Asheville is an outdoorsy mountain town known for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue. 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. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or hiking in nature, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Asheville that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Asheville?
You should plan to spend around $159 per day on your vacation in Asheville. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $58 on meals
- $14 on local transportation
- $177 on hotels
A one week trip to Asheville for two people costs, on average, $2,226. 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.
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One Week
Per person
$1,113
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2 Weeks
Per person
$2,226
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One Month
Per person
$4,770
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One Week
For a couple
$2,226
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,452
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One Month
For a couple
$9,540
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Asheville cost?
A one week trip to Asheville usually costs around $1,113 for one person and $2,226 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Asheville on average costs around $2,226 for one person and $4,452 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 Asheville will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Asheville on average costs around $4,770 for one person and $9,540 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Asheville expensive to visit?
Asheville is a smaller mountain town that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Asheville can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $68 per day, mid-range travelers spend $159 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $320 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Asheville.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Asheville is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Asheville Expensive?
Asheville, North Carolina
How much money do I need for a trip to Asheville?
The average Asheville trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Asheville travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Asheville cost?
Asheville on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$38
|
$89
|
$174
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$6.25
|
$14
|
$27
|
|
Food 2
|
$25
|
$58
|
$121
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$7.88
|
$20
|
$48
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-10
|
$8-24
|
$15-45
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Asheville on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $68 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Luckily, Asheville offers plenty of hostels, including Bon Paul & Sharky's Hostel and The Lazy Tiger Hostel. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal. While food is a highlight for every visitor in Asheville, budget travelers often opt for street food or cook in their hostel, which can prevent them from enjoying the exquisite culinary offerings.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most tourists in Asheville are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $159 per person, per day.
Asheville offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Princess Anne Boutique Hotel & Restaurant is an excellent option for kids, and Homewood Suites by Hilton Asheville is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Asheville here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $320 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the mountain town with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Privately Guided Full Day Hike - offered by Viator.
Asheville, North Carolina
Accommodation Budget in Asheville
The cost of hotels in Asheville can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $170, but peak season (summer or fall) average prices jump to $317. Overall, prices range from $98 to $601. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Asheville for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $177. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $89 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Asheville? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Asheville include:
- Haywood Park Hotel starting at $189
- Oakland Cottage Bed and Breakfast starting at $191
- Princess Anne Boutique Hotel & Restaurant starting at $167
- Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate starting at $253
- Cedar Crest Inn starting at $218
Asheville is a great destination for families, and if you're traveling with kids, an apartment with extra space might be ideal.
By avoiding the peak summer or fall season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Asheville
In Asheville, the public transit system is not very good. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.
In some areas, Asheville is relatively walkable, allowing you to enjoy the sights with ease. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $14 per person, per day, on local transportation in Asheville. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Asheville is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$14
If you're driving, check for convenient parking at your hotel.
How much does it cost to go to Asheville? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Asheville 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 Asheville
In Asheville, the food is fantastic, and you should definitely take the opportunity to enjoy all the local flavors. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Asheville can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Asheville is $58 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$58
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Asheville is around $58 ($58) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $121. 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 Asheville are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $17
- Lunch: $9 to $23
- Dinner: $17 to $41
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
Asheville has grown into a city for foodies. Restaurants in the area are delicious and many of them use locally grown produce. The quality is usually quite high and the meals are often unique and fresh. There are many local restaurants in the downtown area and if you're looking for fine dining, many of the high end hotels usually have upscale restaurants with rotating menus. If you're looking for budget options there are also some great cafes and small bistros around town. Vegetarian options are abundant as well.
When you have kids in tow, look for eateries that feature a kids' menu. This can save you a lot, as those meals are usually priced lower. Keep in mind that some restaurants may not list kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask your server before placing your order.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Asheville
It's no wonder that tourists flock to Asheville, as it is known for its food, nightlife, music, and hiking.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Asheville typically cost an average of $20 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.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$20
While many people visit Asheville to see the surrounding areas, there are some wonderful sights in town as well. The Biltmore Estate is easily the most popular destination. It's the largest single family home in the United States and has over 250 rooms. It's particularly nice to visit during the holidays when the grounds are fully decorated. You will pay dearly to visit it however, with adult tickets ranging from $45 to $60 dollars depending on the season and time of day.
