What budget for activities and outings California?
Although they generally provide access to the site for several days, both national and state park entrance tickets are relatively expensive when added together: expect to pay an average of US$20 per vehicle. It is also rare to find free museums. So, we recommend that you select your activities carefully and, above all, check the websites of the establishments for their pricing conditions: some open their doors for free on the first Tuesday or Thursday of the month, for example.
Not surprisingly, nothing is free in the United States. Thus, the practice of sports in groups or in a gym is not free, for prices similar to those in France. Nevertheless, the coast is ideal for a brisk walk along the beach, jogging, or simply relaxing and sunbathing.
If the prices are similar to those in France, the American West has the advantage of having large outlets, offering unbeatable prices throughout the year, on a wide selection of American brands.
The rule is the same everywhere: drinks are more expensive in clubs or festivals. So, it is sometimes wise to start the evening early, in a bar, before going out.
What budget to eat California?
The price range is quite wide. If tacos, hot-dogs and other street-food specialties cost only a few dollars, a lunch in a restaurant or a small cosy café will quickly approach 20 dollars, including the tip and taxes. As for the very good restaurants, they start at 40 US$. Wherever you eat, the plates are often copious: don't forget the doggy bags if you can't finish.
In the U.S., it's hard to find really cheap places to eat - especially as the tipping policy is the same as in restaurants. However, you can save money by opting for a batch brew, coffee served in a large cup, just like at home, with most establishments offering refillsfor just two or three dollars.
A pint of beer usually costs US$8, and a good cocktail around US$15. While some bars offer happy hours, these are often very restrictive in terms of timetables.
What is the budget for accommodation California?
In addition to the nature of the establishments, accommodation prices vary according to the time of year: they will be higher in high season and during Spring Break - the student vacation that usually runs from late February to mid-April. In general, be aware of taxes when booking online.
For those on a budget, you may want to check out the friendly hostels - better known as"hostels". They offer dormitory accommodation - for about US$30 to US$45 per night - as well as rooms with private bathrooms. However, if this is an interesting option when traveling alone, the double rooms found there are generally comparable in price to the Airbnb a little more out of town. For example, for a range of US$60 to US$80, it is possible to find high quality accommodations just 10 minutes from downtown by car. In the same range, there are sometimes motels, whose typical appearance is much appreciated.
Then there are hotels, which can easily cost up to US$200 per night. Here again, we recommend that you compare with Airbnb, as the quality-price ratio is often unbeatable on the peer-to-peer platform.
Travel budget California and cost of living
The United States is far from being a cheap country, especially since the end of the health crisis in 2020. Without skipping out on sightseeing or car rental, but limiting the number of restaurants and choosing sometimes out-of-the-way accommodation - for more affordable rates - you're looking at an average of 115 euros per day per person... At least if you're traveling in pairs and share the costs of gas, car rental and accommodation equally. More "chic" visitors are more likely to spend between 200 and 275 euros each per day. Of course, these figures are subject to change depending on the time of year, as it's more expensive to travel the Grand Ouest during school vacations.
Tips and taxes. Tips are an essential part of your budget. An integral part of American culture, they usually represent 10-15% of the restaurant bill. Most prices are quoted without taxes. Taxes are added at checkout and vary from state to state, and even from county to county. In July 2023, for example, taxes were 9.5% in Los Angeles, 7.75% in San Diego and 8.5% in Sonoma. See their evolution here: www.cdtfa.ca.gov.
To save money, compare hotel prices year-round if you can be flexible on dates. In the low season, you'll find luxurious establishments at sometimes 200 euros less than usual.
