.00
24.00
24.00
Madam Tussauds MuseumThese impressive wax museums are usually crowded, and expensive. Save 20% by buying tickets online.
adults
38.00

New York City Food and Drink Prices

Food Type Description Price(USD)
Budget breakfastHotels in NYC rarely include breakfast, but it's always easy to find a deli or bagel shop for a fast and cheap meal.5.00 - 8.00
Budget lunchBig slices of cheese pizza are around $3 each, and filling sandwiches start around $4. 8.00 - 12.00
Budget dinnerCheaper and faster options are available, but a budget restaurant meal in this range is easy to find.12.00 - 20.00
Pint of beerEspecially in Manhattan, getting drunk is expensive. Self-catering cans start around $2 each if you look around.6.00 - 9.00

New York City Transport Prices

Type Price(USD)
AirTrain from JFK to Manhattan16.00
Taxi from JFK to Manhattan52.00
Shuttle bus JFK to Manhattan22.00
Subway ride with unlimited transfers2.00
Shuttle bus LaGuardia to Manhattan12.00 - 16.00
Taxi from LaGuardia to Manhattan26.00 - 35.00
3km taxi ride in Manhattan7.00 - 12.00

Getting to New York City

Getting around New York City

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When to visit New York City

Temperature and rainfall

Month High F Low F Precip (inches)
January38264.1
February41283.1
March50354.4
April61444.3
May71544.7
June79633.8
July84694.6
August82684.2
September75604.2
October64503.8
November53414.4
December43323.9

New York City Weather advice

Sunrise and sunset

21 Mar6:58am7:08pm
21 Jun5:24am8:30pm
21 Sep6:42am6:56pm
21 Dec7:16am4:31pm

Where to go before and after