How Much Is a Trip to Los Angeles? Plan Your Budget Like a Pro
A trip to Los Angeles can be as affordable or as expensive as you make it. If you’re on a budget, you can get by with around $110 per day by staying in hostels, using public transportation, and enjoying free attractions. A mid-range trip costs about $300 per day, covering comfortable hotels, rideshares, and popular activities.
For a luxury experience, expect to spend over $800 daily on high-end hotels, fine dining, and exclusive tours. A weekend trip can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500+, while a full week may range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more.
Flights typically cost around $280, though prices depend on your departure city and booking time. No matter your budget, planning ahead helps you make the most of your time in LA.
Daily Costs in Los Angeles
The cost of a trip to Los Angeles depends on where you stay, what you eat, and how you get around. Here’s what a typical day might cost based on different travel styles:
Budget Travelers ($110 to $120 per day)
If you're traveling on a budget, you can explore Los Angeles without spending too much. For about $110 to $120 per day, you can cover:
A bed in a hostel or a budget motel
Public transportation with a TAP card
Affordable meals from food trucks or casual restaurants
Free attractions like hiking to the Hollywood Sign or walking along Venice Beach
Mid-Range Travelers ($300 per day)
A mid-range budget gives you more options for comfort and activities. For about $300 per day, you can enjoy:
A standard hotel in a convenient area
Rideshares or a rental car for easier travel
A mix of casual and mid-range dining
Paid attractions like Universal Studios or a Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Luxury Travelers ($800 to 900 per day)
For a high-end experience, expect to spend around $800 to $900 per day. This budget includes:
A luxury hotel in Beverly Hills or Santa Monica
Private transportation or high-end rental cars
Fine dining at high-end restaurants
VIP experiences like private studio tours or helicopter rides
How Much Is a Weekend Trip to Los Angeles?
If you're visiting Los Angeles for a short trip, here’s what a weekend might cost:
Budget Weekend Trip ($300 to $600)
A budget-friendly weekend in Los Angeles includes:
Two nights in a hostel or budget hotel
Public transportation
Cheap meals like tacos and burgers
Mostly free activities, with one or two paid attractions
Mid-Range Weekend Trip ($600 to $1,000)
For a mid-range experience, expect to spend:
Two nights in a comfortable hotel
A rental car or rideshares
A mix of casual and mid-range dining
A few major attractions like an amusement park or a museum
Luxury Weekend Trip ($1,500+)
For a luxury weekend, you can enjoy:
A five-star hotel with premium amenities
Private drivers or an exotic car rental
High-end dining and nightlife
VIP experiences like a yacht rental or a helicopter tour
How Much Is a Week-Long Trip to Los Angeles?
A full week in Los Angeles can be affordable or high-end, depending on your budget.
Budget Week-Long Trip ($1,000–$1,500)
For a budget-friendly week, you can expect to spend:
Seven nights in a budget hotel or hostel
Public transportation for the entire week
Mostly free activities, with a few affordable attractions
Simple meals from local spots and food trucks
Mid-Range Week-Long Trip ($2,000 to $3,000)
A mid-range budget gives you more options for comfort and entertainment. This budget includes:
A solid hotel with good amenities
Rideshares or a rental car for easy travel
A mix of casual and mid-range dining
Several paid attractions like Universal Studios or guided tours
Luxury Week-Long Trip ($5,000+)
For a high-end experience, expect to spend at least $5,000 for a full week. This includes:
A luxury hotel or high-end Airbnb
Private transportation or high-end rental cars
Gourmet dining at Michelin-star restaurants
Exclusive experiences like VIP studio tours or helicopter rides
How Much Are Flights to Los Angeles?
Flights to Los Angeles vary based on where you’re flying from and when you book. The average cost is about $280, but prices change depending on your location. For example:
Flights from Las Vegas can be as low as $254
Cross-country flights from New York are around $350 or more
International flights from Europe or Asia often cost $800+
Booking in advance, flying midweek, and using airline deals can help you save money.
Additional Costs to Consider
Aside from flights, hotels, and food, there are other expenses to plan for, such as:
Transportation
Los Angeles is a big city, and getting around can add to your costs. Options include:
Public transportation: A TAP card costs about $5, and a daily unlimited pass is $5.
Rideshares: Uber and Lyft are convenient but can be expensive during peak hours.
Rental cars: Expect to pay at least $50 per day, plus gas and parking fees.
Attractions
Some of the best things to do in Los Angeles are free, but others have entry fees.
Free activities: Venice Beach, Griffith Observatory, and Santa Monica Pier
Paid attractions: Universal Studios ($109+), Disneyland ($150+), and Hollywood tours ($50+)
Dining
Food costs in Los Angeles range from budget-friendly to high-end.
Budget meals: $10 to $15 per meal (street food, fast food, or casual spots)
Mid-range dining: $20 to $40 per meal (sit-down restaurants with good menus)
Luxury dining: $100+ per meal (fine dining with premium ingredients)
How Much Is a Trip to Los Angeles Going to Cost You?
The cost of a trip to Los Angeles depends on your travel style. If you budget carefully, you can enjoy the city without overspending. But if you’re looking for a high-end experience, there’s no limit to what you can spend. Plan your trip in a way that works for you, and make the most of your time in LA.
Plan Your Trip to Los Angeles with Travel Savvy
A trip to Los Angeles should be exciting, not stressful. At Travel Savvy, we make planning easy by finding the best flights, hotels, and experiences for your budget.
Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxury getaway, we’ll help you create a trip that fits your needs.
Let us take care of the details while you enjoy the sights, food, and attractions that make Los Angeles unforgettable.
Contact us today, and let’s start planning your perfect LA getaway!