Boston costs 100-500 USD per day for travelers in 2026. Hotels average 150 USD/night, meals cost 30-70 USD, making Boston moderately expensive compared to other New England destinations. Budget travelers (100 USD/day): Stay in hostels (50 USD/night), eat at local restaurants (30 USD/meal), use public transport. Mid-range travelers (250 USD/day): Comfortable hotels (150 USD/night), varied dining (70 USD/meal), occasional taxis. Luxury travelers (500 USD/day): Premium hotels (300 USD/night), fine dining (150 USD/meal), private tours. Top money-saving tip: Use the t (subway) for getting around. Free activities include boston public garden – beautiful park with swan boats and diverse flora. Boston ranks as moderately expensive within New England, offering excellent value compared to regional averages.
Plan the practical part
Boston Trip Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Visit in 2026?
Daily budget guide for Boston (prices in USD)Updated
- Budget$100–$250 / day
- Mid-range$250–$500 / day
- Luxury$500–$750 / day
What a day in Boston costs
Budget
$100–$250 / day
Hostels or guesthouses, street food and markets, public transport.
Mid-range
$250–$500 / day
Comfortable hotels, sit-down restaurants, a few paid activities.
Luxury
$500–$750 / day
Boutique or five-star stays, fine dining, private tours and transfers.
Estimates are per person, per day, in USD.
Make it your trip
What could your trip cost?
Choose your pace and travel style. Start with the published daily estimate, then make room for the things you care about.
Estimated trip budget · USD
7 days · 1 traveler · Mid-range
- Daily budget per person
- $250–$500
- Season adjustment
- ×1
An editorial estimate, not a booking quote. Daily budget × days × travelers × season adjustment. Add flights, insurance, and any costs outside the guide separately. Shared rooms and child rates may change your total.
Where the money goes
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay | $98 | $232 | $540 |
| Eat | $31 | $72 | $153 |
| Do | $10 | $30 | $100 |
| Categories combined | $139 | $334 | $793 |
Category figures are typical daily spends; the tier totals above them include everyday extras, so the two need not match to the unit.
Everyday prices
- Prices
- [{"good_id":1,"item_name":"Price per square meter to Buy Apartment Outside of City Center","category_id":1,"category_name":"Buy Apartment","min":3953.04,"avg":5461.13,"max":8611.13,"usd":{"min":"3953.04","avg":"5461.13","max":"8611.13"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":2,"item_name":"Price per square meter to Buy Apartment in City Center","category_id":1,"category_name":"Buy Apartment","min":7534.74,"avg":11158.52,"max":15723.67,"usd":{"min":"7534.74","avg":"11158.52","max":"15723.67"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":3,"item_name":"International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child","category_id":2,"category_name":"Childcare","min":12000,"avg":26250,"max":48000,"usd":{"min":"12000.00","avg":"26250.00","max":"48000.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":4,"item_name":"Private Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly for 1 Child","category_id":2,"category_name":"Childcare","min":1000,"avg":1811.38,"max":2622.76,"usd":{"min":"1000.00","avg":"1811.38","max":"2622.76"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":5,"item_name":"Pair of Jeans in a Chain Store Like George, H&M, Zara, etc.","category_id":3,"category_name":"Clothing And Shoes","min":30,"avg":47.41,"max":64.82,"usd":{"min":"30.00","avg":"47.41","max":"64.82"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":6,"item_name":"Pair of Leather Business Shoes","category_id":3,"category_name":"Clothing And Shoes","min":60,"avg":116.36,"max":185,"usd":{"min":"60.00","avg":"116.36","max":"185.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":7,"item_name":"Pair of Running Shoes, Mid-Range Price","category_id":3,"category_name":"Clothing And Shoes","min":50,"avg":80.15,"max":120,"usd":{"min":"50.00","avg":"80.15","max":"120.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":9,"item_name":"Apples, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":1.98,"avg":5.44,"max":8.9,"usd":{"min":"1.98","avg":"5.44","max":"8.90"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":10,"item_name":"Banana, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":1.04,"avg":1.81,"max":4.41,"usd":{"min":"1.04","avg":"1.81","max":"4.41"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":11,"item_name":"Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat, 1 kg ","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":8.8,"avg":17.05,"max":25.3,"usd":{"min":"8.80","avg":"17.05","max":"25.30"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":12,"item_name":"Bottle of Wine, Mid-Range Price","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":10,"avg":15,"max":30,"usd":{"min":"10.00","avg":"15.00","max":"30.