Is New York Expensive? My Honest Review & Budget Breakdown

New York, New York, the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, and one of the most iconic places you can visit. It’s home to the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, all those landmarks you’ve seen in movies a hundred times. And honestly, It really does live up to the hype.

I’ve been to New York several times over the past few years, sometimes for a week, sometimes just for a quick weekend getaway. And one of the questions I get asked the most is: “Is New York expensive?” The short answer is yes, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.

In this article, I’ll share how much I usually spend on my trips, what you can expect for your own budget, and a few tips for saving money while still having an amazing time in the city.

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Is New York Expensive – My Experience

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been to New York several times over the past few years. One of those trips was a week-long Christmas family vacation, but most of the time I go for shorter visits, usually three or four days, either by myself or with friends. 

That feels like the sweet spot for me: enough time to see the city without rushing, but also short enough that the hotel costs don’t spiral out of control (and trust me, New York hotels can get very expensive).

When it comes to costs in New York, it’s really tricky to give one straight answer because it depends so much on how you like to travel. Personally, I’d call myself a budget-conscious traveler. I’m happy to spend a little more when it genuinely improves my experience, but I cut corners where I don’t think it matters as much.

So, for example, standing in line for two hours just to buy a $15 matcha latte? Not for me. But paying extra for a hotel that’s comfortable and in a good location? That’s something I’ll happily budget for. To balance it out, I’ll often keep food simple and affordable, like grabbing a bagel or pizza slice instead of sitting down for every meal.

In this article, I’ll break down what I usually spend on a trip to New York. From there, you can see how it matches your own travel style, whether you want to splurge more, cut back, or aim for something in between.

Travel Costs in New York City

Let’s get into the numbers. This isn’t going to be a penny-by-penny breakdown of every coffee I bought, but rather a rounded look at what I usually spend in New York. I’ll break it down into categories, accommodation, food & drinks, activities, and transport, so you can get a realistic idea of costs.

For reference, these numbers are based on my most recent trip, which was three nights in New York City. I’ll share both the total for the trip and an approximate daily cost, so you can adjust it to however long you’re planning to stay.

One quick note: I’ve left out flights, visas, or anything related to getting to New York, since that depends entirely on where you’re traveling from. This is purely what I spent while I was in the city.

Accommodation & Hotels in New York

Accommodation is usually where I spend the biggest chunk of my budget in New York. Since I love exploring Manhattan on foot, I prefer to stay in Midtown, it makes sightseeing so much easier. From there, I can walk straight to Central Park, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and plenty more without needing the subway.

On my past couple of trips, I’ve stayed at the M Social Hotel Times Square New York. The location is fantastic, the rooms are clean and modern, and some of them even have great views. Just keep in mind that hotel prices in New York can change drastically depending on the season, around Christmas, for example, rates skyrocket.

Here’s what I paid on my most recent trip (for 3 nights, 2 people):

  • Hotel: M Social Hotel Times Square New York
  • Rate per night: $263
  • Per person per night: $132
  • Total for 3 nights (for 2 people): $789

These are my Top Activities in New York City

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Food Prices in New York

Food in New York is one of those things that can swing wildly depending on how you like to eat. On some trips I’ve splurged way too much, and on others I’ve kept it super cheap. On my last trip, I was definitely in penny-pincher mode, but honestly, it didn’t affect my experience at all.

Most mornings I grabbed a bagel and coffee from a bodega, lunches were often $1 pizza slices or quick salad bowls from supermarkets, and dinners stayed simple too. In total, I only spent about $180 on food over three days, which I thought was pretty great for New York.

Of course, it can go the complete opposite way. If you’re eating out at sit-down restaurants or cafés two or three times a day, your food costs will climb fast, easily $100+ per day. And some famous spots are surprisingly pricey (I think a sandwich at Katz’s Delicatessen is around $30 these days).

