Do you dream of treading the bustling sidewalks of Times Square, gazing at the skyline from the top of the Empire State Building or strolling through Central Park? Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple or with your family, New York is a city to suit all styles and budgets.
But how much do you need to make this dream come true? Flights, accommodation, meals, transport and activities: every detail counts. Especially since the cost of living for a trip to New York in 2025 is, on average, 92% higher than in France. Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for a more comfortable getaway, here’s everything you need to know about planning a trip to New York.
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What factors influence the cost of a trip to New York?
The cost of a trip to New York depends on several key factors, starting with the time of year. The cost of flights and accommodation can double depending on the season! The cheapest period is from January to March, while school vacations (Easter, summer, All Saints’ Day, Christmas) are the most popular and therefore the most expensive.
Accommodation also plays a key role in the budget. Prices depend on location, comfort level and services offered. While a really economical solution might cost €60 per night for two people, a stay in a mid-range hotel will cost between €200 and €300 per night. Below 200€, the level of comfort will be very basic. And for those looking for the ultimate in luxury, prices can rise to several hundred or even thousands of euros a night.
➜ The cost of accommodation in New York is also influenced by current regulations. Since 2023, it has been forbidden to rent out an entire apartment Airbnb-style for less than 30 days, unless the owner shares the accommodation with the tenants. This rule entails several risks for travelers, including sudden cancellation of the reservation if the owner is caught breaking the law. For a surprise-free experience, it is therefore advisable to opt for hotels or rentals that comply with current legislation.
Plane tickets, too, have a major influence on the overall budget: a round trip from France to New York costs between €350 and €500 per person for an economy fare, but prices can reach up to €1,000 per person in high season. To save money, it’s advisable to book flights outside peak periods, regularly monitor airline offers and anticipate bookings.
Where to stay in New York and at what price?
Hotel prices in New York depend largely on the neighborhood and the season. For a well-located 3-star hotel in Manhattan, the average price is €270 per night, while 4-star hotels start at €300, and 5-star hotels reach €400 or more.
Peak periods, such as summer or the end of the year, drive up prices, but in January or February you can take advantage of attractive offers. Booking in advance is advisable, although last-minute discounts are sometimes available. To help you choose the ideal neighborhood for your needs and budget, here’s an overview of the city’s main areas, with their strengths and weaknesses.
Midtown Manhattan: at the heart of the tourist action
Midtown is the obvious choice for those who want to be close to New York’s top attractions. Between Times Square, Rockefeller Center, 5th Avenue and Broadway, everything is within walking distance or just a few minutes by subway. This central district is packed with hotels, restaurants and bars.
- Benefits: Super-central location, easy access to public transport, 24-hour entertainment and a wide choice of accommodation.
- Disadvantages: Noisy, busy neighborhood, and high rates (expect to pay €250-350 a night for a mid-range hotel).
Upper East Side & Upper West Side: luxury and tranquillity near Central Park
Located on either side of Central Park, these residential neighborhoods seduce with their calm and elegance. Ideal for families and those seeking a
- Advantages: Quiet, clean and safe neighborhoods, close to Central Park, with many quality restaurants and stores.
- Disadvantages: Expensive accommodations (from €250 per night), limited choice of hotels, and relative remoteness from neighborhoods like Wall Street.
Times Square: the ultra-tourist destination for entertainment fans
For those who embrace their tourist status, Times Square is the place to be. With its neon signs, Broadway shows and quick access to attractions like the Empire State Building and MoMA, it’s Manhattan’s nerve center.
- Benefits: Night-and-day entertainment, public transport within easy reach, and proximity to popular attractions.
- Disadvantages: Constant crowds, constant noise, high rates (from €250 a night, even for a basic hotel).
Brooklyn: a trendy, authentic atmosphere
Brooklyn, particularly Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn, is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a more local experience. Away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, this neighborhood offers a more relaxed atmosphere with restaurants, bars and art galleries galore.