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":13,"item_name":"Chicken Breasts, Boneless and Skinless, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":6.59,"avg":12.07,"max":17.64,"usd":{"min":"6.59","avg":"12.07","max":"17.64"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":14,"item_name":"Domestic Beer, 0.5 liter Bottle","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":1.43,"avg":2.62,"max":3.81,"usd":{"min":"1.43","avg":"2.62","max":"3.81"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":15,"item_name":"Eggs, 12 pack","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":1.5,"avg":2.58,"max":4,"usd":{"min":"1.50","avg":"2.58","max":"4.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":17,"item_name":"Lettuce, 1 head","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":1,"avg":2.12,"max":4,"usd":{"min":"1.00","avg":"2.12","max":"4.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":18,"item_name":"Loaf of Fresh White Bread, 0.5 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":1.5,"avg":3.16,"max":5.51,"usd":{"min":"1.50","avg":"3.16","max":"5.51"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":19,"item_name":"Local Cheese, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":8.33,"avg":15.42,"max":26.46,"usd":{"min":"8.33","avg":"15.42","max":"26.46"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":20,"item_name":"Milk, Regular,1 liter","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":0.63,"avg":0.9,"max":1.17,"usd":{"min":"0.63","avg":"0.90","max":"1.17"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":21,"item_name":"Onion, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":1.1,"avg":4.15,"max":8.82,"usd":{"min":"1.10","avg":"4.15","max":"8.82"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":22,"item_name":"Oranges, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":2.2,"avg":5.34,"max":13.23,"usd":{"min":"2.20","avg":"5.34","max":"13.23"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":23,"item_name":"Pack of Cigarettes","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":11,"avg":12,"max":15,"usd":{"min":"11.00","avg":"12.00","max":"15.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":24,"item_name":"Potato, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":0.88,"avg":1.32,"max":2.2,"usd":{"min":"0.88","avg":"1.32","max":"2.20"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":25,"item_name":"White Rice, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":2.2,"avg":5.12,"max":11.02,"usd":{"min":"2.20","avg":"5.12","max":"11.02"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":26,"item_name":"Tomato, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":1.65,"avg":6.15,"max":11.02,"usd":{"min":"1.65","avg":"6.15","max":"11.02"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":27,"item_name":"Water, 1.5 liter Bottle","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":1.5,"avg":2.22,"max":4,"usd":{"min":"1.50","avg":"2.22","max":"4.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":28,"item_name":"One bedroom apartment outside of city centre","category_id":5,"category_name":"Rent Per Month","min":1500,"avg":1912.55,"max":2325.1,"usd":{"min":"1500.00","avg":"1912.55","max":"2325.10"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":29,"item_name":"One bedroom apartment in city centre","category_id":5,"category_name":"Rent Per Month","min":2300,"avg":2689.86,"max":3300,"usd":{"min":"2300.00","avg":"2689.86","max":"3300.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":30,"item_name":"Three bedroom apartment outside of city centre","category_id":5,"category_name":"Rent Per Month","min":2500,"avg":2923.2,"max":4000,"usd":{"min":"2500.00","avg":"2923.20","max":"4000.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":31,"item_name":"Three bedroom apartment in city centre","category_id":5,"category_name":"Rent Per Month","min":3500,"avg":4415.22,"max":8000,"usd":{"min":"3500.00","avg":"4415.22","max":"8000.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":32,"item_name":"Cappuccino","category_id":6,"category_name":"Restaurants","min":3,"avg":4.32,"max":5.64,"usd":{"min":"3.00","avg":"4.32","max":"5.64"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":33,"item_name":"Coca-Cola, 0.33 liter Bottle","category_id":6,"category_name":"Restaurants","min":1.75,"avg":2.31,"max":3,"usd":{"min":"1.75","avg":"2.31","max":"3.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":34,"item_name":"Domestic Beer, 0.5 liter Draught","category_id":6,"category_name":"Restaurants","min":5,"avg":7,"max":9,"usd":{"min":"5.00","avg":"7.00","max":"9.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":35,"item_name":"Imported Beer, 0.33 liter Bottle","category_id":6,"category_name":"Restaurants","min":6,"avg":8,"max":10,"usd":{"min":"6.00","avg":"8.00","max":"10.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":36,"item_name":"McMeal at McDonalds or Alternative Combo Meal","category_id":6,"category_name":"Restaurants","min":8,"avg":9,"max":10,"usd":{"min":"8.00","avg":"9.00","max":"10.