Planning a holiday to the USA but not sure what it’ll set you back? From flights to food and everything in between – we’ve crunched the numbers for you.
While trip costs can vary depending on your travel style, some expenses are easier to predict.
We’ve rounded up average prices for meals, accommodation, transport and activities across the US, so you can plan ahead, set your budget, and exchange your AUD to USD with confidence.
You can also consider the Travelex USD Travel Money Card to start your USA trip.
Aussies heading to the US for under 90 days don’t need a visa. Just apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) online before you go. Staying longer? You’ll need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. Use the official site to avoid sneaky extra fees.
Visa type:
ESTA (Up to 90 days) - $14 Average cost in USD*
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (Over 90 days) - $185 Average cost in USD*
*Average costs as of July 2025. Sources: U.S. Customs & Border Protection and U.S. Department of State – Visa Fees
From big-city subways to long-distance travel, transport in the US offers flexibility but costs can add up quickly if you're not prepared. In major cities like New York or Chicago, public transport is reliable and affordable. For exploring beyond metro areas, car hire or domestic flights are often more efficient.
Metro/subway ticket (one-way): $3–$5 Average cost in USD
Rideshare (5km trip via Uber/Lyft): $12–$18 Average cost in USD
Intercity coach (e.g. Greyhound or Megabus): From $40 Average cost in USD
Car hire (per day): From $80 Average cost in USD
Domestic flight (e.g. LA to NYC): From $250 Average cost in USD
*Average costs as of July 2025. Source: Uber, Greyhound, NYC MTA, Kayak.com
Prices can vary wildly across the US, depending on where and when you’re travelling. Expect to pay more in cities like New York and San Francisco, and less in smaller towns or during off-peak seasons.
For a two-week stay, we recommend budgeting around AUD $2,500–$4,000 for one room.
Want to save? Book early and stay just outside the city centre — you’ll often get much better value.
Low: Dorm rooms or roadside motels in smaller cities - From $80 Price per night in USD*
Medium: Chain hotels or well-rated motels in metro areas - From $180 Price per night in USD*
High: Centrally located hotels or Airbnb stays in major cities like NYC or LA From $350+ Price per night in USD*
*Average costs as of July 2025. Source: Booking.com and Airbnb
The US is a food lover’s playground — think New York pizza slices, smoky Texas BBQ, bottomless diner coffee, and everything in between. Food portions tend to be generous, and fast food is easy to find and affordable. If you're dining out, remember tipping is standard — usually 15–20% on top of your bill.
Coffee (regular size) - $2–5 Average cost in USD*
New York-style pizza slice - $3–6 Average cost in USD*
Classic burger and fries - $8–18 Average cost in USD*
Cocktail (mid-range bar) - $10-$18 Average cost in USD*
Barbecue ribs (full plate) - $18–35 Average cost in USD*
*Average costs as of July 2025. Source: Yelp, Eater.com, and Numbeo: Cost of Living in the United States
From sports and shows to sightseeing and theme parks, the US is packed with iconic things to do — and it pays to plan ahead. Big-ticket experiences like Broadway or Disneyland can be pricey, but booking online or during off-peak periods can help you snag better deals.
Museum admission (e.g. The Met, Smithsonian): $25 - $30 Average cost in USD*
Baseball game ticket (MLB): $20 - $80 Average cost in USD*
Hollywood sightseeing tour bus: $40 - $60 Average cost in USD*
Broadway show ticket (New York): $70 - $150 Average cost in USD*
Theme park entry (Disneyland or Universal Studios): $110 - $150 Average cost in USD*
*Average costs as of July 2025. Source: The Met, Smithsonian, MLB, Big Bus Tours, Ticketmaster, Disneyland, Universal Studios