Other sights in town include the Battery Park Hotel, Buncombe County Courthouse, Grove Arcade, Basilica of St. Lawrence, the Grove Park Inn, and the Thomas Wolfe House.
Asheville is a city for artists, and as such there are many art galleries around town. Some interesting ones include American Folk Art & Framing, Ariel Gallery, the Asheville Gallery of Art, Kress Emporium, Overstrom Studio, among many others.
There are many tours that you can enjoy while you're in Asheville. Eating tours, drinking tours, ghost tours, trolley tours, comedy tours, and home tours are all available. Asheville also has many festivals throughout the year. Some interesting ones include Downtown After Five, the Montford Music and Arts Festival, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, and the Asheville Film Festival, among many others.
Asheville has also grown as a center for live music. Popular venues include Grey Eagle Tavern & Music Hall, The Orange Peel, The Emerald Lounge, Stella Blue, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Tressa's Jazz & Blues, and the Asheville Civic Center. Theaters in town include the Asheville Community Theater, the Asheville Contemporary Dance Theater, and Diane Wortham Theater, among others.
Music:
Asheville features a popular music scene that consistently attracts people. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.
Hiking:
There are some terrific hiking paths around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.
Shopping:
Make sure to check out the shopping here, as it's a fun experience. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.
A nice way to explore destinations in Asheville 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:
- Private Waterfall and Blue Ridge Parkway Tour with a Naturalist for $230 details
- Half-Day Tour With Instruction in Vistas & Waterfall Photography for $150 details
- Historic Music Scene Walking Tour in Asheville for $30 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Asheville, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Nightlife Budget in Asheville
The nightlife experience in Asheville is both fun and vibrant, with visitors enjoying nights out at local bars, clubs, and parties. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $16 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Asheville per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$16
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Enjoy the nightlife, but stay cautious, especially if you're drinking. Thieves or criminals may target you, so stay close to trusted friends and avoid wandering off alone.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Asheville. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Skip the Line: Copper Barrel's Premium Distillery Tour & Tasting for $10 details
- Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour for $69 details
- Asheville Signature Guided Brewery Tour for $105 details
Traveling in Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a beautiful mountain town between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. It's a popular tourist destination in western North Carolina that attracts hikers, shoppers, and adventurers alike. It's the largest city in the area and is famous for it's liberal mindset and large art community. Local crafts are frequently available for sale in the downtown shops.
The area has four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Perhaps the most popular time to visit is during the fall months when the leaves are changing color and the temperature is cool but not cold. Winter months can see some snow, but usually not enough to limit travel. Spring is when the flowers are in bloom and Easter is a particularly popular time to visit the area. Summer can be much warmer, but the higher elevations make it more pleasant than elsewhere in North Carolina.
Neighborhoods & Around
Asheville has many interesting neighborhoods. The northern part of the city has several neighborhoods that have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places including Chestnut Hill, Grove Park, Montford, and Norwood Park. Other neighborhoods in the north include Albemarle Park, Beaverdam, Beaver Lake, Colonial Heights, Five Points, Hillcrest, Kimberly, and Klondyke. To the east are the neighborhoods of Kenilworth, Beverly Hills, Chunn's Cove, Haw Creek, Oakley, Oteen, Reynolds, Riceville, and Town Mountain. To the west are Camelot, Wilshire Park, Bear Creak, Deaverview Park, Emma, Hi-Alta Park, Lucerne Park, Malvern Hills, Sulphur Springs, Haywood Road, and Pisgah View. The south is where you'll find Biltmore Village, Biltmore Park, Ballantree, Oak Forest, Royal Pines, Shiloh, and Skyland.
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.
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.
I loved the downtown area because of the cute shops and historic vibe. And just nearby are amazing mountain views! We did some hiking and saw the river after exploring the town. The major sight here is the Biltmore Estate, and it's expensive. But there's so much else to see that you can just skip it.