Average vacation cost: 2024 breakdown - Pacaso | Pacaso (2024)

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Published Date: April 15, 2024

Average vacation cost: 2024 breakdown - Pacaso | Pacaso (1)
How much does the average vacation cost?
The average vacation for one person in the United States costs about $1,986 per week. A vacation for two people will typically cost around $3,971 per week.
How much does the average vacation cost?Costs are rising all over the world, and that has travelers exploring their options. If you expect your old travel budget to go as far as it did in past years, you may be in for a surprise.Compared to 2023, average vacation expenses are up by over 3%, according to BudgetYourTrip.com. Although the average vacation cost may be on the rise, you can create a realistic budget for your next getaway by identifying key expenses. To help you plan, we break down these expenses below and the average cost for each.

Luxury co-owned vacation homes

  • Pacaso$799,0001/8 ownershipOwn now5 bds5 ba120 Gharkey St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 0% Financing
  • Pacaso$458,0001/8 ownershipOwn now4 bds4 ba77137 Casa Del Sol, La Quinta, CA 92253 0% Financing
  • Pacaso$299,0001/8 ownershipOwn now4 bds3.5 ba72870 Bel Air Rd, Palm Desert, CA 92260 5% Financing
  • Pacaso$2,234,0721/8 ownershipOwn now7 bds11 ba27405 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 5% Financing
  • Pacaso$845,0001/8 ownershipOwn now6 bds5.5 ba1555 Aerie Circle, Park City, UT 84060 5% Financing
  • Pacaso$499,0001/8 ownership2 shares left4 bds3.5 ba27643 W Shore Rd, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352 5% Financing
  • Pacaso$410,0001/8 ownership1 share left4 bds3 ba237 Basque Dr, Truckee, CA 96161
  • Pacaso$599,0001/8 ownershipOwn now5 bds5 ba220 14th Street, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 0% Financing
  • Pacaso$929,0001/8 ownership1 share left5 bds5.5 ba1280 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483 5% Financing
  • Pacaso$799,0001/8 ownershipOwn now5 bds5 ba120 Gharkey St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 0% Financing

    View all

Average travel cost for a vacation

The average cost of travel for a week-long vacation for two people is $1,040. Travel arrangements related to your vacation costs rack up fast. Not only do you have to figure out how you’re getting there, but you’ll need to know how you’ll get around once you reach your destination.
Average vacation cost: 2024 breakdown - Pacaso | Pacaso (13)
A solo traveler is more likely to find a single seat on a plane and make do with public transit and rideshare services at their destination. That way, they can avoid the added burden of looking after a car and the added expenses that come with it. Traveling with multiple people, however, can start to add up.Even if airfare isn’t outside your vacation budget, the daily cost of a rental car or rideshare services for everyone may strain your finances. Driving your own car to the destination (even with today’s gas prices or using public transit) may put the cost of a trip within reach, depending on how far you’re traveling.Average vacation transportation costs per person
TransportationAverage cost
Domestic round-trip flight$368
International round-trip flight$1,368
Rental car (per day)$84
Gas (per gallon)$3.40
Airport parking (per day)$30
Public transit and rideshare services (per day)$46

Average lodging cost for a vacation

The average nightly cost of a vacation rental is $314. Getting to your relaxing destination is only part of the budget equation. Hotels have historically been the tried-and-true favorite, offering travelers safety and dependability, but they can greatly increase the average daily cost of a vacation.
Average vacation cost: 2024 breakdown - Pacaso | Pacaso (14)
Solo travelers can look to hostels for a cheaper alternative, so long as they’re willing to give up some privacy. Vacation rental services like Airbnb and VRBO offer alternatives to hotels for travelers with more demanding needs, or need access to more amenities like kitchens and laundry rooms. Short-term rentals can provide multiple rooms at a reduced rate per person than many hotels can offer.Average nightly lodging cost for a vacation per person
LodgingAverage nightly cost
Single-person hotel/hostel room$130
Double-occupancy hotel room$259
RV campsite (per RV)$20
Vacation rental (per night)$314

