How much money does it cost to go to the United States? - 2026 Guide

How much does it cost to go to the United States?

A one-week vacation to the United States costs approximately $1,991 per person. For two people, this budget comes to about $3,982. I know that number might look a bit steep at first glance. Your budget covers primary travel expenses such as:

• International airfare
• Accommodation costs
• Average daily food cost
• Local transportation

Don't forget to factor in mandatory entry fees, which vary based on your origin and visa type.

While visitors under the Visa Waiver Program pay a $21 ESTA fee, others face higher costs due to recent legislative changes. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced a $250 Visa Integrity Fee for certain nonimmigrant petitions, raising the cost for specific applicants. Your final total will depend on exchange rates, the necessity of travel insurance, and personal spending habits.

What is the average cost of a one-week trip to the USA?

Most travelers set aside money for a standard seven-day itinerary. While food and activity costs double for couples, sharing a hotel room—your biggest expense—means your per-person cost drops considerably. Hotels will likely be your biggest expense, right alongside food. You'll also need to pay for local transportation and modest entertainment throughout the week.

Answering "how much money do I need to travel to the USA" depends heavily on the destination, yet these averages give you a good starting point. We've based these numbers on on-the-ground spending, excluding the variable price of international flights.

What are the U.S. visa and entry fees?

Before you book a flight, you need to know what it costs just to get in. What you pay depends on your nationality and whether you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program or require a formal visa. Most short-term visitors from eligible countries pay a nominal application fee, while others must navigate more expensive nonimmigrant visa fees.

Certain travelers often face additional charges based on specific legislative acts. Land border crossings may also come with a small fee. These mandatory travel expenses range widely, from minimal authorizations to pricier long-term permits.

How much is the nonimmigrant visa application fee?

Application fees vary by visa category:

• Standard business or tourist visa (B1/B2): $185
• Petition-based workers (H, L, O, P, Q, R): $205
• Treaty trader and investor applicants (E category): $315

Most applicants visiting for leisure or short-term professional reasons pay this base rate. Make sure you pick the right category early so you know exactly how much money you need to travel to the USA. These payments are mandatory and you usually can't get a refund.

What is the Visa Integrity Fee?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created the Visa Integrity Fee to help manage immigration rules. Think of this fee as a security deposit for the immigration system—it's an extra charge to ensure everyone plays by the rules.

If you are ineligible for visa waivers, you must budget for this. It directly increases the total budget for most visa applicants. You should add this amount to your other travel expenses to avoid surprises.

Can you get a refund on the Visa Integrity Fee?

You may be eligible for a reimbursement of the $250 Visa Integrity Fee if you follow all the entry rules. The law says this specific portion of nonimmigrant visa fees is refundable only if you depart the United States within the authorized timeframe. If you don't leave by the specified date, you lose this money.

To claim this refund, you must prove you left on time to the relevant authorities. It sounds complicated, but it is worth the paperwork. Knowing about this potential return is important for your budget.

How much does the ESTA application cost?

The total ESTA application fee is currently $21 for travelers eligible under the Visa Waiver Program. It is much cheaper than the standard $185 tourist visa. The fee is split into a $4 processing charge for all applicants and an additional $17 authorization charge you pay when approved.

You'll need to pay this fee online prior to departure. Paying this low expense minimizes costs for short-term stays. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization remains valid for two years or until your passport expires, offering long-term value.

What is the fee for Form I-94?

The Form I-94 fee is currently $24, a substantial increase from the previous $6 charge. The document is the official record of your entry and exit of foreign visitors. Make sure to include this expense when entering via land borders.

The price hike directly affects vacation budgeting and increases total travel expenses for overland arrivals. While often included in airfare, this direct cost impacts those arriving at land ports. Even though it is distinct from nonimmigrant visa fees, this adjustment is still an important part of the total trip cost.

How much do international flights to the USA cost?

International airfare is usually your biggest upfront cost when determining the cost of a trip to the United States. Prices vary drastically based on your region of origin and the total distance flown. Travelers departing from Europe typically encounter an average ticket price of approximately $885. Those flying from Asia face much higher expenses, with average fares reaching around $1,364 due to the longer flight duration.

You need to plan for these price differences. While off-season travel can reduce these figures, prices for fixed-schedule travel often remain high regardless of timing. Transportation costs for the flight alone take up a big chunk of the total trip budget.

What are the accommodation costs in the United States?

Accommodation will likely be your largest expense, with standard rooms averaging $259 per night. I've found that booking well in advance is the only way to beat these prices.

