Galveston is a historic town known for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. 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 exploring the museums or enjoying the nightlife, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Galveston that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Galveston?
You should plan to spend around $221 per day on your vacation in Galveston. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $90 on meals
- $35 on local transportation
- $161 on hotels
A one week trip to Galveston for two people costs, on average, $3,094. 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
$1,547
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2 Weeks
Per person
$3,094
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One Month
Per person
$6,630
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,094
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,188
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One Month
For a couple
$13,260
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Galveston cost?
A one week trip to Galveston usually costs around $1,547 for one person and $3,094 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Galveston on average costs around $3,094 for one person and $6,188 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 Galveston will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Galveston on average costs around $6,630 for one person and $13,260 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Galveston expensive to visit?
Galveston is a popular town that attracts many visitors who have various travel styles and spending habits. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
Although Galveston can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $109 per day, mid-range travelers spend $221 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $407 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Galveston.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Galveston is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Duck or Lancaster.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Galveston Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Galveston?
The average Galveston trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Galveston travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Galveston cost?
Galveston on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$35
|
$81
|
$157
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$15
|
$35
|
$67
|
|
Food 2
|
$39
|
$90
|
$173
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6.69
|
$15
|
$29
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$7-22
|
$19-56
|
$46-138
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people assume they can visit Galveston on a minimal budget, but most find that style of travel to be uncomfortable. Think about what makes a vacation enjoyable for you. Do you like staying in budget hostels, regular hotels, or high-end resorts? Do you want to experience the local attractions? Do you enjoy dining out? Your budget and itinerary will be determined by your answers to these questions.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $109 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. A trip to Galveston wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $221 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Galveston. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. The San Luis Resort Spa & Conference Center is a great choice for kids, and Hotel Galvez and Spa A Wyndham Grand Hotel is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Galveston hotel costs guide.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $407. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the town means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Galveston
In Galveston, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $252 and peak summer season rising to an average of $470. Prices typically range from $137 to $815, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Galveston for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $161. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $81 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Galveston? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Galveston include:
- Avenue O Bed and Breakfast starting at $283
- Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites starting at $189
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations Galveston Beach Resort starting at $167
- Best Western Plus Seawall Inn & Suites by the Beach starting at $109
Galveston is family-friendly, so finding a larger apartment or more spacious accommodation is ideal when traveling with children.
If you avoid summer and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.
The town's historic old town is a significant draw for tourists. Hotels here may be more expensive, but they often feature a lot of character and a prime location for easy access to attractions.
Transportation Budget in Galveston
Galveston lacks an efficient public transit system. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.
Galveston has walkable areas that can facilitate your exploration of various attractions. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $35 per person, per day, on local transportation in Galveston. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Galveston is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$35
If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport for $165 details
- Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer for $190 details
How much does it cost to go to Galveston? 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 Galveston 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 Galveston
The food and cuisine in Galveston is good, but not enough to draw visitors specifically for the restaurants. You'll find a few gems around the town that are worth visiting. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Galveston can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Galveston is $90 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$90
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Galveston is around $90 ($90) per person, with previous travelers spending from $39 to $173. 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 Galveston are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $27
- Lunch: $14 to $36
- Dinner: $27 to $63
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $14
Galveston has a number of great local restaurants. Seafood is everywhere, and there are a number of affordable places where you can enjoy fresh caught fish. You can also find restaurants that serve up southern classics, authentic Mexican favorites, or any number of other cuisines.
When you're out with kids, seek restaurants that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a good chunk of change, as these meals are usually priced lower. Remember, some places may not display their kids' options, so be sure to ask the server before ordering.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Take a water bottle with you to save on drinks. It's also an environmentally friendly option.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Galveston. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Taste of the Strand Food Tour on Galveston Island for $105 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Galveston
It's no wonder that so many visitors make their way to Galveston for its museums and attractions, nightlife, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Galveston typically cost an average of $15 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.
$15
Many people head to Galveston specifically for the beaches or to catch a cruise. There are also a number of interesting sights and things to do in Galveston, so don't just breeze through this terrific town. Train lovers will enjoy the Galveston Island Railroad Museum while other visitors enjoy a visit to the Lone Star Flight Museum or the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum.
Other popular places to visit include Haak Vineyards and Winery, Moody Gardens, and Seawolf Park. A particularly fun place to explore is the Strand National Historic Landmark District.
The beach is the obvious place to hang out in Galveston. You can head to Pleasure Pier if you're interested in rides, games, and more. Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston is also a popular destination for thrill seekers.
Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Galveston have earned worldwide fame. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.
A nice way to explore destinations in Galveston 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:
- Juneteenth and Beyond African American Guided History Tours for $40 details
- Galveston Mob History Private Tour for $85 details
- Demo and Reno Galveston Reconstructed Private Tour for $85 details
Nightlife Budget in Galveston
The nightlife in Galveston offers a lively atmosphere, making it a favorite for visitors who enjoy local bars, clubs, and parties. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $37 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Galveston per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$37
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Galveston. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Experience Best the Happy Hour Pub Crawl Tour in Galveston for $30 details
- Historical Walking Tour and Pub Crawl for $30 details
- Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour for $30 details
Traveling in Galveston
Galveston, TX
Located on Galveston Island off the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is a popular destination for Texans and a departure point for cruise ships. It also makes a great beach destination for anyone looking to enjoy a week or weekend.
Galveston is a popular destination during the summer months, but the warm climate makes it comfortable year round. Even during the winter months you can enjoy mild temperatures, although on occasion it can have a cold spell.
Neighborhoods & Around
Galveston is on an island that's 30 miles long and two and a half miles wide at its widest point. Popular neighborhoods include the Downtown area with its historic buildings, the East End with its residential historic homes, and Mid Town which has cute stores and restaurants. Other popular neighborhoods include Moody Gardens and 61st Street, Pelican Island, Seawall Boulevard, and West End.
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.