How Much You’ll Need to Spend for a Two-Month Vacation in the US

1. Start with the Biggest Expense: Flights

Unless you already live in North America, your flight is likely going to take a big chunk of your budget. Prices vary depending on your country, the time of year, and how early you book.

• From Europe: Expect to pay around $600–$1,200 for a round trip.
• From Africa: Around $900–$1,500, depending on the route and airline.
• From Asia: Usually $800–$1,400 for a round trip.
• From South America: Around $700–$1,200 on average.

Booking early — like 2–3 months ahead — can easily save you a few hundred dollars. Also, mid-week flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are often cheaper than weekend departures.

Websites like Kayak and Skyscanner are great for comparing prices from different airlines, so you can see what fits your pocket best.

2. Accommodation — Where You’ll Sleep Matters a Lot

This one depends heavily on your travel style. If you’re going for comfort, hotels will eat up a large part of your budget. But if you’re okay with something simpler like hostels, Airbnbs, or even short-term rentals, you can save a ton.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Budget traveler: $50–$80 per night (hostels or shared rooms)
• Mid-range traveler: $100–$180 per night (basic hotels or Airbnb apartments)
• Luxury traveler: $250+ per night (fancy hotels or resort-style stays)

If you’re staying for two months (around 60 days), here’s what that looks like:

• Budget option: about $3,000–$4,800
• Mid-range option: about $6,000–$10,000
• Luxury option: over $15,000+

To be fair, it’s worth considering long-term Airbnb rentals, which often give discounts for stays over 30 days. Some hosts offer 20–40% off for longer bookings — that can make a huge difference over two months.

3. Transportation Inside the US

Getting around the US can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the distances. The country is massive, and cities aren’t always close to one another.

If you plan to visit multiple cities:

• Domestic flights: $100–$300 per trip (try Southwest Airlines or JetBlue)
• Amtrak train: $50–$200 depending on distance
• Bus (Greyhound or Megabus): $20–$100 per trip

If you’ll mostly stay in one city, you can rely on public transport and rideshares:

• Metro/bus passes: around $80–$130 per month in big cities like New York or DC
• Uber/Lyft rides: usually $10–$30 per trip
• Car rental (if you prefer freedom): $40–$70 per day plus fuel and insurance

Budget at least $400–$1,000 for local transportation across your two-month stay, depending on how much you move around.

4. Food — Because You’ll Definitely Be Eating

I’ll be honest, food in the US isn’t cheap — especially if you eat out all the time. But with a little planning, you can control this part of your budget without missing out on good meals.

• Fast food or casual restaurants: $10–$20 per meal
• Mid-range restaurant: $25–$50 per meal
• Groceries (for cooking): around $70–$120 per week

If you cook at least half the time, you can easily manage with about $600–$1,000 per month for food. That’s roughly $1,200–$2,000 for two months. If you prefer dining out most of the time, double that number.

5. Sightseeing, Entertainment, and Shopping

This is the fun part — and honestly, where most of us overspend without realizing it. The US is full of amazing attractions, from theme parks and museums to concerts and outdoor adventures.

• Theme parks (like Disneyland or Universal Studios): $120–$200 per day
• Museums and tours: $20–$60 per ticket
• Concerts or special events: $50–$200
• Souvenirs and shopping: $200–$500+ depending on your habits

For a comfortable experience, set aside around $1,000–$2,500 for entertainment and personal spending during your two-month trip. If you’re someone who loves experiences — Broadway shows, concerts, shopping sprees — you might need closer to $3,000.

6. Travel Insurance (Don’t Skip This)

Even if you’re healthy, don’t travel without insurance. The US is known for expensive medical care — a simple hospital visit can cost thousands of dollars if you’re not insured.

Travel insurance for two months usually costs between $100 and $300, depending on your age and coverage level. You can compare trusted providers on InsureMyTrip or World Nomads.

7. Visa Fees and Miscellaneous Costs

If you’re visiting from a country that requires a visa, you’ll pay around $185 for a US tourist visa (B1/B2). Add in the cost of getting supporting documents, passport photos, and local transport to your interview — that’s about another $50–$100.

Also, don’t forget miscellaneous expenses like SIM cards, local data plans, laundry, and tipping. Set aside at least $300–$500 for those small but constant costs.

8. Let’s Add It All Up

Here’s a rough estimate for a two-month US vacation depending on your travel style:

Total Estimated Cost:

• Budget traveler: $7,000–$8,500
• Mid-range traveler: $12,000–$15,000
• Luxury traveler: $25,000+

Final Thoughts

To be fair, two months in the US is a dream vacation for many people — and it can be as affordable or as luxurious as you make it. If you’re smart with your bookings, flexible with your plans, and willing to cook sometimes, you can absolutely enjoy an incredible trip without breaking the bank.

I always say, travel is about balance. You don’t need to eat at a fancy restaurant every night to have a memorable time. Sometimes, it’s the small things — the street food in New York, the sunsets in California, or the friendly strangers you meet on a bus ride — that make the experience priceless.

So, whether your budget is $8,000 or $25,000, plan it well, enjoy every bit of it, and remember — the real value of travel isn’t just what you spend, it’s what you experience.