Travel Budget for Palm Springs Visit Palm Springs on a Budget or Travel in Style

Palm Springs, California, United States of America

Palm Springs is an outdoorsy city known for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. 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 eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or hiking in nature, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Palm Springs, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Palm Springs?

You should plan to spend around $244 per day on your vacation in Palm Springs. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $92 on meals
  • $52 on local transportation
  • $239 on hotels

A one week trip to Palm Springs for two people costs, on average, $3,416. 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.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $244
  • One Week Per person
    $1,708
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,416
  • One Month Per person
    $7,320
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,416
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $6,832
  • One Month For a couple
    $14,640
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Palm Springs cost?

A one week trip to Palm Springs usually costs around $1,708 for one person and $3,416 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Palm Springs on average costs around $3,416 for one person and $6,832 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 Palm Springs will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Palm Springs on average costs around $7,320 for one person and $14,640 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Palm Springs expensive to visit?

Palm Springs is a popular city that attracts plenty of visitors with a wide range of 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.

If you're not cautious, Palm Springs can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.

On average, budget travelers spend $104 per day, mid-range travelers spend $244 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $517 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Palm Springs.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Palm Springs is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Bar Harbor or Providence.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Palm Springs Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Palm Springs?

The average Palm Springs trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Palm Springs travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Palm Springs cost?

Palm Springs on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$51 $120 $242
Local Transportation 1 $23 $52 $102
Food 2 $38 $92 $209
Entertainment 1 $12 $29 $62
Alcohol 2 $3-8 $6-19 $12-37

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Palm Springs cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $104 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.

For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.

Dining is a highlight for all types of visitors in Palm Springs, but budget travelers typically settle for street food or hostel meals, meaning they may not fully enjoy the delightful local cuisine.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. It's a common desire for visitors to Palm Springs to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $244 per person, per day.

There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Palm Springs. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Alcazar Palm Springs is a good kid-friendly option, and The Colony Palms Hotel is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Palm Springs here.

What Luxury Travel Looks Like

If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $517 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the city with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Merlin's Magic School Escape Room Game for Private Group - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Palm Springs

The price of hotels in Palm Springs can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $478, while peak winter season averages can reach $892. Prices range from $160 to $1,978, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Palm Springs for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $239. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $120 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $120
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $239

Hotels in Palm Springs

Looking for a hotel in Palm Springs? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Palm Springs

The average hotel room price in Palm Springs based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $478 in the low season and $892 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Palm Springs include:

  • Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel starting at $223
  • The Palm Springs Hotel starting at $176
  • Ingleside Inn starting at $203
  • The Weekend Palm Springs starting at $273
  • Hotel California Palm Springs starting at $194
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is known for being family friendly, so when traveling with kids, look for accommodations that offer more space.

There are multiple resorts available in this city. You might be able to find one that includes meals or at least breakfast, and many have onsite restaurants.

If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid winter), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Palm Springs

Palm Springs does not has a good public transit system. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Exploring Palm Springs is easier in its more walkable areas, allowing you to see many attractions. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (good)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $52 per person, per day, on local transportation in Palm Springs. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Palm Springs is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $52

Transportation Tips

If you're using a car, make sure your hotel has convenient parking available.

A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • PALM SPRINGS to Palm Springs Airport (PSP) - Departure Private Transfer for $77 details
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to Desert Hot Springs Private Transfer for $86 details
  • Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs Airport Departure Transfer for $86 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Palm Springs
How much does it cost to go to Palm Springs? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Palm Springs
The price of renting a car in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs

In Palm Springs, the food is fantastic, and you should definitely take the opportunity to enjoy all the local flavors. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Palm Springs can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Palm Springs is $92 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $92

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Palm Springs is around $92 ($92) per person, with previous travelers spending from $38 to $209. 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 Palm Springs are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $9 to $28
  • Lunch: $14 to $37
  • Dinner: $28 to $64
  • Coffee: $7
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $14

One of the most-loved and budget-friendly restaurants around town is The Sandwich Spot, which is known for its hearty artisan sandwiches with quirky names, such as the DILF, It's a Dry Heat, and the Federer, served with Bomb Sauce and Dutch Crunch bread. The Atelier Cafe serves French fare, specializing in brunch, the Croque Madame, house-made croissants, and fresh baguettes for low prices in an eclectic decorated atmosphere. La Bonita's is the place to go for tasty and inexpensive Mexican food. Their welcoming atmosphere and simple appetizers, like chips and salsa, keep diners coming back.

Rooster and the Pig has Vietnamese and Asian fusion offerings and is frequented for the crispy beef noodles, rice porridge, and jasmine tea leaf salad in a modern and chic dining room for a moderate cost.

Vegans and vegetarians will appreciate the Palm Greens Cafe, featuring buckwheat blueberry pancakes and macro bowl. Native Foods Cafe is another safe bet for solid vegan fare, offering its famous Twister Wraps, Gluten-free Moroccan bowls, and Oklahoma Burgers. Both are sure to please with healthy options at reasonable prices.

If you're searching for a finer dining spot, Miro's Restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or simply begin a night out on the town. The chicken paprikash, stuffed cabbage rolls and beef stroganoff will take your palate to eastern Europe while you enjoy the classic decor of the dining room wIth white-linen tables, beautiful art, and warm ambiance.

Food & Dining Tips

When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you 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.

Take a water bottle along instead of purchasing drinks constantly. This is also an eco-conscious choice.