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":37,"item_name":"Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course","category_id":6,"category_name":"Restaurants","min":60,"avg":80,"max":130,"usd":{"min":"60.00","avg":"80.00","max":"130.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":38,"item_name":"Meal in Inexpensive Restaurant","category_id":6,"category_name":"Restaurants","min":15,"avg":20,"max":38,"usd":{"min":"15.00","avg":"20.00","max":"38.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":40,"item_name":"Average Monthly Net Salary, After Tax","category_id":7,"category_name":"Salaries And Financing","min":4507.9,"avg":5008.78,"max":5509.66,"usd":{"min":"4507.90","avg":"5008.78","max":"5509.66"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":42,"item_name":"Cinema ticket, 1 Seat","category_id":8,"category_name":"Sports And Leisure","min":12.75,"avg":15,"max":20,"usd":{"min":"12.75","avg":"15.00","max":"20.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":43,"item_name":"Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult","category_id":8,"category_name":"Sports And Leisure","min":20,"avg":62.53,"max":135,"usd":{"min":"20.00","avg":"62.53","max":"135.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":44,"item_name":"Tennis Court Rent, 1 Hour on Weekend","category_id":8,"category_name":"Sports And Leisure","min":10,"avg":21.43,"max":32.86,"usd":{"min":"10.00","avg":"21.43","max":"32.86"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":45,"item_name":"Gasoline, 1 liter","category_id":9,"category_name":"Transportation","min":0.53,"avg":0.66,"max":0.9,"usd":{"min":"0.53","avg":"0.66","max":"0.90"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":46,"item_name":"Monthly Pass, Regular Price","category_id":9,"category_name":"Transportation","min":81,"avg":90,"max":99,"usd":{"min":"81.00","avg":"90.00","max":"99.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":47,"item_name":"One-way Ticket, Local Transport","category_id":9,"category_name":"Transportation","min":2.4,"avg":2.7,"max":3,"usd":{"min":"2.40","avg":"2.70","max":"3.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":48,"item_name":"Taxi, price for 1 hour Waiting, Normal Tariff","category_id":9,"category_name":"Transportation","min":25.2,"avg":28,"max":30.8,"usd":{"min":"25.20","avg":"28.00","max":"30.80"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":49,"item_name":"Taxi, price for 1 km, Normal Tariff","category_id":9,"category_name":"Transportation","min":1.74,"avg":1.86,"max":2.5,"usd":{"min":"1.74","avg":"1.86","max":"2.50"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":50,"item_name":"Taxi Start, Normal Tariff","category_id":9,"category_name":"Transportation","min":2.6,"avg":3,"max":5,"usd":{"min":"2.60","avg":"3.00","max":"5.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":52,"item_name":"Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)","category_id":9,"category_name":"Transportation","min":21845,"avg":23000,"max":28000,"usd":{"min":"21845.00","avg":"23000.00","max":"28000.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":53,"item_name":"Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local, price per 1 min, No Discounts or Plans","category_id":10,"category_name":"Utilities Per Month","min":0.05,"avg":0.09,"max":0.13,"usd":{"min":"0.05","avg":"0.09","max":"0.13"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":54,"item_name":"Basic utilities for 85 square meter Apartment including Electricity, Heating or Cooling, Water and Garbage","category_id":10,"category_name":"Utilities Per Month","min":100,"avg":172.53,"max":300,"usd":{"min":"100.00","avg":"172.53","max":"300.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":55,"item_name":"Internet, 60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL","category_id":10,"category_name":"Utilities Per Month","min":50,"avg":67.35,"max":120,"usd":{"min":"50.00","avg":"67.35","max":"120.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":58,"item_name":"Water, 0.33 liter Bottle","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":1.25,"avg":1.9,"max":3,"usd":{"min":"1.25","avg":"1.90","max":"3.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":64,"item_name":"Summer Dress in a Chain Store Like George, H&M, Zara, etc.","category_id":3,"category_name":"Clothing And Shoes","min":24,"avg":37.76,"max":51.52,"usd":{"min":"24.00","avg":"37.76","max":"51.52"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"},{"good_id":65,"item_name":"Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages for 20 Years Fixed-Rate, Yearly, Fixed-Rate","category_id":7,"category_name":"Salaries And Financing","min":3.62,"avg":4.02,"max":4.42,"measure":"percent"},{"good_id":68,"item_name":"Imported Beer, 0.33 liter Bottle","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":2,"avg":3.29,"max":4.58,"usd":{"min":"2.00","avg":"3.29","max":"4.58"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"USD"}]
- Currency
- USD
- Exchange rate
- $1
Typical prices at the time of research, in USD; expect variation by neighbourhood and season.
