What budget for activities and outings Boston?
Museums are unfortunately rather expensive in Boston and the rest of the United States. The Museum of Fine Arts, for example, costs US$25, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum US$15. Even institutions that do not enjoy any kind of reputation often charge admission. However, tickets are almost always cheaper for students, children and seniors. You only need to show your ID or student card to benefit from these discounts. Many museums also offer free admission on certain days: for the Museum of Fine Arts, for example, this is the case every Wednesday from 4pm.
It's quite possible to do sports for free in Boston, while enjoying the oldest sport in the world: running! The Boston Common Park is a great place to do it, pushing to the nearby Back Bay neighborhood for a longer route, or Beacon Hill for those who love the hills! But perhaps the best spot in Boston for running is the Charles River Esplanade, which offers a separate walk from the cars along the river.
If Europeans travelling to the United States always have a small advantage with the exchange rate, you won't really save money in international or US-branded clothing stores. The prices charged are about the same as in Europe. Electronics, audio, cameras will be a little cheaper. But check in your excitement that the international warranty works!
Also remember that in the United States, the local tax is not included in the displayed price. In Boston, it is around 6.25% on sales. If you want to do business, you have to go to New Hampshire, which is one of the only states that does not charge 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 everyone in the world to feast their taste buds on. However, while there are many cheap options, such as salad bars, sandwiches sold in cafés or Chinatown shops, restaurants are still quite expensive. When you sit at a table somewhere, you can't expect to get by for less than US$20 per person, often more. As in France, the bill is often a steep one in restaurants that serve seafood
Going out is quite expensive in Boston, especially if you drink alcohol. A glass of wine will rarely cost you less than US$11, as will cocktails, which usually cost around US$14. Beers are cheaper, around US$7 on draught.
Please note that the prices do not include the local tax, which is 6.25% in Massachusetts, or tips. It is customary to tip US$1 or US$2 per drink or, if you have had many drinks and pay by credit card, about 18% of the bill, as in restaurants.
What is the budget for accommodation Boston?
Hotels are expensive in Boston and despite the emergence of new establishments, the city is short of rooms. In the fall (the most pleasant season to visit the city), prices soar and can exceed US$300 per night in mid-range hotels. In addition, there is an 8.45% tax and a 6% tax in luxury hotels. Don't hesitate to check the hotels' websites, almost all of them offer online discounts
Travel budget Boston and cost of living
With an almost equal exchange rate, the cost of living in the United States seems high to Europeans. Generally speaking, cities are more expensive than the rest of the country
The low-cost sectors are mainly catering and consumer goods (e.g. clothing or electronics). It is easy to have a very good lunch or dinner for 15 US$ per person, including tips. On the other hand, hotels are very expensive, especially in Boston, and it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to find a room for less than US$ 100. It is not customary to negotiate the price of the room, although in low season it is acceptable to ask if the establishment offers a discount. Likewise, outdoor activities and access to culture are very expensive, with museum entrance fees rarely below US$ 10 and up to US$ 25 or more. Also remember that prices are always quoted exclusive of tax and that a 15-20% tip is required in restaurants, bars and with taxi drivers. This can add up to a lot of extra cash
