USA Trip Cost from India
Budget & Expenses Breakdown

• Return Flights: ₹80,000 – ₹1,30,000
• B1/B2 Visa Fee: ~₹15,500 ($185 USD, non-refundable)
• Hotels (10 nights): ₹80,000 – ₹2,00,000 (₹8K–₹20K/night)
• Food & Dining: ₹30,000 – ₹70,000 (₹3K–₹7K/day)
• Local Transport: ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 (₹1.5K–₹4K/day)
• Activities & Entry Fees: ₹15,000 – ₹30,000
• Travel Insurance: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹2.5 Lakh – ₹5 Lakh

The USA is a vast country with varying costs. Major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are significantly more expensive than the Midwest or Southern states. For a comprehensive overview of routes, itineraries, and travel tips, refer to our complete USA travel guide.

The local currency is the US Dollar (USD). As of 2026, $1 USD is approximately ₹84-₹86 INR.

• Cards are King: Credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, even for small purchases.
• Cash for Tips: Carry small bills ($1, $5, $10) specifically for tipping porters, housekeeping, and tour guides.
• Forex Cards: Multi-currency forex cards offer excellent exchange rates and lower transaction fees compared to standard credit cards.
• UPI is NOT Available: Do not rely on UPI or Indian Rupees. You must convert your currency to USD before or upon arrival.
• Sales Tax: Prices displayed in stores and restaurants do not include state and local sales tax (typically 6-10%), which is added at the register.

• Delhi (DEL) to New York (JFK): ₹85,000 – ₹1,15,000
• Mumbai (BOM) to Los Angeles (LAX): ₹90,000 – ₹1,25,000
• Bangalore (BLR) to Chicago (ORD): ₹95,000 – ₹1,30,000
• Peak Season (Jun-Aug, Dec): ₹1,20,000 – ₹1,60,000+
• Shoulder Season (Apr-May, Sep-Oct): ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000

Flights via Middle Eastern carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad) or European hubs (Lufthansa, British Airways) typically offer the best balance of price and comfort. Total travel time ranges from 18 to 24 hours including layovers.

To secure the best fares, Indian travelers should follow these booking strategies:

• Book 4-6 Months Ahead: For summer travel (June-August), book your international flights by January or February.
• Mid-Week Flights: Departing on Tuesdays or Wednesdays is often cheaper than weekend departures.
• Open-Jaw Tickets: Flying into New York (JFK) and out of Los Angeles (LAX) can save you the cost and time of backtracking domestically.
• Baggage Allowance: Check the free checked baggage allowance. Most international flights include 2 pieces (23kg each), but basic economy fares may charge extra.

Indian passport holders must obtain a B1/B2 tourist visa to enter the United States.

• MRV Application Fee: $185 USD (approx. ₹15,500). This fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is denied.
• Processing Time: Interview wait times can range from 20 to 60 days depending on the US Consulate in India.
• Agency Assistance: If using a travel agent or visa consultant for DS-160 filling and interview prep, expect to pay an additional ₹3,000 – ₹8,000.

For a detailed step-by-step guide on the application process, document checklist, and interview tips, read our comprehensive USA B1/B2 visa process and fees guide.

While not strictly mandatory for the B1/B2 visa, travel insurance is highly recommended for the USA due to the extremely high cost of healthcare.

• Basic Coverage (10 days): ₹1,500 – ₹2,500
• Comprehensive Coverage: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000
• What it Covers: Medical emergencies, hospitalization, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and flight delays.
• Healthcare Reality: A simple emergency room visit in the USA can cost upwards of $1,000 USD without insurance. Do not skip this expense.

• Fast Food Combo: $8 – $12 (₹650 – ₹1,000)
• Casual Dining (Diner/Cafe): $15 – $25 (₹1,200 – ₹2,100)
• Mid-Range Restaurant: $30 – $60 (₹2,500 – ₹5,000)
• Fine Dining: $80 – $150+ (₹6,500 – ₹12,500+)
• Coffee (Starbucks/Diner): $3 – $6 (₹250 – ₹500)
• Bottled Water (1L): $2 – $3 (₹160 – ₹250)

Vegetarian Tip: Indian restaurants are abundant in cities like New York, New Jersey, and Los Angeles. A thali or buffet meal at an Indian restaurant typically costs $15–$25, offering a taste of home.

Tipping is not optional in the USA; it is a mandatory social norm and a crucial part of service workers' income.

• Sit-Down Restaurants: 15% (acceptable), 18% (standard), 20% (good service). Always calculate on the pre-tax amount.
• Bartenders: $1 – $2 per drink.
• Hotel Housekeeping: $2 – $5 per night.
• Porters/Bellhops: $1 – $2 per bag.
• Tour Guides: $5 – $10 per person for a half-day tour.
• Uber/Lyft Drivers: 10% – 15% (tipped via the app).

• New York City (Subway): $2.90 per ride. The subway is the fastest and cheapest way to navigate Manhattan.
• Washington D.C. (Metro): $2.00 – $6.00 depending on distance. Excellent coverage of tourist sites.
• Los Angeles (Uber/Lyft): $20 – $40 per trip. LA is a sprawling city; public transit is limited, and ride-shares are the primary mode for tourists.
• Car Rental: $50 – $80 per day + gas + insurance. Essential for road trips (e.g., Pacific Coast Highway, National Parks). Requires an International Driving Permit (IDP).

If your itinerary covers both the East and West coasts, you will need to book domestic flights.

• NYC to Los Angeles: $80 – $200 (₹6,500 – ₹16,500) one-way.
• NYC to Miami: $60 – $150 (₹5,000 – ₹12,500) one-way.
• Baggage Fees: Budget airlines (Spirit, Frontier) charge extra for carry-ons and checked bags. Legacy carriers (Delta, American, United) usually include a free carry-on.

To see how domestic flights fit into a logical route, check out our recommended 10-day USA itinerary for Indian travelers.

• Travel in Shoulder Season: Visit in April-May or September-October. The weather is excellent, and hotel rates drop by 20-30% compared to summer. Check our guide on the best time to visit the USA for month-by-month details.
• Book Flights Early: Secure international and domestic flights 4-6 months in advance for the best fares.
• City Tourist Passes: If you plan to visit multiple attractions in NYC or LA, consider the New York Pass or Go City card, which can save up to 40% on entry fees.

• Drink Tap Water: Tap water is safe to drink in 99% of the USA. Carry a reusable bottle and refill it at your hotel or public fountains to save $2-$3 per bottled water.
• Share Portions: American restaurant portions are massive. Two people can comfortably share one main course and order a side or appetizer.
• Breakfast Inclusions: Book hotels that include breakfast. A daily breakfast for two at a cafe can cost $30-$40.
• Happy Hours: Take advantage of early bird dinner specials and happy hour menus at restaurants, which often offer significant discounts on food and drinks between 4 PM and 6 PM.