How Much Does USA Cost
10-day budget for New York and East Coast
💰 Budget Traveler
| Item | Per Day | 10 Days |
|---|
| Hostel | $50-80 | $500-800 |
| Food | $30-50 | $300-500 |
| Transport | $15-25 | $150-250 |
| Attractions | $20-35 | $200-350 |
| TOTAL | $115-190 | $1,150-1,900 |
BRL (R$1=$0.20): R$ 5,750-9,500 | Per day: R$ 575-950
💎 Mid-Range
| Item | Per Day | 10 Days |
|---|
| 3-star Hotel | $150-250 | $1,500-2,500 |
| Food | $60-100 | $600-1,000 |
| Transport | $25-40 | $250-400 |
| Attractions | $40-60 | $400-600 |
| TOTAL | $275-450 | $2,750-4,500 |
BRL: R$ 13,750-22,500 | Per day: R$ 1,375-2,250
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- Pizza slice: $3-5 (classic NYC meal!)
- Deli sandwiches: $10-15 (huge portions, can split)
- Happy hour: 4pm-7pm half-price drinks + appetizers
- Free museums in DC: All Smithsonian museums FREE!
- NYC unlimited MetroCard: $34/week vs $2.90 per ride
- Street vendors: hot dogs $2, pretzels $1
- Tipping is MANDATORY: 18-20% restaurants already budgeted above
📍 Regional Costs
- New York City: VERY expensive - $150-300/day budget
- Washington DC: Moderate-expensive - $100-200/day (free museums help!)
- Boston: Expensive - $120-220/day
- Philadelphia: More affordable - $80-150/day
- Miami/Florida: Moderate - $100-180/day
- San Francisco: Very expensive like NYC - $150-280/day
⚠️ Hidden Costs USA
- Sales Tax: Prices shown WITHOUT tax. Add 8-10% at checkout
- Hotel Tax: 10-15% EXTRA on room rates (not included in booking price)
- Resort Fees: Hotels add $20-50/night "resort fee" (scam but legal)
- Tipping: 18-20% restaurants, $2-5 per bar drink, $1-2 per hotel bag, $15-20% Uber
- Baggage Fees: Airlines charge $30-60 per checked bag EACH WAY