Travel Budget for Texas Visit Texas on a Budget or Travel in Style

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Texas is a cultural 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 Texas?

A typical traveler spends $228 per day on a trip to Texas. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Texas based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $71 on meals
  • $49 on local transportation
  • $163 on hotels

A one-week trip to Texas for two people costs, on average, $3,192. 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.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $228
  • One Week Per person
    $1,596
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,192
  • One Month Per person
    $6,840
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,192
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $6,384
  • One Month For a couple
    $13,680
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Texas cost?

A one week trip to Texas usually costs around $1,596 for one person and $3,192 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Texas on average costs around $3,192 for one person and $6,384 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 Texas will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Texas on average costs around $6,840 for one person and $13,680 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Texas expensive to visit?

In Texas, budget travelers spend $91 per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $228 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $570 per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Texas.

Texas is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

You can find Texas to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Texas 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 Texas Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Texas?

The average Texas trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Texas travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Texas cost?

Texas on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$33 $81 $187
Local Transportation1 $18 $49 $153
Food2 $29 $71 $167
Entertainment1 $8.88 $23 $65
Alcohol2 $4-12 $10-29 $21-63

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Texas with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.

What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?

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 $91 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.

What Makes You an Average Traveler?

If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most guests in Texas will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $228 per person, per day.

What Luxury Travel Looks Like

If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $570 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the destination with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget.



Accommodation Budget in Texas

The hotel prices in Texas might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $, but during peak season, expect to pay around $. Prices vary from $ to $, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Texas for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $163. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $81 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $81
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $163

Hotels in Texas

Looking for a hotel in Texas? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Texas

If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid ), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.



Transportation Budget in Texas

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $49 per person, per day, on local transportation in Texas. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Texas is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $49

If you're hoping to explore Texas with any level of detail then a car is a must. The state's vast size makes it difficult to cover if you're short on time. Despite the excellent road network, do not underestimate the significant distance and travel times between many cities. Driving throughout the state is relatively easy and safe. Gas stations become less frequent in rural areas so it is best not to let you tank drop to empty. Speed limits are also strictly enforced, particularly in and around smaller towns. The rural speed limit is usually 70 MPH though it may be 80 MPH in some areas.

Amtrak does offer several lines within the state, although train travel is usually slow, expensive, and inconvenient. Flying may be your best option for traveling across the state. There are major airports in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and El Paso. There are also smaller airports in many cities throughout the state. Greyhound and Megabus both offer intercity bus routes, but again, these can be slow and uncomfortable.

Transportation Tips

If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • SUV Airport Transfer in Houston for $200 details
  • Sedan Airport Transfer in Houston for $165 details
  • Private Transfer Austin Airport AUS to Austin City for $100 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Texas
How much does it cost to go to Texas? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Texas
The price of renting a car in Texas 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 Texas

One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Texas can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Texas is $71 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $71

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Texas is around $71 ($71) per person, with previous travelers spending from $29 to $167. 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 Texas are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $7 to $21
  • Lunch: $11 to $29
  • Dinner: $21 to $50
  • Coffee: $6
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $11

Texas has a very diverse and unique regional cuisine. Popular cuisines in the state include Texas barbecue, chili and Tex-Mex. Texas barbecue often includes sliced beef brisket and sausage and is served with white bread, potato salad, coleslaw and beans. Tex-Mex is a Texan take on classic Mexican dishes. Nachos, crispy tacos, crispy chalupas, chili con queso and fajitas all found their roots in Texas.

In addition to local eateries, there is no shortage of chain restaurants throughout Texas. As you travel through the more rural areas you will find plenty of fast food joints at exits off the interstate. In the most rural areas these may be your only option for some distance. Prices are cheap though and the food is predictable, all though not particularly good.

Food & Dining Tips

Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.

Bring your own water bottle instead of grabbing drinks on the fly. It's better for the environment as well.

When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Texas, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • 5-course Walking Food Tour in Dallas : Cocktail package available for $109 details
  • Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours for $99 details
  • Dallas Food Tour: 5 Epic Tastings in Deep Ellum for $99 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Texas

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Texas typically cost an average of $23 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.
    $23

Texas offers visitors a wide diversity of landscape, geography, culture, and history. Sights within the state include national parks, scenic overlooks, historic landmarks, and cosmopolitan cities. Notable places to visit include the Alamo in San Antonio, the port city of Galveston, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Dealey Plaza in Dallas, the state capital building in Austin, and the Fort Worth Stockyards. The King Ranch is a fascinating, uniquely Texas place to visit. It's a working ranch that is larger than the state of Rhode Island. If you're interested in experiencing the Hispanic culture in an American city, head to El Paso, which is the largest city on the US/Mexico border. Also check out the Hill Country when the wildflowers are in bloom. It is truly a breathtaking sight!



Activities in Texas range from outdoor hiking in national parks, rock climbing, swimming in rivers or springs, or relaxing on the beach. There are a good number of amusement parks in the state with some of the most notable being Six Flags, Sea World, Schlitterbahn, and Wonderland Park. National Parks in the state include Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. You can also visit Palo Duro Canyon or the Rio Grande Valley.

A nice way to explore destinations in Texas is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Austin’s Haunted Ghost & Murder Tour for $30 details
  • San Antonio E-Bike Tour: Murals, Street Art and Hidden Gems for $75 details
  • Walking Tour of Houston: History, Architecture, Street Art for $25 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Texas

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $19 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Texas per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $19
Nightlife Tips

Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Texas. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • At-Home Private Wine or NA Wine Tasting Experience in Austin for $75 details
  • Fredericksburg Private Wine Tour Volkswagen Limo for $200 details
  • River City: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl for $36 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Aug 13, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Texas

  • By taking a slower approach to travel, you can enjoy the local beauty while saving money. When you jam-pack your schedule with activities, your expenses can skyrocket. But if you allow yourself to relax and take in the sights, you might find you're spending less overall.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Texas has limited options for public transportation. You might want to rent a car or have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour. This may cut into your budget elsewhere.
  • Texas isn't a hotspot for hostels, so if you were hoping to find a cheap dorm, you might need to adjust your plans. Instead, consider a budget hotel or an apartment rental.
Traveling in Texas
Texas San Antonio Riverwalk

Texas is the second largest and second most populated state in the United States. It measures 267,000 square miles in size and exploring even a large section of the state takes longer than you might expect. The size and distinctive culture of the area brings much pride to the state's natives. The state was briefly its own country for ten years, starting in 1836 after the residents rebelled as a territory of first Spain and then Mexico. It then joined the United States in 1845. The state maintains its independent personality and many Texans proudly display the state flag near their home or car.

Because of its large size, Texas's climate is quite diverse. The area around the Gulf Coast has mild winters, while the northern regions can be much colder. You can expect snow in the Panhandle and mountainous areas in the west, but much less often in other parts of the state. Average summer high temperatures in the mountains might be around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while other areas may reach into the triple digits.



Regions

Texas can be divided into seven different regions. The Plains of the Panhandle is where you'll find Lubbock, Amarillo and Abilene. The Prairies and Lakes area surrounds Dallas and Fort Worth. Piney Woods is noted for its pine forests, bayous and history during the Civil War. The Gulf Coast has many beautiful beaches and port cities such as Galveston. The South Texas Plains run along the Rio Grande and include San Antonio. The Hill Country is where you'll find Austin, and Big Bend Country is famous for Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Related:

Looking for a party hostel in Las Vegas or San Diego? Traveling alone to NYC or LA? Want a budget hostel in San Francisco?

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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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.
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