| How much does the average vacation cost? |
|---|
| The average vacation for one person in the United States costs about $1,986 per week. A vacation for two people will typically cost around $3,971 per week. |
How much does the average vacation cost?Costs are rising all over the world, and that has travelers exploring their options. If you expect your old travel budget to go as far as it did in past years, you may be in for a surprise. Compared to 2023, average vacation expenses are up by over 3%, according to BudgetYourTrip.com. Although the average vacation cost may be on the rise, you can create a realistic budget for your next getaway by identifying key expenses. To help you plan, we break down these expenses below and the average cost for each. Average travel cost for a vacation
The average cost of travel for a week-long vacation for two people is $1,040. Travel arrangements related to your vacation costs rack up fast. Not only do you have to figure out how you’re getting there, but you’ll need to know how you’ll get around once you reach your destination. A solo traveler is more likely to find a single seat on a plane and make do with public transit and rideshare services at their destination. That way, they can avoid the added burden of looking after a car and the added expenses that come with it. Traveling with multiple people, however, can start to add up.Even if airfare isn’t outside your vacation budget, the daily cost of a rental car or rideshare services for everyone may strain your finances. Driving your own car to the destination (even with today’s gas prices or using public transit) may put the cost of a trip within reach, depending on how far you’re traveling.Average vacation transportation costs per person| Transportation | Average cost |
|---|
| Domestic round-trip flight | $368 |
| International round-trip flight | $1,368 |
| Rental car (per day) | $84 |
| Gas (per gallon) | $3.40 |
| Airport parking (per day) | $30 |
| Public transit and rideshare services (per day) | $46 |
Average lodging cost for a vacation
The average nightly cost of a vacation rental is $314. Getting to your relaxing destination is only part of the budget equation. Hotels have historically been the tried-and-true favorite, offering travelers safety and dependability, but they can greatly increase the average daily cost of a vacation. Solo travelers can look to hostels for a cheaper alternative, so long as they’re willing to give up some privacy. Vacation rental services like Airbnb and VRBO offer alternatives to hotels for travelers with more demanding needs, or need access to more amenities like kitchens and laundry rooms. Short-term rentals can provide multiple rooms at a reduced rate per person than many hotels can offer.Average nightly lodging cost for a vacation per person| Lodging | Average nightly cost |
|---|
| Single-person hotel/hostel room | $130 |
| Double-occupancy hotel room | $259 |
| RV campsite (per RV) | $20 |
| Vacation rental (per night) | $314 |
Short-term rental alternative: Co-owned second homes
Average food cost for a vacation
The average daily food cost per person is $58 while on vacation. While it’s tempting to try all the local cuisine, limiting the number of times you eat out each day will help lower your food expenditure. Taking advantage of a hotel’s complimentary breakfast is one easy alternative to an expensive brunch. Or use a rental’s kitchen for a simple breakfast of toast and cereal.The money you save by substituting these meals can be used toward a special meal at a restaurant or offset your other vacation costs.Average food costs for a vacation per person| Meal | Average daily cost |
|---|
| Three meals | $58 |
| Average restaurant meal | $29 |
| Alcohol | $27 |
Average entertainment cost for a vacation
The average cost of a museum visit for a family of four is $120. While the other three categories are rather predictable factors in your average vacation cost, what you plan to do on your vacation is more of a wild card. Visiting family will likely keep entertainment costs low, but a multi-day trip to a luxury ski resort can quickly push trip costs out of your budget. Similar to plane tickets and rental cars, buying entertainment in advance can help you take advantage of discounts that may not be available to people making purchases on the day of. If you’re traveling with your family, look for activities with group rates, like national parks that charge by vehicle.Average cost of entertainment per person for a vacation| Entertainment | Cost |
|---|
| Museums | $30 |
| Concerts | $120 |
| National parks (per vehicle) | $28 |
| Ski resorts | $175 |
| Amusement parks | $104 |
Tips for budgeting on vacation
A good budget will help you save money during your vacation. Apply these tips while planning your budget, and you might spend less than the average vacation cost. - Make reservations far in advance. Travelers can save up to 38% by booking rental cars three months out.
- Travel to locations outside their peak seasons. This can help you earn discounts on airfare and lodging.
- Use credit cards that have travel rewards. These, along with customer loyalty programs, can help you earn discounts for future vacations.
- Save money on food by preparing meals. Booking a vacation rental with an on-site kitchen can save money on eating out. Or you can also take advantage of a complimentary hotel breakfast.
Due to inflation, it’s more costly to travel, so knowing average vacation costs is a great starting point for planning your trip and keeping expenses under budget.If you find yourself traveling to the same location regularly, buying a second home can be a more sensible option. Plus, a second home or vacation home can offer many benefits over a short-term vacation rental or hotel. However, if owning a second home is out of your budget, consider co-ownership instead.When you co-own a home, you are owning a portion of a property, and thus, sharing time and expenses proportionately with other co-owners. This allows you to take your budget further, but you still get full use of your home like you would with full ownership. Pacaso's fully managed co-ownership model simplifies the process, taking care of scheduling, billing details, property maintenance, home design and cleaning so you can focus on making memories on your vacation. Ready to learn more about co-ownership or buy your dream vacation home? Pacaso curates top homes in destinations across the country. Average vacation cost FAQ
How much does the average vacation cost for one person?
The average vacation cost for one person in the United States is about $1,986 per week. Individual costs will vary based on the traveler’s mode of transportation and lodging.
How much should I budget for a vacation?
Your budget for a vacation will, of course, vary depending on many factors. Many people set aside 5%-10% of their net yearly income for leisure travel, but your savings will depend on the type of vacation you’re planning.
How much cash do you need on vacation?
You should have roughly $50 to $100 per person every day of your trip.
Are vacation expenses cheaper if you book in advance?
Booking in advance can often lead to lower prices due to early booking discounts, better availability, increased flexibility and the ability to avoid last-minute price surges.