Prices through the year
- Low×0.9
- High×1.2
- Shoulder×1
Worst budget time: Summer is busiest and least budget-friendly with marked up prices
Best budget advice: Winter offers best deals but dress warmly – can get super cold
Stretch your budget
Ways to save
- Get Boston CityPASS (79$) or Go City Explorer Pass (69$ for 3 attractions) – save up to 50% on major attractions
- Visit December-March for lowest hotel prices and deals on everything vs expensive summer rates
- Walk the free 2.5-mile Freedom Trail connecting 16 historic sites – no admission fees required
- Eat at food trucks along Rose Kennedy Greenway – Boston most affordable lunch option with high quality
- Take advantage of free museum days: ICA free Thursdays 5-9pm, MFA free holidays for MA residents
- Get CharlieCard for MBTA transit discounts and 7-day LinkPass for unlimited public transport
- Stay in East Boston, Brookline, or Newton neighborhoods for cheaper hotel rates vs downtown
- Enjoy free outdoor activities: Arnold Arboretum, Charles River Esplanade, Revere Beach walks
- Eat lunch specials on Kneeland Street – soup and main course for about 12$ vs dinner prices
- Visit during shoulder seasons (April-May, Sept-Oct) for nice weather without peak season crowds and prices
Budget tips
- {"tip": "Use the T (subway) for getting around", "category": "Transportation", "explanation": "The T is an affordable and efficient way to navigate Boston, costing much less than taxis or ride-shares."}
- {"tip": "Try local food trucks and markets", "category": "Food", "explanation": "Places like SoWa Open Market offer delicious, affordable meals from local vendors."}
- {"tip": "Walk the Freedom Trail", "category": "Attractions", "explanation": "This self-guided tour is free and covers many of Boston's key historical sites."}
Worth the splurge
- Stay at a luxury hotel like Four Seasons Boston or XV Beacon
- Dine at fine-dining spots such as Top of the Hub or Mamma Maria
- Take a private sunset cruise on Boston Harbor
- Book a whale-watching tour for an upscale marine experience
Local discounts
- Highland Street Foundation free Friday admissions to selected attractions
Free things to do
- {"name": "Boston Public Garden", "tips": "Visit early morning for a peaceful experience and great photo opportunities", "bestTime": "Spring and summer for blooming flowers", "description": "Beautiful park with swan boats and diverse flora"}
- {"name": "USS Constitution Museum", "tips": "Check the website for special events and talks", "bestTime": "Weekday mornings to avoid crowds", "description": "Museum dedicated to the oldest commissioned warship afloat"}
- {"name": "Harvard University campus tour", "tips": "Download the free Harvard tour app for a guided experience", "bestTime": "Weekends when classes are not in session", "description": "Self-guided tour of the prestigious university grounds"}
Frequently asked questions
How expensive is Boston?
Daily costs €60–€120 for budget to mid-range travelers.
Best money-saving tips?
Use a CharlieCard for MBTA passes, explore free attractions, dine at food trucks and book museum tickets in advance.
Average meal cost?
Budget €10, mid €25, fine €50+.
Safety?
Boston is generally safe with low violent crime. Use usual precautions, stay in well-lit areas at night and watch your belongings.
Planning the trip? Read the full Boston guide.
Budget