Visiting Los Angeles offers sunshine, beaches, world-class entertainment, and iconic neighborhoods—but it also requires realistic budgeting. The cost of a trip to Los Angeles varies widely based on where you stay, how you get around, and which experiences you prioritize. Unlike compact cities, LA’s sprawl makes transportation choices especially important for vacation travelers and international visitors.
- Total Cost of a Trip to Los Angeles (Quick Summary)
- Flight Costs to Los Angeles
- Hotel Costs in Los Angeles
- Food Costs in Los Angeles
- Local Transportation Costs in Los Angeles
- Attractions & Activities Costs in Los Angeles
- Budget vs Mid-Range vs Luxury Los Angeles Trip Comparison
- Sample Los Angeles Travel Budgets
- How Much Does a Trip to Los Angeles Cost Per Day?
- Ways to Save Money on a Los Angeles Trip
- FAQs – Cost of Visiting Los Angeles
- Final Thoughts – Is Los Angeles Worth the Cost?
This formal, data-driven guide breaks down flights, hotels, food, local transportation, and attractions, then compares budget vs mid-range vs luxury trips so you can plan with confidence for 3-, 5-, or 7-day stays.
Total Cost of a Trip to Los Angeles (Quick Summary)
Below are typical per-person costs, excluding shopping and souvenirs.
Los Angeles Trip Cost Summary (Per Person)
| Trip Length | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Days | $750 – $1,000 | $1,200 – $1,600 | $2,800+ |
| 5 Days | $1,200 – $1,600 | $2,000 – $2,700 | $4,600+ |
| 7 Days | $1,650 – $2,200 | $2,800 – $3,800 | $6,500+ |
What drives the price? Accommodation and transportation (especially car rentals and parking) account for the largest share, followed by attractions.
Flight Costs to Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the best-connected air hubs in the world, keeping fares competitive year-round.
Domestic Flight Costs
Round-trip economy fares to LAX (or nearby airports) commonly fall in these ranges:
| From | Typical Round-Trip |
|---|---|
| New York City | $220 – $420 |
| Chicago | $180 – $350 |
| Dallas | $160 – $320 |
| Seattle | $120 – $260 |
| Miami | $200 – $380 |
International Flight Costs
- Europe: $650 – $1,100
- Asia: $800 – $1,400
- Australia: $900 – $1,500
Seasonality matters—late winter and early spring (excluding holidays) are often cheapest.
How to Find Cheaper Flights to LA
- Compare LAX with nearby airports (Burbank, Santa Ana, Long Beach)
- Book 6–10 weeks ahead for domestic trips
- Fly midweek for lower fares and fewer delays
Hotel Costs in Los Angeles
Where you stay dramatically affects your LA travel budget.
Budget Hotels & Motels
- $90 – $140 per night
- Best areas: Hollywood outskirts, Koreatown, parts of Downtown
- Expect basic amenities and paid parking
Mid-Range Hotels
- $180 – $300 per night
- Popular areas: Hollywood, Downtown LA, West Hollywood
- Balance of comfort and access
Luxury Hotels & Resorts
- $450 – $800+ per night
- Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu
- Premium locations and services
Accommodation for International Visitors
Longer stays and central locations increase nightly rates by 15–25%, especially near beaches.
LA Hotel Cost Comparison
| Category | Avg Nightly Rate |
|---|---|
| Budget | $120 |
| Mid-Range | $240 |
| Luxury | $650 |
Food Costs in Los Angeles
LA’s food scene is diverse and flexible, suiting all budgets.
Budget Food Options
- Food trucks, fast casual, ethnic eateries
- $12 – $20 per meal
Mid-Range Dining
- Casual sit-down restaurants
- $25 – $45 per meal
Fine Dining & Luxury Experiences
- Celebrity chefs, oceanfront dining
- $80 – $150+ per person
Average Daily Food Budget
- Budget: $40 – $60
- Mid-range: $70 – $100
- Luxury: $150+
Local Transportation Costs in Los Angeles
Transportation is a defining factor in the Los Angeles vacation cost.
Car Rental Costs
- Economy car: $45 – $75 per day
- Weekly rentals often reduce the daily rate
- Add fuel ($5–$6/gallon) and parking ($20–$40/day in busy areas)
Public Transportation
- Metro & bus single ride: $1.75
- Day pass: $7
- Works best for Downtown, Hollywood, and some beach routes
Ride-Shares & Airport Transfers
- LAX to central LA: $35 – $70
- Short city rides: $15 – $30
Verdict: Renting a car is usually the most practical option for visitors planning multiple neighborhoods.
Attractions & Activities Costs in Los Angeles
Paid Attractions
- Theme parks (Disneyland/Universal): $110 – $180
- Studio tours: $50 – $90
- Museums & special exhibits: $20 – $30
Free & Low-Cost Attractions
- Santa Monica & Venice Beaches
- Griffith Observatory
- Neighborhood exploration (Beverly Hills, Downtown Arts District)
Tours & Experiences
- Celebrity home tours, coastal drives, day trips
- $40 – $120
Budget vs Mid-Range vs Luxury Los Angeles Trip Comparison
5-Day LA Trip (Per Person)
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $250 | $350 | $700 |
| Hotels | $600 | $1,200 | $3,250 |
| Food | $250 | $450 | $900 |
| Transport | $250 | $400 | $700 |
| Attractions | $200 | $400 | $700 |
| Total | $1,550 | $2,800 | $6,250+ |
Sample Los Angeles Travel Budgets
Budget Vacation Traveler (5 Days)
- Total: $1,200 – $1,500
- Budget hotel, rental car, free attractions
Comfortable Mid-Range Stay
- Total: $2,400 – $2,900
- Central hotel, car rental, select paid attractions
Luxury California Getaway
- Total: $5,500+
- Beachfront hotel, premium dining, private tours
How Much Does a Trip to Los Angeles Cost Per Day?
- Budget: $160 – $220
- Mid-Range: $350 – $450
- Luxury: $900+
Ways to Save Money on a Los Angeles Trip
- Stay outside beach zones and drive in
- Rent cars weekly instead of daily
- Combine free attractions with one major paid experience
- Travel in February–April or October–November
FAQs – Cost of Visiting Los Angeles
Is Los Angeles expensive for tourists?
It can be, but costs are manageable with smart hotel locations and transportation planning.
Is renting a car necessary in LA?
For most visitors, yes—especially if exploring multiple neighborhoods.
What is the cheapest month to visit Los Angeles?
February and March typically offer the best value.
Can you do LA on a budget?
Yes, by focusing on free attractions and budget accommodations.
Final Thoughts – Is Los Angeles Worth the Cost?
For vacation travelers and international visitors, Los Angeles delivers exceptional variety—beaches, culture, entertainment, and food—at a cost that scales to your preferences. With careful planning, the cost of a trip to Los Angeles can remain predictable and worthwhile.
To benchmark your spending, compare LA with nationwide averages in our guides on how much it costs to travel in the USA and the average daily travel cost in the United States.
Use Trip Cost Guide to plan smarter, compare cities clearly, and build a Los Angeles budget that truly fits your travel style.