Short-term rental alternative: Co-owned second homes

  • Pacaso$799,0001/8 ownershipOwn now5 bds5 ba120 Gharkey St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 0% Financing
  • Pacaso$458,0001/8 ownershipOwn now4 bds4 ba77137 Casa Del Sol, La Quinta, CA 92253 0% Financing
  • Pacaso$299,0001/8 ownershipOwn now4 bds3.5 ba72870 Bel Air Rd, Palm Desert, CA 92260 5% Financing
  • Pacaso$2,234,0721/8 ownershipOwn now7 bds11 ba27405 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 5% Financing
  • Pacaso$845,0001/8 ownershipOwn now6 bds5.5 ba1555 Aerie Circle, Park City, UT 84060 5% Financing
  • Pacaso$499,0001/8 ownership2 shares left4 bds3.5 ba27643 W Shore Rd, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352 5% Financing
  • Pacaso$599,0001/8 ownershipOwn now4 bds4 ba3095 Mountain Links Way, Olympic Valley, CA 96146 5% Financing
  • Pacaso$410,0001/8 ownership1 share left4 bds3 ba237 Basque Dr, Truckee, CA 96161
  • Pacaso$599,0001/8 ownershipOwn now5 bds5 ba220 14th Street, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 0% Financing
  • Pacaso$929,0001/8 ownership1 share left5 bds5.5 ba1280 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483 5% Financing
  • Pacaso$799,0001/8 ownershipOwn now5 bds5 ba120 Gharkey St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 0% Financing

    View all

Average food cost for a vacation

The average daily food costper person is $58 while on vacation. While it’s tempting to try all the local cuisine, limiting the number of times you eat out each day will help lower your food expenditure. Taking advantage of a hotel’s complimentary breakfast is one easy alternative to an expensive brunch. Or use a rental’s kitchen for a simple breakfast of toast and cereal.
Average vacation cost: 2024 breakdown - Pacaso | Pacaso (26)
The money you save by substituting these meals can be used toward a special meal at a restaurant or offset your other vacation costs.Average food costs for a vacation per person
MealAverage daily cost
Three meals$58
Average restaurant meal$29
Alcohol$27

Average entertainment cost for a vacation

The average cost of a museum visit for a family of four is $120. While the other three categories are rather predictable factors in your average vacation cost, what you plan to do on your vacation is more of a wild card. Visiting family will likely keep entertainment costs low, but a multi-day trip to a luxury ski resort can quickly push trip costs out of your budget.
Average vacation cost: 2024 breakdown - Pacaso | Pacaso (27)
Similar to plane tickets and rental cars, buying entertainment in advance can help you take advantage of discounts that may not be available to people making purchases on the day of. If you’re traveling with your family, look for activities with group rates, like national parks that charge by vehicle.Average cost of entertainment per person for a vacation
EntertainmentCost
Museums$30
Concerts$120
National parks (per vehicle)$28
Ski resorts$175
Amusem*nt parks$104

Tips for budgeting on vacation

A good budget will help you save money during your vacation.
Average vacation cost: 2024 breakdown - Pacaso | Pacaso (28)
Apply these tips while planning your budget, and you might spend less than the average vacation cost.
  • Make reservations far in advance. Travelers can save up to 38% by booking rental cars three months out.
  • Travel to locations outside their peak seasons. This can help you earn discounts on airfare and lodging.
  • Use credit cards that have travel rewards. These, along with customer loyalty programs, can help you earn discounts for future vacations.
  • Save money on food by preparing meals. Booking a vacation rental with an on-site kitchen can save money on eating out. Or you can also take advantage of a complimentary hotel breakfast.
Due to inflation, it’s more costly to travel, so knowing average vacation costs is a great starting point for planning your trip and keeping expenses under budget.If you find yourself traveling to the same location regularly, buying a second home can be a more sensible option. Plus, a second home or vacation home can offer many benefits over a short-term vacation rental or hotel. However, if owning a second home is out of your budget, consider co-ownership instead.When you co-own a home, you are owning a portion of a property, and thus, sharing time and expenses proportionately with other co-owners. This allows you to take your budget further, but you still get full use of your home like you would with full ownership. Pacaso's fully managed co-ownership model simplifies the process, taking care of scheduling, billing details, property maintenance, home design and cleaning so you can focus on making memories on your vacation. Ready to learn more about co-ownership or buy your dream vacation home? Pacaso curates top homes in destinations across the country.

Average vacation cost FAQ

How much does the average vacation cost for one person?

The average vacation cost for one person in the United States is about $1,986 per week. Individual costs will vary based on the traveler’s mode of transportation and lodging.

How much should I budget for a vacation?

Your budget for a vacation will, of course, vary depending on many factors. Many people set aside 5%-10% of their net yearly income for leisure travel, but your savings will depend on the type of vacation you’re planning.

How much cash do you need on vacation?

You should have roughly $50 to $100 per person every day of your trip.

Are vacation expenses cheaper if you book in advance?

Booking in advance can often lead to lower prices due to early booking discounts, better availability, increased flexibility and the ability to avoid last-minute price surges.

Sources: US Travel | Hopper | Kayak | Zutobi | Budget Your Trip | Camper Report | All The Rooms | Consumer Affairs | Statista | Outside | Family Skier | Business Insider
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Average vacation cost: 2024 breakdown - Pacaso | Pacaso (2024)

FAQs

Average vacation cost: 2024 breakdown - Pacaso | Pacaso? ›

2024 average vacation cost: Breakdown of travel, food and more. How much does the average vacation cost? The average vacation for one person in the United States costs about $1,986 per week. A vacation for two people will typically cost around $3,971 per week.