Here’s what my food budget looked like on my most recent trip (for 3 days):

  • Total spent: $180 (Can be much higher though!)
  • Average per day: $60

Transportation Cost in New York

Getting around New York is surprisingly cheap, at least for me, since I try to walk as much as possible. Honestly, exploring Manhattan on foot is half the fun, and it saves a ton of money.

The one big expense is getting from the airport into the city. From JFK to Manhattan, taxis and Ubers have a flat rate of $70 (plus tolls & tip), which I usually share with whoever I’m traveling with. That brings it down to about $35 per person, which isn’t too bad considering the convenience. (You can take the Airbus though which only costs $10 a person).

Once I’m in Manhattan, I mostly use the subway when I need to cover longer distances, like heading downtown to the Financial District or over to Brooklyn. A single ride is $2.90, and on my last 3-day trip I only spent around $15 total on subway rides.

Other than that I have zero transport costs, just me, my sneakers, and New York’s endless streets. Walking is genuinely the best way to explore, and you’ll stumble across so many little spots you’d never see from the back of a cab.

My transportation costs for 3 days in New York:

  • JFK to Manhattan taxi (shared): $35 per person
  • Subway rides: $15
  • Walking: free (and fun)
    Total: $50 per person

Activities in New York

Activities in New York can swing either way, super cheap or very expensive, depending on how you travel. 

Honestly, some of my best trips have been when I barely spent anything at all. Once you’re in Manhattan, there are so many free things to do: stroll through Central Park, cross the Brooklyn Bridge, wander Times Square, walk down Fifth Avenue, check out Wall Street, or even hop on the Staten Island Ferry for a free view of the Statue of Liberty. You could easily spend a few days doing all of that and not open your wallet once.

That said, New York also has plenty of big-ticket experiences that are absolutely worth it. Going up one of the observation decks (like the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock), visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty properly, or splurging on something bucket-list-worthy like a helicopter ride over Manhattan (which I did once, and it was unforgettable).

If you’re planning to do a lot of attractions and museums, I’d definitely recommend looking into the New York CityPASS, it bundles entry to several top sights and can save both money and time.

My activity costs from my last trip (3 days):

  • Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Staten Island Ferry: Free
  • Top of the Rock observation deck: $44
  • Museum entry (Metropolitan Museum of Art): $30
    Total: $74

Different Budgets for New York

As I’ve been saying, the cost of a New York City trip really depends on your travel style. You can make it as cheap (or as expensive) as you want, it just comes down to where you stay, how you eat, and what kind of activities you’re planning on doing. Here’s how I’d break it down:

Luxury Trip to New York

If you’re going all out, with $500+ per night hotels, brunches and dinners at trendy Manhattan restaurants, and splurge-worthy activities like the Empire State Building, a Statue of Liberty tour, and even a helicopter ride around Manhattan. 

For a 3-night trip (based on two people sharing), you’re realistically looking at around $1,500+ per person. With that budget, you’ll have a very fun and upscale experience.

Mid-Range Budget New York

This is where I usually fall. A nice but not over-the-top hotel in Midtown, a mix of eating out and grabbing quick bites (bagels, pizza, bodegas), plus a combination of free sightseeing (Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Staten Island Ferry) and a couple of paid activities like an observation deck or museum. 

For 3 nights, I’d say around $1,000 per person is a good ballpark. Of course, it could be a little less or a little more depending on your hotel and how much you spend on food and attractions.

New York on a Budget

It’s definitely possible to keep costs way down if you’re strategic. With staying in hostels or couchsurfing, eating supermarket meals, dollar pizza slices, and sticking mostly to New York’s many free things to do. 

On this kind of shoestring backpacker budget, you could probably get by with around $400–500 per person for 3 nights. It won’t be glamorous, but you’ll still get to see New York.

