For backpackers and students, accommodation decisions can make or break a trip budget. In the US—where hostels are fewer and hotels often bundle discounts—the answer to hostels vs hotels cost USA is not always obvious. This guide compares hostel prices USA with budget hotels using student-specific budgeting examples, exposes hidden costs, and adds a strong safety comparison so you can choose the cheapest and smartest option.
- What’s the Difference Between Hostels and Hotels in the USA?
- Hostels vs Hotels Cost USA — Quick Price Comparison
- Hostel Prices USA (What Backpackers Actually Pay)
- Hotel Prices for Budget Travelers in the USA
- Student-Specific Budgeting Examples (Real Math)
- Hidden Costs in Hostels vs Hotels
- Safety Comparison (Stronger, Practical Focus)
- Best Cities in the USA for Hostel Value
- When Hostels Are Cheaper Than Hotels
- When Hotels Are Cheaper (or Better Value)
- How Backpackers & Students Can Save the Most
- Hostels vs Hotels — Decision Matrix
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Takeaway for Students & Backpackers
For a full-trip baseline beyond lodging, start with How Much Does It Cost to Travel in the USA? (Complete Breakdown)
👉 https://www.tripcostguide.com/travel-costs-usa/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-the-usa-complete-breakdown/
What’s the Difference Between Hostels and Hotels in the USA?
- Hostels (USA): Shared dorms or private rooms, limited locations, fewer inclusions than Europe/Asia
- Hotels (budget): Private rooms, predictable standards, taxes and fees added at checkout
Key reality: US hostels are scarcer and often priced higher than many international travelers expect—especially in top cities.
Hostels vs Hotels Cost USA — Quick Price Comparison
| Accommodation Type | Avg Nightly Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm bed | $35–$65 | Shared room, kitchen access |
| Hostel private room | $90–$150 | Private space, shared facilities |
| Budget hotel (2★) | $80–$130 | Private room, private bath |
| Mid-range hotel (3★) | $140–$200 | Better location, amenities |
Takeaway: For solo travelers, dorms can be cheapest. For two people, budget hotels often win.
Hostel Prices USA (What Backpackers Actually Pay)
Dorm Beds
- Typical range: $35–$65/night
- Higher end: NYC, San Francisco, LA
- Lower end: Chicago, Austin, Denver
Private Rooms in Hostels
- Typical range: $90–$150/night
- Once fees are added, these can cost more than budget hotels.
What’s Usually Included
- Shared kitchen (big savings)
- Lockers (bring your own lock)
- Social spaces (non-monetary value)
Hotel Prices for Budget Travelers in the USA
Budget & Economy Hotels
- Typical range: $80–$130/night
- Pros: Privacy, consistent safety, predictable billing
- Cons: Breakfast and parking may cost extra
For national benchmarks, see Hotel Costs in the USA: Average Prices and What to Expect
👉 https://www.tripcostguide.com/accommodation-costs/hotel-costs-in-the-usa-average-prices-and-what-to-expect/
Why Students Sometimes Choose Hotels
- Two people split the room
- Fewer surprise fees than hostels in some cities
- Better sleep and study conditions
Student-Specific Budgeting Examples (Real Math)
Example 1: Solo Student (5 Nights, Major City)
- Hostel dorm: $50 × 5 = $250
- Budget hotel: $110 × 5 = $550
➡ Winner: Hostel (saves $300)
Example 2: Two Students Traveling Together (5 Nights)
- Hostel private room: $120 × 5 = $600
- Budget hotel: $110 × 5 = $550
➡ Winner: Hotel (cheaper and private)
Example 3: One-Week Study Break (7 Nights, Secondary City)
- Hostel dorm: $42 × 7 = $294
- Budget hotel: $95 × 7 = $665
➡ Winner: Hostel (best solo option)
Example 4: Month-Long Internship Visit (30 Nights)
- Hostel dorm: $45 × 30 = $1,350
- Budget hotel (monthly discount): ~$2,400
- Shared apartment/Airbnb: ~$1,800–$2,100 (fees vary)
➡ Winner: Hostel for lowest cash outlay; apartment for comfort if sharing.
Hidden Costs in Hostels vs Hotels
Hostels
- Linen/towel rental: $5–$10
- Membership fees (some properties)
- Paid lockers or luggage storage
Hotels
- Taxes: 10–18%
- Parking: $15–$40/night (urban)
- Resort/destination fees (tourist cities)
Student tip: Always compare total price, not just the bed/room rate.
Safety Comparison (Stronger, Practical Focus)
Hostels — Safety Pros & Cons
Pros
- Staffed front desks in reputable hostels
- Social accountability in shared spaces
Cons
- Dorm theft risk (electronics, passports)
- Roommates you don’t know
- Late-night noise and access control variability
Mitigations
- Use hostels with 24/7 reception
- Choose female-only dorms if preferred
- Bring a padlock and use lockers
- Avoid leaving valuables unattended
Hotels — Safety Pros & Cons
Pros
- Private rooms and bathrooms
- Controlled access, cameras, keycards
- Less foot traffic in rooms
Cons
- Budget motels in poor locations can feel unsafe
- Parking lots may be exposed
Mitigations
- Choose well-reviewed areas, not just cheapest price
- Request rooms away from ground floor when possible
Bottom line on safety: Hotels are generally safer and quieter; hostels are fine if you choose reputable properties and take basic precautions.
Best Cities in the USA for Hostel Value
Hostels only make sense in select markets with strong supply:
- New York City
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
In many smaller cities, hostels are rare or nonexistent—budget hotels become the default cheap option.
When Hostels Are Cheaper Than Hotels
- Solo backpackers
- Short stays (1–5 nights)
- High-cost cities with good hostel supply
When Hotels Are Cheaper (or Better Value)
- Two or more travelers
- Private-room preference
- Longer stays with weekly discounts
- Cities with plentiful budget motels
How Backpackers & Students Can Save the Most
- Mix stays: hostel for solo nights, hotel when meeting friends
- Stay outside downtown with transit access
- Cook meals (hostel kitchens save $15–$30/day)
- Check weekly hotel discounts for 7+ nights
- Avoid private hostel rooms unless clearly cheaper
Hostels vs Hotels — Decision Matrix
| Traveler Type | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Solo student | Hostel dorm |
| Two students | Budget hotel |
| Long stay | Hostel or shared rental |
| Study/work focus | Hotel |
| Tightest budget | Hostel dorm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hostels cheaper than hotels in the USA?
For solo travelers, usually yes. For pairs, often no.
Why are US hostels expensive?
Limited supply, higher labor and property costs.
Are hostels safe in the USA?
Yes, if you choose reputable hostels and use lockers.
Is it better to stay in a hostel or hotel as a student?
Dorms for solo savings; hotels for privacy and sleep.
What’s the cheapest accommodation in the USA?
Hostel dorms—followed by budget motels in secondary cities.
Final Takeaway for Students & Backpackers
In the US, cheap accommodation is about math, not labels. Hostels shine for solo students on short stays, while budget hotels often win for pairs—or anyone prioritizing sleep and safety. Compare totals, consider safety realistically, and mix accommodation types to stretch your budget.
👉 Explore Trip Cost Guide for student-friendly city budgets, accommodation comparisons, and data-driven tips to travel the USA for less.