What is the average cost of a 2024 spring break in America? ›

In fact, more than 1 in 10 (13%) are planning a spring break trip, with the average person willing to spend $2,700 on their travels. Looking back to 2023, 21% of Americans were willing to spend $2,001+ on spring break, while 37% are willing to spend $2,001+ on spring break in 2024.

What is a realistic budget for a vacation? ›

Average cost of a vacation by generation
GenerationAverage cost per trip
Gen Z (ages 12 to 27)$1,960
Millennials (ages 28 to 43)$1,890
Gen X (ages 44 to 59)$2,694
Baby boomers (ages 60 to 78)$2,903
2 more rows
May 22, 2024

How much does an average vacation cost? ›

The average vacation cost for one person is around $1,986 for 1 week, according to BudgetYourTrip.com, but that number will vary depending on where you're traveling and what time of year you travel. The average cost of a vacation includes transportation, food, hotel accommodations and more.

How much money do I need for a 7 day vacation? ›

Quick Answer: In the U.S., a one-week vacation for a solo traveler costs about $1,984, while a family of four can cost around $7,936. Inflation is on the rise, affecting how Americans choose to spend their money. However, increased costs don't seem to be getting in the way of Americans' travel plans for 2024.

How much do people spend on spring break trips? ›

In total, Americans plan to spend $1,817.70 on average on their spring break vacation, with families plan to spend a little bit more (but not too much) with an average answer of $1,996.90. Some millennials, about 10%, are planning to spend $5,000 or more on a spring break extravaganza.

How much does the average person spend on food on vacation? ›

The Cost of Food on Vacation

Each trip day, vacationers spend about $27 at restaurants, and about $6 on food they prepare themselves. On international trips, people spend just a little bit more on average, about $35 per day; with nearly 90% of those funds devoted to restaurant meals.

What is the 50 30 20 rule? ›

The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.

What is a reasonable travel expense? ›

What Are Reasonable Travel Expenses? Reasonable travel expenses, from the viewpoint of an employer or the IRS, would include transportation to and from the business destination, accommodation costs, and meal costs. Certainly, business supplies and equipment necessary to do the job away from home are reasonable.

How much is too much to pay for a vacation? ›

If you're in debt, your budget should be closer to the 5% mark; if you're not, it can be closer to the 10% end of the range. So, for example, if your net income is $80k a year, then you could reasonably spend $4-8k a year on vacations.

How much money should you have before going on vacation? ›

Vacation Calculator

Financial experts recommend using a 50/30/20 budget. That gives you 50% of your after-tax income for living expenses, 30% for items you may want, and 20% for savings.

What is the ideal amount of vacation per year? ›

If they're talking specifically about vacation days, then 10-20 days of paid vacation is very good. You'll be getting anywhere between two and four weeks off work per year, all of which is paid – and it doesn't include sickness or holidays! In conclusion, it is normal to receive around 10 vacation days per year.

Is 5000 enough for a vacation? ›

If managed carefully, a $5,000 budget is more than enough to eat and drink your way across the continent on a 10-day or two-week trip –or perhaps even longer.

Is $1000 enough for a week vacation? ›

There are plenty of fun ways you can spend an entire week for around $1,000 per person. And no, we're not talking staycation. You'll actually go someplace — maybe even somewhere exotic. Here are our top 7 picks, including prices you can expect to pay for hotels, food, attractions and more.

What is a good budget for a week vacation? ›

The average vacation for one person in the United States costs about $1,986 per week. A vacation for two people will typically cost around $3,971 per week.

Why are vacations so expensive? ›

That's because airline extras like seat selection fees, as well as dining out and entertainment costs, are making a bigger dent on Americans' wallets. "Inflation is no joke. Americans are feeling the impact," said CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave.

What date is spring break in the USA in 2024? ›

In 2024, the majority of colleges and universities will observe their Spring Break holiday between 11 March and 1 April.

Is travel down in 2024? ›

Despite expectations for travel costs to rise 3.5% year-over-year in 2024, travelers have an average of about 4.9 trips planned per person, a 2% rise above 2019 levels, according to a survey of over 500 U.S. travelers by Jefferies. Short-term rental company Airbnb (ABNB.

How much is a 1 week vacation? ›

The average vacation for one person in the United States costs about $1,986 per week. A vacation for two people will typically cost around $3,971 per week.

What month is most spring breaks? ›

Mid- to late March is typically the peak period for spring break for most colleges and universities across the country. This year, the majority of these institutions will have their rest and recreation between March 11 and April 1.

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