Is New York Expensive? My Honest Review & Budget Breakdown

How to Save Money in New York

New York has a reputation for being expensive and yes, it can be, but there are plenty of ways to stretch your budget without missing out. Here are my favorite tips:

  • Skip the overpriced cafés. Sure, you can find $15 matcha lattes in Manhattan, but you can also grab a bagel and coffee from a bodega or a $1 slice of pizza. It’s just as New York, and a lot kinder to your wallet.
  • Stay outside Manhattan. Hotels in Midtown can be eye-wateringly expensive. If you don’t mind a short commute, look at Brooklyn or even across the river in New Jersey, where you can often find rooms for around $100-150 a night.
  • Do the free stuff. Central Park, Times Square, walking the Brooklyn Bridge, the Staten Island Ferry (hello, Statue of Liberty views!), New York is full of things that won’t cost you a dime.
  • Walk or ride the subway. Walking is not only free, it’s the best way to explore Manhattan. When you do need transport, the subway is fast and cheap compared to taxis or Ubers.
  • Take public transit from the airport. Instead of a flat-fare taxi from JFK, hop on the AirTrain and connect to the subway. It takes a little longer but costs a fraction of the price.

Where to Stay in New York

When I visit New York, I like to stay somewhere central so I can walk to as many sights as possible without constantly relying on the subway or Ubers. 

Midtown Manhattan is my go-to, staying here means I’m within easy walking distance of Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Center. It just makes exploring so much easier.

That said, if you’re traveling on a tighter budget, Brooklyn is a fantastic alternative. You’ll find great-value hotels here, often under $150 per night, which is practically a steal by New York standards. You’ll also get a more local vibe while still being only a short subway ride away from Manhattan.

Here are two hotels I recommend:

  • M Social Hotel New York – Best mid-range hotel in Manhattan. Modern rooms, clean, central, and some rooms even come with amazing city views.
  • The Lodge Red Hook – Best budget hotel in New York. A solid choice if you don’t mind staying in Brooklyn and want to save money without sacrificing comfort.

FAQs About Is New York Expensive to Visit

How expensive is New York?

Honestly, New York can be as expensive as you want it to be. Jokes aside, I think a realistic budget for a 3-4 day weekend in New York is around $1,000 per person if you stay in a comfortable mid-range hotel, eat out a little, and treat yourself here and there.

Can you do New York on a budget?

Absolutely! Stay in Brooklyn or New Jersey instead of Manhattan, grab dollar pizza slices and bodega bagels, walk everywhere, and make use of all the free attractions. You can easily cut costs if you don’t mind keeping things simple.

Is New York City worth visiting?

Yes, without a doubt. New York is one of my favorite cities to visit. With so many iconic sights like Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Times Square, it’s one of those places I think everyone should experience at least once in their life.

How many days in New York do I need?

For me, the sweet spot is 3–4 nights. That’s enough time to see most of the big landmarks without rushing too much. Any longer and the costs add up quickly (plus the crowds and chaos can start to feel overwhelming).

Final Thoughts on How Much Does a Trip to New York Cost

I hope this little cost breakdown from my recent trip gives you a better idea of what to expect when planning your own visit to New York City and could answer the question of ‘Is New York expensive?’. Of course, these numbers aren’t set in stone, your budget will depend on where you stay, how you like to eat, and what kind of activities you want to do.

For me, $1,000 for three to four nights feels like a comfortable “average traveler” budget, but you could absolutely do it for less or splurge much more if you want to go all out.

At the end of the day, New York can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning, you can enjoy the best of the city without draining your bank account.

Check Out My Other New York City Travel Guides

Is New York City Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit New York City: My Guide on When to Visit NYC

Worst Time to Visit: My Guide on When Not to Visit NYC

First Time in New York City: My First Timers Guide for NYC

Christmas in New York: My NYC Christmas Itinerary

New York City Itinerary: My Perfect Itinerary for NYC

Autumn in New York: My Guide for New York Fall Foliage

Is New York Safe: My Honest Review

Is New York Expensive: My Budget Breakdown

How Many Days in New York: My New York City Guide

Solo Travel New York City: My Guide on a NYC Solo Trip

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