USA - Prices to Expect

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Tourist from non-USA states or territories should read the following information, before attempting to come to the USA on holiday or extended vacation.

See our Foreign Travel Book for detailed information

 

Prices to Expect
Coming to America can be an experience, and pricing can be very welcomed or very disappointing, depending on the cost of items in your country of origin. Here are some sample prices so that you can get a feel for the cost of your trip in USD (United States Dollars):
 

Meals
Average Fast Food Meal $3.00 > $9.00
Average Restaurant meal $15.00 > $35.00

Expect to pay 18% > 20% for a tip, and extra for drinks, and in some areas a 4% > 9+% tax.
 

Haircuts
Haircut, men's $ 8.00 > $25.00
Haircut, woman's $18.00 > $45.00
 

Motels and Hotels
Motel Room double occupancy $65.00 > $250.00 per night, some cheaper possible
Motel Room extra bed or person $10.00 > $15.00
Hotel Room Parking / Valet $00.00 > $60.00 per day, usually in cities

Motels along the highways or in small cities or towns usually have free parking, continental breakfast, and other amenities that make life simpler. The big city motels and hotels usually charge for parking and have less to offer, yet due to location are more expensive. If you are traveling with a family, you should seek out a Suite or a room with a refrigerator, or a kitchenette that may supply the pots, pan, flatware, and china.  Some areas do tax room rentals, check for this.  Bring a bathing suit, many facilities have indoor pools.  Note that many establishments have free or low cost transport to and from the local airports.

See our Motels Book for detailed information
 

Students and Campers
Student or Hiker overnighter $8.00 > $15.00 per night
Camper or RV (Recreations vehicle) $15.00 > $45.00 per night

Some places that cater to overnight campers may have 'dormitory' type sleeping where you bunk with others and share a bath; some will have breakfast or other amenities. Most RV parks have water and electric hookup, and have a 'dumping' station for human waste products.
 

Rental Vehicles
Rental Cars - Compact $25.00 > $40.00 per day
Rental Cars - Full or better $35.00 > $85.00 per day

Rental of vehicles depends on the length of stay, day, week, month; the type of vehicle to be rented, compact, intermediate, full-size, SUV (sports utility vehicle), van, RV; the insurance coverage provided; if a GPS is needed; and if the rental is one-way or return-to-place-of-rental. Shop around, change dates of rentals, change types and drop off points to see which company provides the best vehicles at the best rates.

Be aware that there may be several 'extra fees' and 'taxes' added to the billing. And always inspect the vehicle for nicks and damage, and report same, else you take a chance of having to pay for the repairs (smart renters take pictures of prior damage and point these out at time of rental pickup). Also, be ready to 'fill the tank' just before returning the vehicle, if it is returned empty or partly empty the rental agent will fill it and charge for gasoline and service and 'extras' that can easily add many dollars to
the cost.

Rental cars are usually more expensive if picked up at the airport, rather than 'off-site' and most companies will provide rides from the airport to the rental areas. If taking Amtrak, the USA Rail System, you may find it difficult to find a nearby vehicle rental agency and may have to take a taxi to the nearest airport in order to obtain a vehicle rental.

See our Rental Vehicle Book and our Public Transport page for additional information

Park Fees
National Parks charge a entry fee $3.00 > $25.00 per vehicle
State Parks may charge a fee $1.00 > $12.00 per vehicle or person
Local parks rarely charge for use.

You should look into getting 'bulk' State or NPS (National Park Service) passbooks, these can provide park entry for a substantial discount, if you are visiting more than one State or National Park on your trip. Most of the park entry areas can provide you with these discount passes. Check the Internet for the NPS website, and for the individual Official State Park websites where you can get more information on the parks, dates and times of opening and closings, and the fees.

Parking Lot fees
In most tourist areas $00.00 > $2.00 for a few hours
In some city lots $8.00 > $22.00 for as little as 4 hours

Places like New York City, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, etc., charge by the hour, day, week, or month, if you can find a spot. Be careful of on-street parking, as some areas have strange rules and most will not allow more than 2 hour parking. Places like Washington, D.C. charge $4.00 for 2 hours, but will ticket you if you are parked in a legal parking spot during 'rush' hours, when parking is NOT allowed.

Museums, tours, boat and train rides etc.
These can range from free to $80 > $150 per person depending on the item and the place and the owners.

Train - Amtrak

Amtrak is the main railroad carrier in the USA, and they provide good reliable service at a reasonable cost.  You can get special passes, senior rates, multiple stop tickets, and package deals.  Food on board runs from a few dollars to about $25.00 per meal, and there are breakfast, lunch, and dinner served on most long distance routes.  Alcohol and soft drinks are also available on most routes.  Some trains have guest speakers and observation cars that make for a more interesting ride.  Amtrak costs varies depending on dates, times, stops, departures points, arrival destinations, etc.  Go to www.Amtrak.com for complete information and then click your browser back button to return here.

See our Rail Travel Book and our Public Transport page for additional information

Bus Service - Greyhound

Interstate bus travel can be inexpensive using Greyhound or another carrier, but you should be aware that many busses may be booked solid and getting seating can sometimes be difficult, additionally, the bus may be more subjected to traffic and weather delays than the trains.  Busses usually do stop every two hours, but if running late you will may not have ample time for a good sit-down meal or rest stop.

See our Bus Travel Book and our Public Transport page for additional information

Airlines

The airlines are fast becoming non-competitive and many are now charging for drinks, meals, headsets, baggage, carry-on baggage, etc.  For the shorter city to city trips, it may be less expensive and quicker to use the bus or train, or even rent a car.  For the longer flights, the airlines will get you there at a reasonable cost and usually within a few hours, whereas a car, bus, or train may take a day or two.

See our Air Travel Book and our Public Transport page for additional information.

 

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