North Carolina is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to North Carolina?
A typical traveler spends $215 per day on a trip to North Carolina. This is the average daily price for a vacation in North Carolina based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $75 on meals
- $36 on local transportation
- $224 on hotels
A one-week trip to North Carolina for two people costs, on average, $3,010. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,505
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$3,010
-
One Month
Per person
$6,450
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,010
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,020
-
One Month
For a couple
$12,900
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to North Carolina cost?
A one week trip to North Carolina usually costs around $1,505 for one person and $3,010 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to North Carolina on average costs around $3,010 for one person and $6,020 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in North Carolina will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to North Carolina on average costs around $6,450 for one person and $12,900 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is North Carolina expensive to visit?
In North Carolina, budget travelers spend $88 per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $215 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $497 per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to North Carolina.
North Carolina is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
If you choose to make it so, North Carolina can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by looking for discounts and coupons.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, North Carolina is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to many other destinations.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is North Carolina Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to North Carolina?
The average North Carolina trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these North Carolina travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to North Carolina cost?
North Carolina on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$45
|
$112
|
$269
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$15
|
$36
|
$82
|
|
Food2
|
$31
|
$75
|
$164
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$10
|
$25
|
$54
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$6-18
|
$14-43
|
$32-95
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit North Carolina cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
Who are Budget Travelers?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $88 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. It's a common desire for visitors to North Carolina to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $215 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $497 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the destination, prepare for a pricier experience.
Accommodation Budget in North Carolina
The price of hotels in North Carolina can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $, while peak season averages can reach $. Prices range from $ to $, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in North Carolina for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $224. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $112 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in North Carolina? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than , will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in North Carolina
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $36 per person, per day, on local transportation in North Carolina. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in North Carolina is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$36
North Carolina's four international airports are Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Wilmington International Airport. There are also several domestic airports throughout the state.
The state also has a ferry system that runs along the Outer Banks. With 24 ferries, it's the second largest ferry system in the country. There are also twelve daily Amtrak trains that connect 17 cities in the state along six routes.
If you're planning to travel extensively in North Carolina, it's really best to have your own car. Roads are well maintained and traffic is at it's peak during rush hours or on holidays. Public transportation in most cities is limited, so having access to a car during your stay is the most efficient option.
If you're using a car, make sure your hotel has convenient parking available.
How much does it cost to go to North Carolina? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in North Carolina will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in North Carolina
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in North Carolina can vary significantly, the average cost of food in North Carolina is $75 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$75
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in North Carolina is around $75 ($75) per person, with previous travelers spending from $31 to $164. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in North Carolina are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $30
- Dinner: $22 to $52
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
North Carolina cuisine makes use of many southern traditions. North Carolina barbecue is made with pulled pork that is marinated in a vinegar based sauce. It varies significantly from barbecues found elsewhere in the south. It is typically served on a bun with slaw and lemonade or iced tea (sweetened of course).
Other local favorites in the area include fried chicken, fried okra, grits, cornbread, and hush puppies. Seafood is abundant along the coast and many dishes are fried and served with an appetizer of hush puppies.
Larger cities have a range of food options including many international restaurants. In smaller towns you'll likely find several local restaurants and the standard chain restaurants. Prices are reasonable and comparable to what you'd find elsewhere in the region.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Stay hydrated with a water bottle instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also great for the environment.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in North Carolina
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in North Carolina typically cost an average of $25 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$25
North Carolina has a range of sights and attractions that attract visitors from around the US and abroad. Some of the most popular attractions in the state include the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Blandwood Mansion, and Pisgah National Forest.
There are countless activities that you can enjoy in North Carolina. In the mountains, there is plenty of hiking, camping, and skiing opportunities. The state also has some of the best swimming beaches in the country. The Gulf Stream keeps the water warm well into October and the waves are lively but not intimidating. College sports are also lively in the state with several famous rivalries keeping spirits high. ACC basketball boasts a yearly competition between the Duke Blue Devils and UNC Tarheels. Other teams in the area include Wake Forest and North Carolina State.
Nightlife Budget in North Carolina
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $29 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in North Carolina per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$29
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 10, 2025
Traveling in North Carolina
North Carolina Outer Banks
North Carolina is a diverse state in the southern United States. The state has a variety of landscapes, with mountains, forests, and beaches all represented. The state's elevation ranges from sea level to 6,684 feet on Mount Mitchell, which is the highest point in North America east of the Mississippi. There are large cosmopolitan cities like Charlotte, and there are quaint college towns like Chapel Hill. North Carolina is the nineth most populous state in the country and the economy is currently centered around engineering, energy, biotechnology, and finance. Historically, the state's economy developed from the tobacco, textile, and furniture making industries.
North Carolina's climate varies depending on the region. The coastal areas have milder temperatures in the winter months with winter highs rarely going below 40 degrees Celsius. The Piedmont is colder than the coast with occasional snowfalls and frequent sleet or freezing rain. The mountains are the coolest area and winter highs occasionally falling into the low 20s Fahrenheit. Thunderstorms are common during the summer months and tropical storms reach the state every three or four years.
Regions
North Carolina can be divided into three main regions. The mountain region has some of the highest elevations in eastern North America. It is also where you'll find the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Piedmont has many diverse cities, universities, and college towns. The Coastal Plain has miles of beautiful beaches, the Outer Banks, and historic towns such as New Bern.
Major cities in North Carolina include the capital city of Raleigh, Asheville, Boone, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Durham, Greensboro, New Bern, Wilmington, and Winston Salem.
Other popular places to visit include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Cape Lookout National Seashore, the Outer Banks, and Pinehurst.
Related:
Looking for a party hostel in Hawaii or Miami? Traveling alone to LA or New Orleans? Want a budget hostel in NYC?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.