Total Costs of Traveling to the United States

I believe you're planning on traveling to the United States soon. Either for a long-term relocation or studies or even, just for fun. Tourism and vacation, I mean.

Why not?

From the towering skyscrapers of New York to the sun-drenched beaches of California, the US offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be explored.

However, proper planning and budgeting are crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey without any financial surprises.

I've written this guide to walk you through every expense you might encounter, from visa fees to souvenir shopping, and provide you with practical tips to help you budget wisely as a first-time traveler.

Costs of Traveling to the United States

1. Visa Fees

Before you can embark on your American adventure, you'll need to obtain the appropriate visa.

For every US visa applicants, including children, you're required to pay a non-refundable, non-transferable visa application fee, sometimes referred to as the MRV fee, before applying for a nonimmigrant visa. This visa application fee must be paid whether a visa is issued or not. And the type of visa for which you apply determines the fee amount.

For Nigerians, the most common visa types for travel to the US are the B-1/B-2 Tourist Visa and the F-1 Student Visa. The application fee for the B-1/B-2 Tourist Visa is $185, which you'll need to pay in US dollars.

Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are $190. K visas cost about $265 and the fee amount for E visas is $205.

If you're planning to study in the US, you'll need to apply for an F-1 Student Visa, which costs $510. Additionally, you may need to factor in additional costs like visa photos (around ₦5,000 - ₦7,000) and medical exams (₦50,000 - ₦150,000, depending on the clinic).

Example cost breakdown for a tourist visa:

• Visa application fee: $185 (approximately ₦268,250 at an exchange rate of ₦1,450 per USD)
• Visa photos: ₦6,000
• Total cost: ₦274,250

2. Airfare

One of the most significant expenses for your US trip will be the airfare. Prices can vary significantly depending on factors like the airline, season, and route. Generally, flying during peak seasons (summer and holidays) will be more expensive than traveling during the off-peak periods.

To give you an idea, a round-trip flight from Lagos to New York during the summer can cost around $800-$1,200 (₦1,160,000 - ₦1,740,000), while a flight from Lagos to Los Angeles might set you back $1,000-$1,500 (₦1,450,000 - ₦2,175,000).

Also, remember to factor in additional fees like baggage fees ($30-$60 per checked bag, ₦43,500 - ₦87,000) and seat selection fees ($10-$50, ₦14,500 - ₦72,500).

Tips for finding the best deals:

• Book your flights well in advance (3-6 months prior)
• Be flexible with your travel dates
• Consider budget airlines or connecting flights
• Sign up for email alerts from travel sites to stay updated on deals

3. Accommodations

Moving onwards.

Where you choose to stay can significantly impact your overall travel budget.

Hotels in major US cities can be quite expensive, especially during peak seasons.

For example, a budget hotel in New York City might cost around $100-$200 (₦145,000 - ₦290,000) per night, while a mid-range hotel could be anywhere from $200-$400 (₦290,000 - ₦580,000) per night.

Most luxury hotels can easily exceed $500 (₦725,000) per night.

Fortunately, there are more affordable alternatives available.

Airbnb rentals can be a great option, with prices ranging from $50-$200 (₦72,500 - ₦290,000) per night, depending on the location and amenities. Hostels are another budget-friendly choice, with dorm beds costing around $20-$50 (₦29,000 - ₦72,500) per night.

Don't forget to factor in additional costs like hotel taxes (usually around 10-15%), resort fees ($20-$50 per night, ₦29,000 - ₦72,500), and parking fees ($20-$50 per day, ₦29,000 - ₦72,500).

Tips for finding the best deals:

• Book well in advance for better rates
• Consider staying in nearby suburbs or towns instead of downtown areas
• Look for hotels that offer free breakfast or other amenities

4. Local Transportation

Are you there?

Getting around in the US can be expensive, especially if you're exploring multiple cities or traveling long distances. Public transportation is often the most affordable option.

For instance, a single ride on the New York City subway costs $2.75 (₦3,987), while a 7-day unlimited MetroCard costs $33 (₦47,850). In Los Angeles, a one-way bus fare is $1.75 (₦2,537), and a daily pass costs $7 (₦10,150).

If you prefer the convenience of ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft, prices can vary greatly depending on the distance and time of day. A short ride within a city might cost $10-$20 (₦14,500 - ₦29,000), while a longer trip could easily exceed $50 (₦72,500).

Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore multiple destinations. Daily rental rates can range from $30-$100 (₦43,500 - ₦145,000), depending on the car type and rental company.

Don't forget to factor in additional costs like insurance ($20-$50 per day, ₦29,000 - ₦72,500), gas (around $3-$5 per gallon, ₦4,350 - ₦7,250 per gallon), and parking fees.

Tips for saving on transportation:

• Walk or use public transportation whenever possible
• Consider purchasing unlimited passes or day passes for public transit
• Split rideshare costs with travel companions
• Book rental cars well in advance for better rates

5. Food and Dining

Food expenses can quickly add up during your US trip, especially if you plan to dine out frequently or you prefer your local foods.