- Pros: Young, hip atmosphere, lively nightlife, and prices slightly lower than Manhattan (€150 to €250 a night, depending on the neighborhood).
- Disadvantages: Distance from main attractions (30-45 min by metro) and limited choice of hotels.
How much does it cost to do activities in New York?
It’s hard to know what to do in New York, especially with so much on offer. One thing’s for sure: discovering iconic landmarks, visiting famous museums or attending a Broadway musical requires a substantial budget. You’ll need to budget between $20 and $50 per activity per person. To optimize your budget and avoid unpleasant surprises, it’s advisable to plan and book all activities in advance.
New York offers an array of iconic observation platforms, each offering a unique experience and breathtaking panoramas of the city. With its impressive open-air platform and glass floor,
For those looking to save money, the city is also full of free activities. A stroll in Central Park, a ride on the High Line or a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge are all opportunities to discover the city without spending a cent.
If you’re willing to invest a little more, some activities are still affordable yet offer a memorable experience. A visit to the
➜ Note that several museums in New York offer free admission at certain times. For example, MoMA is free on Fridays from 4pm to 8pm, the Guggenheim offers “pay-what-you-wish” admission on Saturdays from 5pm to 7pm, the Museum of the City of New York is free on the first Friday of the month from 6pm to 9pm, and the Whitney Museum of American Art offers free admission on Friday evenings from 7pm to 10pm. So many opportunities to take advantage of the city’s cultural richness while making great savings…
➜ If you want to enjoy several attractions without blowing your budget, buying a pass, such as the New York City Pass, can be an excellent option. This pass gives you access to must-see sites such as the Empire State Building or the Museum of Natural History at a reduced rate. However, if you’re not planning to do a lot of activities, you’ll need to do your sums carefully, as the pass may not be cost-effective in this case.
How much does transportation cost in New York?
To get around New York, the choice is mainly between cabs or public transport, each offering its own advantages.
A practical and economical option is the unlimited MetroCard. Valid for 7 days from first use, this card allows you to use all the city’s bus and metro lines for $34. Compared with a one-way metro fare of $2.90, it pays for itself after the 12th trip, making it an ideal solution for those who plan to use public transport regularly.
For those who prefer a more direct means of transport, yellow cabs are available 24 hours a day. Fares generally range from $10 to $15, depending on distance and traffic.
Finally, for those staying in New Jersey, the Path train is a convenient option for easy crossing to Manhattan. A 7-day unlimited pass costs around $36, making it an attractive option for travelers from across the river.
How much does a meal in New York cost?
The cost of meals in New York depends on the type of establishment you choose. For a
Note that prices may be higher in tourist areas or near iconic Manhattan landmarks. In addition, tipping is common practice in the U.S., and it’s customary to leave between 10 and 15% of the bill, which may mean budgeting a little more, especially if you want to sample a variety of local specialties.
What’s the budget for a family of 4 in New York?
Based on all this information, the budget for a stay in New York for a family of 4 will vary considerably depending on the level of comfort and activities chosen.
- Budget stay: An average budget of €250 per day per person will allow you to stay in a 3-star hotel and get around by bus and metro. Meals will be taken in fast-food outlets or inexpensive restaurants, and the activities chosen will give pride of place to free or very inexpensive visits. For a family of 4, this represents an average budget of €1,000 per day, or €7,000 for a week.
- Average stay: With a budget of around 400€ per day per person, we’ll stay in a 4-star hotel, eat in mid-range restaurants and be able to afford activities like The Edge or a Broadway show. For a family of 4, this would come to around €1600 per day, or €11,200 for a week.
- High-end stay: For those looking for a high-end experience, a budget of 600€ per day per person will allow them to stay in a 5-star hotel, eat in refined restaurants and plan exclusive activities such as a helicopter flight over Manhattan. The total cost for a family of 4 would then be close to 2400€ per day, or 16800€ for a week.
These estimates provide an overview of the different budgets available to enjoy New York according to your preferences. To receive a personalized, no-obligation quote, please contact us.
