What budget for activities and outings Boston?

Museums are unfortunately rather expensive in Boston and the rest of the USA. The Museum of Fine Arts, for example, costs US$27, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum US$20. Even institutions that don't enjoy any kind of renown often charge admission. However, tickets are almost always cheaper for students, children and senior citizens. Simply show your ID or student card to benefit from these discounts. You should also know that many museums offer free admission on certain days and at certain times.

It's easy to get in some free exercise in Boston, with the world's oldest sport: running! Boston Common Park is a great place to do it, pushing on to neighboring Back Bay for a longer route, or Beacon Hill for those who like the hills! But Boston's best running spot is undoubtedly the Charles River Esplanade, which offers a promenade separated from cars, along the river.

While Europeans traveling to the U.S. always have a small advantage with the exchange rate, you won't really make any savings in international or American brand clothing stores. Prices are much the same as in Europe. Electronics, audio and cameras, on the other hand, are a little cheaper. In your excitement, make sure that the international warranty works!

Don't forget that in the U.S., local taxes are not included in the listed price. In Boston, it's around 6.25% on sales. If you want to do business, you'll have to go to New Hampshire, which is one of the only states without sales tax.

Where there is one, the entrance fee to clubs is usually not very high. Depending on the venue and the artist performing, it can range from US$5 to US$20. Tickets to see a play or a concert cost more, ranging from US$30 in a small venue to much more in a reputable place. To get discounted tickets, check out the official resale sites, such as StubHub (www.stubhub.com) and Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), where you will find last-minute tickets at great prices.

What budget to eat Boston?

In Boston, there's something for every pocketbook. Nevertheless, while there are many inexpensive options, such as salad bars, sandwiches sold in cafés or Chinatown stalls, restaurants are still quite expensive. When you sit down to a table somewhere, you can't expect to get away with less than US$20 per person, and often more. As in France, the bill is often high in restaurants serving seafood.

Going out is quite expensive in Boston, especially when it comes to alcohol. A glass of wine rarely costs less than US$12, and cocktails are generally around US$15. Beers are less expensive, costing around US$7 on draught.

Please note that these prices do not include local tax (6.25% in Massachusetts) or tip. It's customary to leave a US$1 or US$2 tip per glass or, if you've had many drinks and are paying by credit card, around 18% of the bill, as in a restaurant.

What is the budget for accommodation Boston?

Hotels are expensive in Boston, and despite the construction of new establishments, the city is still short of rooms. In autumn (the most pleasant time of the year to visit the city), prices soar to over US$300 per night in mid-range hotels. To this must be added a tax of 8.45% and a further 6% in luxury hotels. Don't hesitate to check hotel websites, as almost all of them offer online discounts.

Travel budget Boston and cost of living

With an exchange rate close to parity, the cost of living in the U.S. appears high to Europeans. As a general rule, cities are more expensive than the rest of the country.

The cheapest sectors are mainly restaurants and consumer goods (clothing or electronics, for example). It's easy to have a decent lunch or dinner for US$15-20 per person, including tip. Hotels, on the other hand, are very expensive, especially in Boston, and it's becoming difficult, if not impossible, to find a room for less than US$100-150. Rates can vary from simple to triple, depending on the period and demand, and sometimes from one day to the next in the same establishment. It is not customary to negotiate the price of a room, although in low season it is acceptable to ask if the establishment offers a discount. Similarly, outdoor activities and access to culture come at a high price, with museum entrance fees rarely under US$10 and sometimes reaching US$25 or more. Remember, too, that prices are always quoted exclusive of tax, and that a 15-20% tip is customary in restaurants, bars and with cab drivers. This will quickly add to your budget.