Mystic is a charming town known for its New England charm and local character. 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. So, whether you're exploring the museums or relaxing on the beaches, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Mystic, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Mystic?
You should plan to spend around $248 per day on your vacation in Mystic. 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
- $56 on local transportation
- $249 on hotels
A one week trip to Mystic for two people costs, on average, $3,472. 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
$1,736
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$3,472
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One Month
Per person
$7,440
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,472
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,944
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One Month
For a couple
$14,880
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Mystic cost?
A one week trip to Mystic usually costs around $1,736 for one person and $3,472 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Mystic on average costs around $3,472 for one person and $6,944 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 Mystic will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Mystic on average costs around $7,440 for one person and $14,880 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Mystic expensive to visit?
Mystic is a popular town that attracts a diverse array of travelers, reflecting a mix of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Mystic can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and spending long days at the beach.
On average, budget travelers spend $109 per day, mid-range travelers spend $248 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $470 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Mystic.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Mystic is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Santa Monica or Denver.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Mystic Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Mystic?
The average Mystic trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Mystic travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Mystic cost?
Mystic on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$54
|
$125
|
$238
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$24
|
$56
|
$106
|
|
Food 2
|
$40
|
$90
|
$167
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$10
|
$24
|
$46
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$7-20
|
$15-46
|
$29-88
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Mystic with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $109 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. It's common for visitors to Mystic to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $248 per person, per day.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $470. 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.
Accommodation Budget in Mystic
In Mystic, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak summer season. Off-season prices average around $240, but in peak season, they can average around $448. Prices generally range from $154 to $761, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Mystic for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $249. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $125 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Mystic? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Mystic include:
- Hyatt Place Mystic starting at $179
- Taber Inn starting at $217
- Hampton Inn & Suites Mystic starting at $159
In a family-friendly place like Mystic, finding accommodation with more space is key when traveling with children.
If you plan your trip outside of summer and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Mystic
The public transit system in Mystic is not very good. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.
Unfortunately, you'll find that the bulk of the town is not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.
Public Transit: 
(poor)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $56 per person, per day, on local transportation in Mystic. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Mystic is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$56
Be sure your hotel has hassle-free parking if you're planning to drive.
How much does it cost to go to Mystic? 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 Mystic 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 Mystic
The food scene in Mystic is solid, but it's not usually the main tourist attraction. However, there are some charming eateries in the town that you should check out. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Mystic can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Mystic 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 Mystic is around $90 ($90) per person, with previous travelers spending from $40 to $167. 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 Mystic are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $27
- Lunch: $13 to $36
- Dinner: $27 to $63
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $13
Mystic's location on the ocean make it the perfect place to enjoy seafood. There are countless great seafood restaurants around town that have everything from lobster and shrimp to fish and oysters. Also around town are pizzerias, breweries, ice cream shops, cafes, and more.
If you're on a trip with your kids, find restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can really help you save money since those options are typically much more affordable. Some places might not show the kids' meals on their menu, so be sure to check with your waiter first.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Instead of buying drinks, bring a water bottle. It's also an environmentally friendly option.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Mystic
It's clear why Mystic attracts visitors, considering its museums and attractions, beaches, family-friendly activities, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Mystic typically cost an average of $24 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.
$24
One of the most popular sights in Mystic is the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration. It offers a number of animal exhibits and educational opportunities for visitors. The Mystic Seaport is another fun place to visit. It houses the nation's largest maritime museum which is spread out over 17 acres. Other areas worth visiting in Mystic include Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, Olde Mistick Village, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill, and Mystic Museum of Art.
Mystic has a number of activities that visitors can enjoy. If you want to get out on the water, there are traditional sailing trips as well as whale watching excursions available. There are also a number of educational opportunities available at the nature centers, aquariums, and museums around town. Mystic also hosts a number of festivals that highlight the area's food, culture, and holidays.
Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Mystic have earned worldwide fame. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.
Beaches:
Visitors love to escape to Mystic for some quality beach time. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.
Shopping:
You'll find shopping here to be an experience worth having. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Mystic. 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:
- Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour for $30 details
- Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure for $31 details
- Supernatural Secrets of Southeastern Connecticut Experience for $200 details
Nightlife Budget in Mystic
If you're looking for nightlife, Mystic has some options, but it's less active than in other more popular locales. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $31 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Mystic per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$31
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Mystic. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl for $100 details
- Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour for $75 details
- Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour for $75 details
Traveling in Mystic
Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic is a popular tourist destination in Connecticut for its many marinas, historic buildings, aquarium, and seaport. It was historically a shipbuilding and maritime town but today it attracts crowds from many nearby states and regions. Sailing trips are a fun activity that get visitors out on the water. The town is also near Foxwoods Casino.
Neighborhoods & Around
Mystic is located on the east and west bank of the Mystic River. It is divided by the famous Mystic River Bascule Bridge and has a charming downtown as well as seaport areas.
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.