How much money do I need to travel to New York from Chile, Colombia, Argentina, or Mexico?

Traveling to New York is the dream of millions of Latin Americans, but the big question is always the same: how much money do I really need? In this guide, we give you the real numbers, without beating around the bush, so you can plan your trip from Chile, Colombia, Argentina, or Mexico without surprises.

How much does a plane ticket to New York cost?

The flight price varies considerably depending on your departure point and how far in advance you purchase. As a general reference for round-trip economy class flights:

• From Chile (Santiago): between USD 600 and USD 1,100. Airlines such as LATAM, COPA, Avianca, and United are the most frequent. The cheapest months are January, February, and November.
• From Colombia (Bogotá): between USD 350 and USD 700. With more direct and frequent flights, Colombia has some of the best rates in the region.
• From Argentina (Buenos Aires): between USD 700 and USD 1,200. Prices vary greatly depending on the airline and season.
• From Mexico (Mexico City): between USD 250 and USD 550. Mexico has the advantage of being the closest country with the highest frequency of direct flights to NY, making it the most economical departure point in all of Latin America.

The best time to buy is between 2 and 4 months before your trip. Avoid traveling in December, July, and during Holy Week if you want to pay less. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare and set price alerts.

How much does accommodation in New York cost?

Accommodation is one of the most significant expenses, and where you can save the most if you plan well. You have several options:

Hostels and shared rooms The most economical option. Hostels like HI New York City Hostel offer beds from USD 62 per night. They are perfect if you are traveling alone and don't mind sharing a bathroom. They are well-located and have a social atmosphere.

Budget hotels 2-star hotels start from USD 62 per night, and 3-star hotels from USD 117. A commonly used trick is to stay in Queens or Brooklyn instead of Manhattan. Hotels in Brooklyn and Queens are better priced than those in Manhattan—they are no longer as cheap as they used to be, but they are still the best option for being close to everything at a lower cost.

Hotels in Manhattan A 4-star hotel in Manhattan costs between USD 250 and USD 450 per night during normal season. In January, February, and March, you can find them for less than USD 200.

Airbnb Airbnb is a popular option, but beware: New York City has cracked down on tourist apartments, imposing serious fines on those who do not comply with regulations. This has greatly reduced the supply of Airbnb within the city. If you find an option, verify very carefully that it is a legitimate listing with good reviews. Also, since 2026, Airbnb shows the total cost as a per-night price, including the cleaning fee, so the price you see no longer has surprises at checkout. A private room in Brooklyn or Queens can cost between USD 80 and USD 150 per night, all-inclusive.

The best advice: the cheapest month to stay in New York is January, with average rates of USD 266 per night, while October is the most expensive with prices rising to USD 556.

How much do you need for food each day?

Eating in New York doesn't have to be expensive if you know where to go:

• Breakfast at a cafe or bagel with coffee: USD $8 to USD $12
• Lunch at a deli, food truck, or neighborhood restaurant: USD $14 to USD $22
• Dinner at a casual restaurant: USD $45 to USD $100 per person
• Dinner at a tourist restaurant in Times Square: From USD $60

With USD $70 a day, you can eat well without depriving yourself. With USD $40, you can survive if you are careful and look for the right options. Avoid eating right in tourist spots or in front of museums: prices double due to the location.

How much does it cost to get around the city?

The subway is your best friend in New York. A ride costs USD $3.00, and you can cross all of Manhattan from north to south. You don't need to buy an OMNY card (metro card); you can pay for your subway fare with your Visa or Mastercard.

Taxis and Uber are convenient but expensive, especially from the airports. An Uber from JFK to the city center can cost between USD $80 and USD $130. A much cheaper alternative from JFK is the AirTrain + subway, which costs around USD $15 in total.

How much do attractions cost?

This is where many people get unpleasant surprises: The prices below are STARTING FROM:

• Statue of Liberty (full tour with Ellis Island): USD $28
• Empire State Building: USD $44
• Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center): USD $42
• One World Observatory: USD $42
• Museums (Met, MoMA): between USD $25 and USD $30

But beware: Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the High Line, Battery Park, the DUMBO neighborhood, and many other attractions are completely free and well worth it.

The total budget per person for 7 days

This does not include the plane ticket or travel insurance, which we always recommend purchasing.

A tip that can save you hundreds of dollars

Many travelers arrive in New York without knowing who to ask simple questions: where's a restroom nearby? Is this restaurant good or a tourist trap? How do I get from the airport without losing money? Having this information in time can easily save you USD 100 or more during your trip.

At InfoLatino, we accompany hundreds of Latin American travelers to enjoy New York without getting lost or overspending. If you want to travel with peace of mind, check out our Pro Pack — real 24/7 WhatsApp support from the moment you land until you return home, plus discount codes, a personalized itinerary, and much more, all for less than the cost of a dinner in Manhattan.