How Much Does a Trip to New York Cost? Real Prices in Euros

Traveling to New York had always been my dream, ever since I first watched Sex and the City, not to mention how obsessed I became after Gossip Girl. But of course, there were a few thousand kilometers (and euros) standing between me and New York. Naturally, New York is expensive. But then again, so is everywhere. Still, my hometown isn’t the city that never sleeps, and you can’t exactly sip your coffee with a view of the Empire State Building there…

When I became a freelancer, my first big goal was to work from New York, and I made it happen in 2023. But the numbers still scared me. Flights, accommodation, food, attractions, everything seemed too expensive. But here’s the good news: a trip to New York can be done without completely emptying your wallet. The key lies in good planning and knowing where to save and where it’s worth spending.

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In this article, I’ll share the actual costs of my latest trip, from plane tickets to coffee in Bryant Park. I’ll also reveal a few small tricks to help you get the most out of this incredible city. Because trust me, it’s worth every cent.

Ovaj članak sadrži preporučene linkove, što znači da ako rezerviraš smještaj, turu ili uslugu putem njih, ja dobijem malu proviziju – tebi cijena ostaje ista, a meni pomaže da nastavim stvarati besplatan sadržaj. Hvala ti na podršci! 😊

New York Flight Price

Flights to New York can vary quite a bit, and you should be prepared for prices that go over €600. But if you’re flexible with dates and keep an eye on deals, you can score round-trip tickets for as low as €300–400.

I bought my ticket in November, which turned out to be an excellent time to visit New York, the weather was pleasant, and prices were still far from the Christmas madness. I flew from Zagreb with a layover in Copenhagen, which was one of the more affordable options. If you live near Trieste, Vienna, Budapest, or Venice, be sure to check flights from those cities too, they’re often cheaper than Zagreb.

If you are living around major eruopean hubs like Frankfurt or London, you shouldn’t have problems finding a good deal.

My round-trip ticket cost €586. I flew with SAS, and the flight was comfortable with excellent service.

Accommodation Prices in New York City

Accommodation in New York is a story of its own — often the most expensive part of the trip, but with a bit of research, you can find an option that offers both value and a good location. Our trip to New York lasted 8 days, and we chose Brooklyn as our base.

We rented a two-bedroom apartment for four people, which gave us privacy and space to relax after a day of exploring the city. The cost came out to €400 per person, which is a great deal for New York. The apartment was close to a subway station, so we could reach Manhattan in 20–30 minutes, perfect for grabbing a morning coffee and planning the day on the go.

Brooklyn turned out to be the perfect choice – a quieter atmosphere, local cafés and restaurants, and excellent connections to the rest of the city. If you’re looking for something budget-friendly yet practical, definitely consider staying in this part of New York. You’ll save money while still getting a chance to experience the city’s authentic, local vibe.

Cost of Eating Out in New York

Food in New York is incredibly diverse, from street hot dogs to fancy Michelin-starred restaurants. During my trip, I spent around €500 on food, though that includes one fancier birthday dinner (thanks, hubby!). If you skip those special occasions, you can easily get by with €350–€400 for a week.

A typical day for me looked like this: two coffees (because New York and caffeine go hand in hand) and two meals out — either in restaurants or fast food spots. A meal in a casual restaurant usually costs between $10 and $20, while coffee goes for around $3 to $5. I also often grabbed something quick on the go, a bagel, a slice of pizza, or a bakery pastry, perfect for a fast and budget-friendly bite.

My advice? Definitely set aside at least one day for brunch, in New York, it’s a true social ritual. And if you’re a fan of street food, try tacos, hot dogs, or pretzels, they’re delicious, affordable, and perfect for exploring the city on the go.

Here are a few concrete examples of what I spent on food and drinks:

Shake Shack meal (burger, fries, drink) – €14
Joe’s Pizza slice – €5
Thai restaurant in Manhattan (main dish + drink) – €14
Large to-go coffee (Starbucks, Gregory’s, and similar chains) – €5

Below you can find a full map of more than 50 recommended must eats in New York. Here you have the best pizza shops, diners, brunch spots, fast food joints and sweet shops!

Other Expenses in New York

When planning a trip to New York, beyond flights, accommodation, and food, you’ll want to factor in the “little things”, the extras that can quickly add up. These include things like a visa (or ESTA, depending where you come from), attraction tickets (think observation decks, sports games, Broadway shows…), public transport, and even shopping – because who can really resist TJ Maxx and Marshalls? 😄

Also, consider essentials like an eSIM card for mobile internet (you’ll use Google Maps every single day) and a bit of cushion for spontaneous surprises, because New York always throws in a few.

Below is a breakdown of all those extra expenses from my 8-day trip, plus tips on how to adjust them to your own budget while still soaking up everything NYC has to offer.

Visa/ESTA: 20€

For the majority of you, you don’t need a visa to visit the U.S. What you do need is to fill out the ESTA form, which requires a small fee and typically gets approved via email within a few days. The cost? Around €20.

Cost of Things to See and Do in New York: €175.20

American Museum of Natural History: €27
Brooklyn Nets game: €50
Stand-up comedy show: €28.60
The Summit observation deck: €55.30
Bike rental in Central Park: €14.30

Of all the attractions listed, the view from The Summit is a must-see.
Check the dates and tickets below:

Transportation Costs in New York: €61.60

Train from Newark Airport to accommodation: €14.30
Weekly Metro Card: €34.00
Taxi to the airport: €13.30

Shopping: 224.2€

Marshalls (clothes): 23.8$
TJ Maxx (clothes): 120€
Books: 48€
Medicine & hygiene: 32.4€

E-sim Card: 15.2€

If you want to have internet access at all times while exploring New York, you can check the prices for eSIM cards for the U.S. (New York) below:

Total New York Trip Cost

Here’s the total breakdown by category:

Flights: €586
Accommodation: €400
Food: €400
Other expenses: €496.20

Total spent per person: €1882.20

For my 8-day trip to New York, I spent a total of €1882.20 per person. Your costs may vary depending on the time of year and where you stay. Assuming you don’t go overboard with spending or cook every meal in your Airbnb, a realistic estimate for a 7–10 day trip would be between €1600 and €2200.

FAQ: Cost of Traveling to New York

Is New York really as expensive as they say?

New York can be pricey, especially for accommodation and attractions, but with good planning, it's manageable. Budget options exist for food, transport, and even lodging, especially if you stay outside Manhattan.

How much money should I budget for a week in New York?

Expect to spend between €1600 and €2200 for a 7–10 day trip, depending on your travel style. This includes flights, lodging, food, attractions, transport, and incidentals.

Is tipping mandatory in New York?

Yes. Tipping is standard in restaurants, bars, and for services. Plan to tip 18–20% in restaurants and a few dollars for taxis or hotel staff.