Budget Travel Guide: America

Wondering if the US is affordable for New Zealand travellers? Here’s how travel costs in America stack up and how to make your budget go further.

Is America expensive to visit?

While America’s sheer size and competitive domestic travel options can help cut expenses, long-haul flights and tipping norms push costs higher than destinations like Southeast Asia or Australia.

A standard one-week trip comes in at around NZD $3,665*, covering flights, accommodation, local transport, meals, and activities.

So, can it be done on a budget? Absolutely—if you know when and where to spend.

Your trip to the USA starts with a USD Travel Money Card.

*All costs are estimates only and will vary depending on seasonality, travel preferences, and booking timeframes. Prices are based on average mid-range travel costs for a 7-day holiday departing from New Zealand in July 2025. Exchange rates used were accurate as of mid-July 2025. Data sources include travel aggregators, cost-of-living indexes, and tourism platforms. Always check with airlines and accommodation providers directly for the most current rates.

Transport

Navigating the US doesn’t have to cost a fortune. While the country is vast, affordable options exist for flights, road trips, and public transit—especially if you book in advance..

Air

Budget-friendly US airlines:

Southwest
Spirit Airlines
Frontier
JetBlue
Allegiant Air

Tips for saving on domestic flights:

Avoid flying around major holidays (especially Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Book early – budget seats sell fast
Check baggage policies (some cheap fares don’t include carry-on)
Consider nearby airports for cheaper fares
Use flight comparison tools and apps like Hopper or Google Flights

Car

Affordable car rental, car share and rideshare options:

Rental companies: Dollar, Thrifty, Alamo
Peer-to-peer rentals: Turo (often cheaper than traditional car hire)
Car share: Zipcar (short-term use by the hour or day), Getaround (instant access via app)
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft (great for short trips, airport runs, or when you don’t want to park)

Tips for saving on car hire and transport:

Compare prices on sites like Kayak or Rentalcars.com
Avoid airport pick-ups to skip added fees
Book early and choose free cancellation options
Use discount codes from airline loyalty programs or memberships
For city stays, skip the car altogether and use public transport, Uber/Lyft, or walk—parking and traffic can be a pain

Public transport

Cheap ways to get around in US cities:

Subways (New York, DC, Boston)
Light rail or metro systems (LA, San Francisco, Seattle)
Buses (Greyhound, Megabus, local networks)

Tips for saving on public transport:

Grab daily or weekly passes—often much cheaper than single fares
Use apps like Transit, Citymapper, or local metro apps to navigate efficiently
In big cities, check for airport shuttle options instead of taxis or rideshares
Don’t overlook walking—many downtown areas are surprisingly walkable

Food

You don’t need to overspend to eat well in the US. Thanks to generous serving sizes and low-cost favourites, it’s easy to stay full and flavour-happy on a budget.

Fast-casual chains - Places like Chipotle, Panera Bread, Shake Shack, and In-N-Out offer decent-quality meals for under $15.
Diners & food trucks - Classic American diners and local food trucks are great for affordable, hearty meals, especially breakfast and lunch.
Supermarkets & delis - Stores like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods (hot bar), and Safeway have ready-to-eat meals, salads, and sandwiches.
Convenience stores - 7-Eleven and similar chains stock snacks, wraps, and microwaveable meals for when you’re in a hurry or on the go.
Happy hours & specials - Many restaurants offer discounted food and drink deals in the early evening or around lunchtime, perfect for a sit-down meal on a budget.
Outlet food courts & malls - Budget-friendly options abound in shopping centres and outlet malls, with a mix of local and chain eateries.
Farmers’ markets - Great for cheap, fresh produce and food stalls—plus a good way to experience local flavour without paying restaurant prices.
Portion sharing - US portions are famously large. Sharing meals or saving leftovers for later is a simple way to stretch your spend

Accommodation

You’re not limited to pricey hotels in the US; budget accommodation is widely available and often surprisingly comfortable. Whether you're road tripping or city hopping, it pays to know where to look.

Hostels: Great for solo travellers and backpackers. Many offer free breakfast, communal kitchens, and social events. $40–70 Price Per Night (NZD)*
Motels: Affordable roadside accommodation with free parking—ideal for road trips. Often includes basic breakfast. $70–110 Price Per Night (NZD)*
Budget Hotels: Reliable chains like Motel 6, Super 8, and Red Roof Inn offer clean, no-frills stays. $80–130 Price Per Night (NZD)*
Short-term: Rentals Airbnb and Vrbo can be cost-effective for groups or longer stays. Look for listings with kitchens to save on food. $110–170 Price Per Night (NZD)*
University Housing: Some colleges rent out dorms during summer breaks—basic but central and cheap. $50–100 Price Per Night (NZD)*
Overnight Transport: Take overnight buses (e.g. Greyhound, Megabus) to skip a night’s accommodation and cover long distances. $10–60 Price Per Night (NZD)*
Camping & RV Parks: National and state parks offer campsites for a low daily fee—bring or rent gear. $20–60 Price Per Night (NZD)*

*Average costs as of July 2025

Source: BudgetYourTrip – Hostels in the US, TravelPander – Average Motel Costs in the US, Upgraded Points – Airbnb vs Hotel Costs in US Cities, Study Info Centre – Cost of Accommodation in the US, KOA – Camping and RV Site Costs, Greyhound – Bus Tickets, Megabus – Cheap Bus Travel

Activities

Catch a baseball game: Weekday or upper-level tickets to Major League games are often cheap—and the atmosphere’s unbeatable.
Explore national parks: With a one-off pass ($35 per vehicle or $80 annual pass), you can explore stunning landscapes like Yosemite, Zion, or the Grand Canyon.
Ride a cable car in SF: Visiting San Francisco? Skip the tourist bus and hop on a cable car for iconic views and a fun way to explore the city’s hilly streets.
Visit free museums: Many top museums (like the Smithsonian in DC) are free or offer entry-by-donation and regular free admission days.
Stroll iconic neighbourhoods: Wander through vibrant spots like the Mission District in San Francisco or New Orleans’ French Quarter—no entry fee required.
Try local events & festivals: Events like Chicago’s Taste of Summer or Austin’s Blues on the Green are free, local, and packed with personality.