How Much Should a Weekend Getaway Cost? Real Numbers and Smart Tips

Ever looked at your bank account after a quick trip and thought, “Wait, how did a weekend get this expensive?” You’re not the only one. Nailing down a real, reasonable price for a weekend getaway isn’t as easy as it should be, especially with hotel rates, gas prices, and last-minute splurges adding up fast.

So, what’s normal? There’s no magic number, but plenty of people shoot for around $300 to $800 per person for 2-3 days, depending on where they go and how much they want to pack in. That covers your basics: place to sleep, food, activities, and getting there and back. Some manage to swing it for less—think camping or crashing at a friend’s place—while others go all out with spa services, fancy meals, and boutique hotels.

The secret is knowing your priorities and the typical costs before you start booking. Having a rough plan, even if it's just a ballpark, keeps those "treat yourself" moments from blowing up your credit card bill.

• What Most People Pay for a Weekend Getaway
• Breaking Down the Costs: Where Your Money Goes
• Different Types of Trips, Different Price Tags
• How to Trim Costs Without Missing Out
• When Splurging Makes Sense
• Weekend Getaway Budgeting Cheat Sheet

What Most People Pay for a Weekend Getaway

Most folks want a quick escape without draining their bank accounts. According to a recent 2024 national travel survey, the average American spends about $500 per person on a weekend getaway, landing somewhere between a splurge and a smart deal. That’s not just plucked out of thin air—it covers typical stuff like Friday to Sunday hotel stays, food, gas or short flights, and a few local activities.

Let’s break it down. A decent mid-range hotel or rental in a popular city? You’ll see rates from $120 to $220 per night. If you’re sharing the room or splitting an Airbnb, that drops fast. Road trippers usually set aside $30 to $80 for gas, and if you’re flying, expect to pay $150 to $300 for a round-trip ticket within the same region (unless you snag one of those flash sales all airlines brag about).

Food is next. Two days of comfy dining—grabbing coffees, a couple of restaurant meals, maybe a snack from that bakery everyone’s talking about—totals $60 to $120 per person. Then toss in entry fees for a museum, some kayak rental, or live music—generally $20 to $60 per person. Of course, bump these numbers up if you’re somewhere super popular (hello, Napa, NYC, or beach towns in the summer), and take them down a notch if you’re sticking closer to home or camping out.

Here’s a quick look at what most pay per person for two nights:

• Hotel or Airbnb: $120–$350
• Transportation (drive or fly): $30–$300
• Food and drinks: $60–$120
• Activities/Extras: $20–$60

All that totals anywhere from $230 on the low end to $830 on the higher side for one person. Most people land in the $350–$600 range if they’re looking for a mix of decent comfort and fun without going wild on upgrades. If you want to save, look for last-minute lodging deals, travel outside peak season, and keep an eye out for local events that don’t cost extra. And if you’re more about treating yourself, add in those massages and nice dinners, but know you’re probably creeping closer to that top tier of the budget.

Breaking Down the Costs: Where Your Money Goes

If you’ve ever wondered where your money actually disappears during a weekend getaway, you’re not alone. It’s not just the hotel or gas—lots of little things creep in. Let’s break it down so you know what to expect.

On average, the biggest slice of your budget goes to lodging. Hotels and rentals can eat up 40%-50% of your spending, even for just two nights. If you book last-minute in a busy spot, expect to pay a premium. Transportation is next: gas, flights, or train tickets can run from $40 for a tank of gas to $350+ for regional flights if you don’t buy early.

Then comes food. Even “cheap” weekends can turn pricey if you eat out for every meal, especially brunch or dinner in tourist towns. Plan on $15-25 per meal, plus tips. That adds up fast.

After that, activities and local attractions can surprise you. A two-day theme park pass, guided tour, or even just half a dozen museum tickets can quickly total $50-$150 or more per person. Add in little extras—coffee, snacks, parking fees, souvenirs—and your wallet feels it.

Here’s a quick way to stay on top of your weekend getaway costs before you even leave home:

• Set your total trip budget first—then divide into categories.
• Pad your budget by 10-15% for surprise expenses.
• Compare a few lodging and transport options side by side before booking.
• Always check for discount codes or last-minute deals—sometimes you’ll get lucky!

A little planning goes a long way toward skipping regrets when you get back. Knowing exactly where your money goes takes out the guesswork and makes the whole trip a lot more chill.

Different Types of Trips, Different Price Tags

No two weekend getaways are the same. Driving to the next town doesn’t come close to a last-minute flight to a buzzing city or a chill cabin stay in the mountains. The costs swing wildly, and knowing what to expect helps you set a budget that actually makes sense for your plans.

Let’s break it down with the three most common styles:

• Road Trips: When you take your own car and stick to places within a few hours’ drive, you cut out airline costs right away. But gas, tolls, and extra snacks can sneak up. According to AAA, the average gas cost for a weekend road trip (around 300 miles roundtrip) for a midsize car in the US sits between $30-$50 these days. Add parking fees—big cities sometimes charge $40 a night.
• City Escapes: Heading for a city? You’ll probably drop the most cash here. Think $180-$300 a night for a decent hotel in popular cities—sometimes more for Saturdays. Entertainment, rideshares, and meals can push the total up fast. Even basic attractions like museums or local tours range from $15-$40 a pop.
• Nature Retreats: Campsites and cabins can be budget-friendly, especially if you prep your own food. Campground fees run about $25-$45 per night, while rustic cabin rentals average $70-$120 nightly, depending on region and season. National Park passes are usually under $35 per vehicle.