Fast food meals can cost around $5-$10 (₦7,250 - ₦14,500) per person, while casual dining at restaurants might range from $10-$25 (₦14,500 - ₦36,250) per person. Fine dining experiences in upscale restaurants can easily exceed $50 (₦72,500) per person, excluding drinks and tips (typically 15-20% of the total bill).

Meanwhile, getting your local foods might cost higher.

To save money, consider grocery shopping and preparing some of your meals. A week's worth of groceries for one person can cost around $50-$100 (₦72,500 - ₦145,000), depending on your dietary preferences.

Tips for affordable and authentic dining experiences:

• Look for local food trucks or hole-in-the-wall eateries for authentic and affordable cuisine
• Take advantage of happy hour deals at restaurants
• Split larger portions with travel companions
• Cook some meals in your accommodation's kitchen or kitchenette

6. Sightseeing and Activities

One of the main reasons for visiting the US is to explore its iconic attractions and participate in various activities. The costs for these can vary greatly depending on the location and type of activity.

In New York City, for example, a ticket to the top of the Empire State Building costs $42 (₦60,900) for adults. A guided tour of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum might cost around $30-$40 (₦43,500 - ₦58,000) per person. In Los Angeles, a general admission ticket to Disneyland starts at $104 (₦150,800) for a single day.

Don't forget to factor in costs for outdoor adventures like hiking, surfing lessons ($50-$100 per lesson, ₦72,500 - ₦145,000), or guided tours ($20-$100 per person, ₦29,000 - ₦145,000).

Tips for finding discounts and deals:

• Look for city passes or attraction bundles for discounted rates
• Take advantage of free museum days or free walking tours
• Consider purchasing a CityPASS or Go City pass for discounted admission to multiple attractions

7. Shopping and Souvenirs

No trip to the US would be complete without bringing back a few souvenirs or indulging in some shopping. Prices can vary greatly depending on where you shop and what you purchase.

At popular tourist destinations like Times Square in New York or Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, you can expect to pay premium prices for souvenirs like t-shirts ($20-$40, ₦29,000 - ₦58,000), keychains ($5-$15, ₦7,250 - ₦21,750), or snow globes ($10-$25, ₦14,500 - ₦36,250).

If you're interested in shopping at malls or outlets, budget accordingly. A pair of jeans at a mall might cost around $50-$100 (₦72,500 - ₦145,000), while a designer handbag could easily exceed $500 (₦725,000).

Tips for saving money on shopping:

• Look for local markets or flea markets for unique and affordable souvenirs
• Consider purchasing souvenirs at airport shops before your departure (often cheaper)
• Set a shopping budget and stick to it

8. Communication and Connectivity

Staying connected during your US trip is essential, whether it's for navigating unfamiliar cities, sharing your adventures with friends and family, or accessing important information.

However, international roaming and data plans can be expensive.

Many cell phone providers offer international roaming packages or data add-ons, but these can cost anywhere from $5-$15 (₦7,250 - ₦21,750) per day or more, depending on your provider and plan.

An alternative option is to purchase a local SIM card or a prepaid data plan from a US carrier like AT&T or T-Mobile. These can be more cost-effective, with plans starting around $30-$50 (₦43,500 - ₦72,500) for a month of data and unlimited talk/text.

Additionally, take advantage of free Wi-Fi hotspots at your accommodation, restaurants, and public spaces to stay connected without incurring additional costs.

Tips for staying connected:

• Research your cell phone provider's international roaming options and costs
• Consider purchasing a local SIM card or prepaid data plan upon arrival
• Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip
• Utilize free Wi-Fi hotspots whenever possible

9. Travel Insurance and Emergency Expenses

While no one wants to think about emergencies or accidents during their trip, it's essential to be prepared. Travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected situations like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

The cost of travel insurance can vary depending on the coverage and duration of your trip, but you can expect to pay around $50-$150 (₦72,500 - ₦217,500) for a basic plan.

It's also crucial to factor in potential emergency expenses. Medical care in the US can be incredibly costly, with a single visit to the emergency room costing upwards of $1,000 (₦1,450,000) or more, depending on the treatment required.

Tips for avoiding unexpected expenses:

• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip interruptions
• Carry emergency contact information and a list of your medications (if applicable)
• Keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance policy) in a separate location

10. Budgeting and Saving Strategies

With all the expenses involved in a US trip, proper budgeting and saving strategies are essential.

Start by creating a realistic travel budget that accounts for all the costs mentioned above, including airfare, accommodations, transportation, food, activities, and miscellaneous expenses.

To save money before your trip, consider setting aside a fixed amount from your monthly income or cutting back on non-essential expenses. You can also explore alternative ways to earn extra income, such as freelancing or selling items you no longer need.

During your trip, be mindful of your spending and look for opportunities to save. For example, cook your own meals when possible, take advantage of free attractions and activities, and prioritize experiences over material purchases.

Tips for budgeting and saving:

• Create a detailed travel budget and track your expenses
• Set a daily or weekly spending limit and stick to it
• Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to monitor your expenses
• Look for discounts, coupons, or special offers
• Prioritize experiences over material purchases

In the end, traveling to the United States can be an unforgettable experience, but proper planning and budgeting are essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

I will say, remember, the key is to be flexible, prioritize your interests, and enjoy every moment of your American adventure.