Cost of Living in Boston
How much does it cost to visit Boston? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Ethan Robertson / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
USD 150
per day
Weekly: USD 1050
Monthly: USD 4500
Examples
- 🏨Hostelling International Boston dorm bedUSD 50
- 🍽️Bagel from Boston Public Market, lunch sandwich from Sam LaGrassa's, dinner pizza slice from Regina PizzeriaUSD 45
- 🚌MBTA 1-Day LinkPassUSD 12
- 🎟️Freedom Trail self-guided walk, explore Boston Common and Public Garden, visit USS Constitution MuseumUSD 43
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
USD 300
per day
Weekly: USD 2100
Monthly: USD 9000
Examples
- 🏨The Godfrey Hotel Boston standard roomUSD 175
- 🍽️Breakfast pastries and coffee from Tatte Bakery, lunch seafood chowder at Legal Sea Foods, dinner at Giacomo's RistoranteUSD 90
- 🚌MBTA 1-Day LinkPassUSD 12
- 🎟️Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, stroll through Beacon Hill, visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner MuseumUSD 123
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
USD 600
per day
Weekly: USD 4200
Monthly: USD 18000
Examples
- 🏨Four Seasons Hotel Boston King RoomUSD 450
- 🍽️Breakfast at Contessa, tasting menu at No. 9 Park, cocktails at OAK Long Bar + KitchenUSD 300
- 🚌Uber/Lyft for the dayUSD 70
- 🎟️Private guided tour of Fenway Park, whale watching tour from Boston Harbor, evening performance at the Boston Symphony HallUSD 780
Cost by Category
accommodation
$70 - $200
food
$50 - $100
Transport
$10 - $20
activities
$20 - $80
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beacon Hill | Luxury | at center | first-timers, couples |
| Back Bay | Luxury | at center | first-timers, couples |
| North End | Mid-range | slightly below center | foodies, culture |
| Cambridge (Harvard Square) | Mid-range | slightly below center | culture, solo travelers |
Money-Saving Tips for Boston
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
Find the best hotel deals in Boston
Compare prices from USD 150/night across thousands of hotels.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Found your hotel in Boston?
We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.
FAQ: Boston Costs
How much does it cost to visit Boston?
Budget travellers can visit Boston for around USD 150/day (USD 1050/week). Mid-range travellers should budget USD 300/day, while luxury travel costs around USD 600/day.
Is Boston expensive?
Boston is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least USD 150/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Boston?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Boston, budget USD 300/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Boston?
Budget travellers in Boston can get by on USD 150/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.