Build a budget
By following the simple step by step approach below, you can calculate your own budget price for your holiday in the USA. The final cost you pay will vary from this budget price depending upon which airports you fly from/to and exactly what type of car and accommodation you choose. However, this approach will give you a means to make a reasonable estimate for the total cost of your holiday and it will give you an understanding of how it is made up. This is not a quote, it is a cost guide.
You may be able to get a cheaper holiday than this budget price by shopping around and choosing cheaper options. You will definitely find cheaper quotes (watch out for the hidden extras explained below) as many published costs are incomplete. However, you could also easily spend more than this budget by choosing a couple of expensive extras or visiting a more expensive place.
Flights
July and August £500 per adult add £30 for a Fri, Sat or Sun departure
May, June and September £340 per adult add £30 for a Fri, Sat or Sun departure
All other times £240 per adult any day of week
Assume 60% of the above for children aged 2-11
Add about £60 per person for airport taxes
Easter and Christmas assume July/August prices.Hidden extra 1. Many advertised prices for flights do not include the £60 tax, but you will still have to pay it when you get the final bill !
If you want a more exact flight cost, try our flight consolidators page where you can compare real time quotes from four of the leading companies. Close the new window to come back here when you have your flight quote.
Car hire
Assume £220 per week including all insurance and taxes except for July and August then assume £250 per week
Hidden extra 2. Many advertised prices do not include insurance and tax which is about 40% of the above costs. You will still have to pay it. Maybe even at the counter where you pick your car up ! This is a very persuasive hidden extra trick. How much cheaper does the sentence below sound than the one above?
Assume £132 per week plus insurance and taxes except for July and August then assume £150 plus insurance and taxes
This is an average price for a mid range car, smaller cars will cost less and bigger ones more.
If you want a more exact car hire cost, try our car hire page where you can compare real time quotes from four of the leading companies. Close the new window to come back here when you have your car hire quote.Accommodation
In America it is usual to pay by the room and not per person. The room cost will be the same in most cases for one person in a room, a couple sharing or for 2 adults and two under 18 year olds. Room prices vary massively depending upon supply and demand.
Expect to pay substantially less (up to -50%) in out of the way places at unpopular times, and substantially more (up to +50%) in popular places in the middle of summer.
Motel rooms budget for $80 per room per night (£45 at £1.00 = $1.8)
Hotel rooms budget for $110 per room per night (£61 at £1.00 = $1.8)
If you want a more exact hotel cost, try our hotel search page where you can compare real time quotes from some of the leading online companies. Close the new window to come back here when you have your hotel quote.Food
Like accommodation and like in the UK, the price of eating varies hugely with where you are and what you like. At the extremes you can get a burger for a couple of dollars or pay a hundred dollars in a fine restaurant. Generally food in the USA is cheaper than in the UK and I have found I pay in dollars what I would pay in pounds over here. Alcoholic drinks in bars and restaurants cost considerably more in the USA than in the UK (supermarket prices are more comparable with the UK). The other generalisation is that portions are bigger in the USA and two meals a day are more than adequate.
Taking all that into account, allow $25 (£14) per day per person for food and drink.
By applying the above guidelines to your own plans and party composition, you can get a reasonable feel for what your fledgling holiday will cost you.
If this process has confirmed your intentions, click here for a no obligation quote for a full holiday (i.e. flights, car hire and accommodation).
Click here to e-mail me with a question about estimating the cost of a USA fly drive.
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