Los Angeles is a vibrant and diverse city with something to offer everyone. From its iconic landmarks to its world-class museums and attractions, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in LA. However, planning a weekend trip to LA can be daunting, especially when it comes to budgeting.
Here is a sample budget for a weekend trip to Los Angeles:
Accommodation:
- Budget hotel: $100-$150 per night
- Mid-range hotel: $200-$300 per night
- Luxury hotel: $400-$1,000 per night
Food:
- Fast food: $10-$15 per person per meal
- Casual dining: $20-$30 per person per meal
- Fine dining: $40-$100 per person per meal
Transportation:
- Taxi: $15-$20 per ride
- Uber/Lyft: $10-$15 per ride
- Public transportation: $3.50 per day
Activities:
- Santa Monica Pier: Free admission
- Venice Beach: Free admission
- Griffith Park: Free admission
- Universal Studios Hollywood: $109 per person
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour: $46 per person
Other expenses:
- Souvenirs: $10-$20 per person
- Shopping: $50-$100 per person
- Nightlife: $20-$50 per person
Total:
- Budget traveler: $500-$700
- Mid-range traveler: $700-$1,000
- Luxury traveler: $1,000-$2,000
Tips for Saving Money on Your Weekend Trip to Los Angeles
Here are a few tips for saving money on your weekend trip to Los Angeles:
- Book your hotel in advance. Hotel rates are typically lower if you book in advance.
- Purchase a Los Angeles GO Card. This card gives you free admission to many of LA’s top attractions, including Universal Studios Hollywood, the Getty Center, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Take advantage of free and low-cost activities. There are many free and low-cost activities to enjoy in LA, such as hiking in Griffith Park, visiting the Santa Monica Pier, and exploring Venice Beach.
- Cook some of your own meals. Eating out can be expensive, so cooking some of your own meals is a great way to save money.
- Use public transportation. Renting a car can be expensive, so using public transportation is a great way to save money on transportation costs.
