New York City is undoubtedly a unique and special place. Even at 4 am on a Sunday, people can be seen milling about Times Square as if it were broad daylight. However, places like this are costly. My husband and I often use the phrase “you don’t come to New York to save money” as we begrudgingly reach for our credit card to make another overpriced purchase. Below, I’ve detailed the costs of our 48 hour trip for 2 people in New York, and what categories those costs fell under.

Clarification

First off, let me clarify a few things. This was not my first trip to NYC. Two-and-a-half years prior, my husband and I spent a 4 day winter stay there, as well. That means this trip doesn’t include as many tourist things as are likely for a typical sight-seeing vacation.

Secondly, we were there to meet a family member that was passing through. Again, this makes it less of a tourist trip. However, there are costs associated with every trip that are unavoidable. We still had to eat, fly there and back, and sleep somewhere, along with pay for transportation around the city.

Costs

Below are the costs we incurred in 2 days in NYC.

Accommodations and travel

Accommodation/travel	Cost
Hotel	$332.03
Flights	$396.40
	$396.40
Total	$1,124.83

Food

Food	Cost
McDonald’s	$18.69
	$14.34
Airports	$9.04
	$21.88
	$20.07
Burgers	$60
Coffee	$18
Breakfast	$65.33
Total	$227.35

Transportation

Transportation	Cost
Lyft	$48
	$57.99
Parking	$24
Subway	$34
	$34
Ferry	$5.50
Airport tram	$15.50
Total	$218.99

Extras

Item	Cost
Power bank	$65.33
Pocket mirror	$9.99
Total	$75.32

Grand total: $1,646.49

Conclusion

As with most vacations, unexpected costs come up, making a trip more expensive than anticipated. However, a big chunk of the costs came from the initial costs of hotel and flights. Overall, New York City is not a cheap place to visit, but it is certainly unlike nowhere else in the world.