Here’s what these options look like side by side:

One longtime travel editor put it best:

“You don’t have to go far or spend big to have a memorable break. Match your expectations to your budget before you book.”

If saving money is your main goal, go for smaller towns, off-season cabins, or scenic campgrounds within driving distance. If you crave that city buzz, just know the price tag goes up, but it might be worth it for a dose of excitement. Either way, a weekend getaway can be shaped to fit whatever you’re after—so long as you tackle the costs with eyes wide open.

How to Trim Costs Without Missing Out

Cutting your expenses doesn’t mean you have to settle for a boring trip. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy your weekend getaway and still save money for your next one. The big trick: figure out what you actually care about—maybe that’s a cool activity, or a killer meal—then cut down on stuff that matters less to you. Here’s how:

• Be Flexible With Dates and Locations: Shifting your trip by just one week can save up to 30% on hotels, according to data from Kayak. Try going just before or after peak dates for better deals.
• Skip Hotels When You Can: Look at vacation rentals, hostels, or even house swaps. Airbnb’s own 2024 report showed that group stays are often 20-35% cheaper per person than individual hotel rooms.
• Drive, Don’t Fly: For most people in the U.S., going by car instead of plane can save a ton, especially for routes under 300 miles. For example, the average domestic roundtrip flight shot up to $270 in 2024, while gas for a 300-mile road trip usually lands under $50.
• Pack Snacks—and Maybe a Cooler: Convenience stores and rest stops are money pits. Grabbing a few things from home (like a sandwich or coffee) could save $15–$30 a day, depending on your appetite for snacks and sodas.
• Look for Free Fun: Check the events calendar for the area. Parks, outdoor concerts, local festivals, and museums with free days are everywhere—and easy to miss if you don’t search ahead.

Still not sure where your biggest savings can happen? Check out this table with real numbers from popular 2024 getaway choices:

These numbers might shift a bit based on what you pick, but they highlight how your choices matter. Mixing and matching can really stretch your budget. Focus on experiences, not stuff that won’t matter when you’re back home.

When Splurging Makes Sense

You don’t have to break the bank for every weekend getaway, but sometimes paying extra just feels right. Certain situations make a splurge totally worth it—think milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or when you’re hanging on by a thread and just need to recharge. If you plan ahead, picking one area to spend more on can actually make your whole trip feel special instead of wasteful.

Here are a few moments when going big pays off:

• Special occasions: Marking a big event with a nicer hotel room or a meal at a top local restaurant makes memories that last longer than the bill.
• Unique experiences: Some stuff—like hot air balloon rides, sunset boat tours, or that weird-but-famous spa treatment—can only be done in certain places. If you’re there, it might be your only shot.
• Location, location, location: Booking the hotel that’s right in the middle of the action sometimes costs more, but you save time and hassle. If it lets you walk to all the things you want to do, it’s less Uber fees and more fun for you.
• Quality sleep: Skipping the cheapest option if it means bad sleep isn’t just a “treat yourself” thing. Studies show people enjoy their trips way more when they actually rest. One survey from Expedia found over 52% of American travelers say a comfortable bed is the top reason they pick a pricier hotel.

Still not sure? Compare average splurge spending versus budget weekends to see how much more you’d actually shell out:

You can see the difference, so the key is picking what matters most. If sleeping like a rock or tasting the town’s best dishes turns your quick trip into a true break, that little extra stretch can be the smartest move you make.

Weekend Getaway Budgeting Cheat Sheet

Getting your budget right can mean the difference between a chill escape and stressing about money all Sunday night. Here’s a straightforward cheat sheet to keep you on track and help you plan a weekend getaway that won’t blow up your wallet.

Most costs break down into six simple categories. Here’s what the average traveler spent in the U.S. in 2024, based on TripAdvisor and Bankrate survey data:

So, most trips land around $375 to $870 per person, but your number will swing up or down depending on where you go and what you’re into. If you drive instead of fly, pack snacks, or skip a pricey dinner, you can carve that down a lot.

Here’s how you can do the math for your own trip:

• Pick your destination first. Driving distance or direct flight? Costs stack up fast if you’re not realistic up front.
• Lock in your must-haves. Decide what you care about—maybe it’s a comfy bed, a foodie tour, or killer views. Put more money there, and save elsewhere.
• Plug your numbers into those six categories above. Use actual prices, not estimated “cheap” or “luxury.” Hop onto hotel and airline sites and look up real prices for your travel weekend.
• Add a small buffer. Throw in an extra $25-50 in case stuff goes sideways—a longer Uber, rainy day activities, whatever.

No shame in budgeting with an online spreadsheet or even a phone note. It’s not about being stingy, it’s about staying in control of your spending so you enjoy every minute of your trip, guilt-free. Bonus: when you have a plan, you’re way less likely to blow money on things you don’t actually want.