How Much Should You Bring to New York? A Survival Guide
New York City, the Big Apple, the Concrete Jungle – whatever you call it, it's a place that's both exhilarating and exhausting. And like any good adventure, it requires some careful planning. One of the most important questions you'll need to answer before you go is: how much money should you bring?
The answer, of course, depends on a number of factors, including your travel style, your planned activities, and your tolerance for sticker shock. But to give you a general idea, here's a breakdown of some of the costs you can expect to encounter:
Accommodation
- Hostels: $30-$60 per night
- Budget hotels: $100-$200 per night
- Mid-range hotels: $200-$400 per night
- Luxury hotels: $400+ per night
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| How Much Should You Bring To New York |
Food
- Street food: $5-$10 per meal
- Casual restaurants: $15-$30 per meal
- Fine dining restaurants: $50+ per meal
- Groceries: $50-$100 per week
Transportation
- Subway: $2.75 per ride
- Bus: $2.75 per ride
- Taxi: $2.50 base fare + $0.50 per 1/5 mile
- Uber/Lyft: Varies depending on distance and time of day
Activities
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- Museums: $10-$25 per person
- Broadway shows: $50-$200 per ticket
- Concerts: $50-$500 per ticket
- Tours: $50-$100 per person
Miscellaneous
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- Souvenirs: $10-$100 per item
- Tipping: 15-20% of the bill for restaurants and bars
How Much Should You Bring?
Based on the above estimates, you can expect to spend around $150-$300 per day on food, transportation, and activities. If you're staying in a hostel and eating mostly street food, you can get by on less. If you're staying in a luxury hotel and eating at fine dining restaurants, you'll need to bring more.
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Here are some additional tips for budgeting your trip to New York:
- Book your flights and accommodation in advance. This can help you save money on both.
- Take advantage of free activities. There are plenty of things to do in New York that don't cost anything, such as walking around Central Park, visiting the Museum of Modern Art, and checking out the street performers in Times Square.
- Eat like a local. There are plenty of great, affordable restaurants in New York. Just look for places that are crowded with locals.
- Use public transportation. The subway is a great way to get around New York City and it's relatively cheap.
- Be prepared for unexpected expenses. Things like lost luggage or medical emergencies can be expensive. It's a good idea to have a credit card with a high limit in case of emergencies.
FAQs
How to save money on food in New York?
- Eat at food carts and street vendors. This is a great way to get cheap and delicious food.
- Buy groceries and cook your own meals. This is a great option if you're staying in an apartment or hotel with a kitchen.
- Look for deals and discounts. Many restaurants offer discounts on certain days of the week or for certain groups of people.
How to find cheap accommodation in New York?
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- Book your accommodation in advance. This can help you get the best deals.
- Consider staying in a hostel. Hostels are a great way to meet other travelers and save money.
- Look for deals and discounts. Many hotels offer discounts on certain days of the week or for certain groups of people.
How to get around New York City on a budget?
- Use public transportation. The subway is a great way to get around New York City and it's relatively cheap.
- Walk. New York City is a very walkable city.
- Take advantage of free shuttles. Many hotels and attractions offer free shuttles.
How to find free activities in New York City?
- Visit the Museum of Modern Art on Fridays. The museum is free to the public on Fridays from 4-8 pm.
- Check out the street performers in Times Square. There are always plenty of talented street performers in Times Square.
- Take a walk in Central Park. Central Park is a beautiful and peaceful place to relax.
How to stay safe in New York City?
- Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to what's going on around you and be aware of your belongings.
- Avoid walking alone at night. If you must walk alone at night, stick to well-lit areas.
- Don't accept rides from strangers. Only take rides from licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
I hope this guide has been helpful! If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
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