If you want to save money, hostels are a much cheaper option, costing a fraction of a standard hotel room. Leisure travelers often look for these cheaper options to save money on the trip.

How much does a hotel room cost per night?

At the average daily rate, a typical seven-night stay totals approximately $1,813. This will likely consume the largest portion of your travel funds.

Lodging is typically the single largest expense in a U.S. travel budget. Major metropolitan hubs frequently exceed this baseline.

Are hostels a cheaper alternative to hotels?

Hostels provide a much cheaper alternative to hotels. The average nightly rate for a hostel bed is approximately $37, compared to the steep $259 for a standard hotel room. That difference saves you roughly $222 per night.

These savings are huge for effective budgeting. These venues are particularly suitable for backpackers and those managing limited travel budgets. Opting for shared lodging makes traveling to the USA much more affordable.

How much should you budget for food and dining?

The average daily food cost for a visitor in the United States is approximately $58 per person. This amount totals roughly $406 for a standard seven-day itinerary. You need to add additional expenses beyond this baseline, as the $58 estimate doesn't include alcohol and mandatory gratuities.

Tipping servers between 15% and 20% is standard practice, which adds to your total expenses. Dining at upscale restaurants or purchasing alcoholic beverages noticeably raises the final cost.

What are the transportation costs within the U.S.?

Getting around the US can be expensive because it's so big. You'll need to pay for both inter-city connections and local movement. Common options include:

• Domestic flights for covering long distances
• Car rentals for local exploration
• Taxis or rideshare services, which typically incur a per-trip charge

You need to balance these costs based on your itinerary. Ultimately, the amount of money needed depends on whether the trip involves staying in one city or exploring multiple states.

How much are domestic flights?

The average price for a domestic flight within the United States is approximately $290 per person. This can really eat into your budget for travelers planning to visit multiple states. Adding just two internal connections increases total travel expenses by nearly $600.

Long distances between major cities often make air travel necessary, raising the overall cost of the trip.

What does it cost to rent a car?

Renting a car typically averages $42 per day, which is a cheap option for independent travel. This daily fee is often lower than a single taxi ride, which costs approximately $46 per trip.

Speaking from experience, the freedom of a rental car is unbeatable for exploring national parks. Relying on a personal vehicle cuts down total transportation costs for visitors planning frequent movements. This helps keep your budget in check.

How much do entertainment and sightseeing activities cost?

Entertainment expenses vary a lot based on the chosen activity and destination. Travelers typically spend about $55 per person per day on fun activities. This average totals roughly $385 for a standard one-week itinerary.

Nature enthusiasts often encounter lower fees, as entry to National Parks generally costs between $20 and $35 per vehicle. On the other hand, urban cultural experiences cost more, with Broadway show tickets averaging $128 per seat.

How can you stay connected during your trip?

You need a good internet connection for maps and staying in touch throughout a journey to the United States. Travelers often underestimate how quickly international roaming fees can inflate the total cost of the trip. Trust me, you want to avoid the shock of opening that bill when you get home. Relying on free Wi-Fi spots is a common strategy, but it ties you down and lacks the security required for sensitive transactions.

Physical SIM cards offer local rates but require visiting a store to swap hardware, which can be inconvenient for short visits. Modern digital solutions are a better choice for avoiding high roaming charges. Adding this into your budget prevents unexpected bills and ensures constant access to maps and translation apps.

Why should you use an eSIM for travel to the USA?

Using eSIM cards cuts travel expenses by getting rid of huge international roaming charges. Traditional carriers often impose high daily fees that quickly inflate trip costs. Digital profiles allow you to connect instantly without searching for local vendors. For seamless internet access, consider a specialized eSIM card for the United States that activates immediately upon arrival. This is great for all visitors, offering prepaid data plans with no hidden surcharges.

How can you save money on your trip to the USA?

Reducing the total cost of a trip to the USA takes some planning. Keep an eye on exchange rates closely, as favorable currency trends can noticeably increase purchasing power. Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is essential to avoid huge surprise costs related to medical emergencies or cancellations. You should also book international airfare and accommodation well in advance to secure the best deals.

Does traveling off-season reduce costs?

Off-season travel cuts expenses compared to visiting during peak summer months or holidays. Airlines and hotels frequently reduce prices by 20% to 30% during shoulder seasons like late autumn and early spring. Timing your trip this way is crucial for those calculating how much money they need on a limited budget. Additionally, thinner crowds at major attractions allow for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Sources

• https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text
• https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en