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 Palm Springs

Tourists can't resist Palm Springs, especially for its well-known nightlife, resorts, food, and hiking.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Palm Springs typically cost an average of $29 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.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $29

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a must-see for visitors of all ages to take in the breathtaking views of the desert floor and mountain tops. Boasting the world's largest rotating tram, it travels over 2.5 miles in 10 minutes up to an elevation of 8,516 feet up to the Mountain Station, where you can dine at restaurants, visit the observation decks, natural history museum, two documentary theaters, a gift shop and more than 50 miles of hiking trails.

The Backstreet Art District is the place to go for galleries that display desert-inspired artworks. Meanwhile, the Palm Springs Art Museum features Western and Native American art in the permanent collection, a sculpture garden, and interesting seasonal exhibits. Free admission on Thursdays from 4-8 p.m. Design lovers will enjoy the Architecture and Design Center the museum at the Edwards Harris Pavillion, also with free admission.

You can visit Palm Springs without stepping foot into one of the many Indian-gaming casinos, such as the Spa Resort Casino, Aguas Caliente Resort and Casino, Spotlight 29 Casino, and Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino. Check with the concierge for promotions as some casinos offer free slot play for membership or rewards card sign-ups.

The Walk of Stars, located downtown, is a tourist attraction similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring various famous stars in show business who have lived in the Palm Springs area, such as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Lucille Ball, not to mention even their plastic surgeons. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops around the area, in addition to the sculptures and artworks displayed, making for fun photo opportunities.



Nature lovers will enjoy the San Jacinto State Park Mountains for its diverse terrain, from the desert ground to the meadows and up the mountains all on a single trail. Within the state park are multiple trails for hikers of all levels. Don't forget to pick up your free wilderness/hiking permit at the Ranger Station to avoid being sent back on a trail.

Bring the kids for fun in the sun and surf at the 16-acre Wet n' Wild Water Park, which has more than 20 water attractions and rides. The humongous Cabazon Dinosaurs are another way to entertain the young ones, as featured in the film, "Pee Wee's Big Adventure." Climb the 150-foot brontosaurus up to the dinosaur shop, or pay a small fee to go into the creationist museum and climb into the mouth of the T-Rex.

Smoke Tree Stables offers hour-long horseback rides through the desert and Indian Canyons for spectacular views of natural desert terrain and wildlife. Meanwhile, BMW and driving enthusiasts can cross one off their bucket lists at the BMW Performance Driving School, where they can learn track driving basics, car control and alternate between driving an M3, M5, and M6.

Even on a budget, Palm Springs is the place to visit for the ultimate bargain shopper. Cabazon Outlets and Desert Palms Premium Outlets are both just a 20-minute drive away on the 10 freeway, with more than 200 shops of both low-end to high fashion, houseware and designer shops, including Adidas, Tory Burch, Gucci, Rip Curl and Le Creuset. Not into designer items? Palm Springs also has a plethora of antique, vintage, and thrift shops such as Gypsyland, Dazzles, and Angel View, for those who are ready to rummage for items that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Those seeking rejuvenation will easily find the perfect place to relax, as Palm Springs is known for its numerous spas. Whether you're looking for a mani-pedi, ethnic massage, colonic hydrotherapy, magnesium detox, Korean body splash or raindrop therapy, you'll be sure to find exactly what you need. Palm Springs Spa Massage and Salon 119 and Spa are two of the most popular establishments for bachelorette parties. Palm Springs also offers a number of establishments where the dress code is your birthday suit, including the Sea Mountain Nude Resort and Spa Hotel and Living Waters Spa.

Sightseeing Tips

Hiking:
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking near Palm Springs. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

Shopping:
Make sure to check out the shopping here, as it's a fun experience. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Palm Springs. 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:

  • Stargazing and UFO Tour for $183 details
  • Rappelling Adventure in Joshua Tree National Park (4 Hours) for $255 details
  • Walking Palm Springs "Twin Palms" Private Tour for $195 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Palm Springs

The nightlife scene in Palm Springs is world-class, and visitors come from around the world to experience it. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $13 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Palm Springs per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $13
Nightlife Tips

While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.

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.



Budgeting and Travel Tips for Palm Springs

  • Expect to see increased prices and more visitors during peak season in winter. To save money and avoid the throngs of tourists, try scheduling your visit for the shoulder or low seasons.
  • As a big city, Palm Springs generally offers a range of prices for hotels, food, and fun activities. You can save money by being proactive—compare prices, book early, and seek out free experiences.
  • Taking your time while traveling can save you some cash, allowing you to soak in the area's beauty at a leisurely pace. If you cram every day full of activities, you'll likely spend a fortune. But by slowing down and savoring your experience, you often find that your expenses decrease.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Palm Springs has limited options for public transportation. You might want to rent a car or have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour. This may cut into your budget elsewhere.
  • If you're thinking Palm Springs will have plenty of hostel options, you might be in for a surprise. Instead of relying on cheap dorms, it's better to seek out an inexpensive hotel or an apartment rental.
Traveling in Palm Springs
Palm Springs Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is a desert resort town located about two hours east of Los Angeles, most famously known as Hollywood's playground, where stars and starlets could escape for rest and relaxation but still be close enough to return for impromptu work.

It's no wonder that Palm Springs is increasingly popular as a weekend getaway for special occasions, and even for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Closer than the typical Las Vegas weekend for Southern California residents, Palm Springs provides a desert getaway with endless possibilities of activities, whether visitors want to gamble, shop, hike, or wander through an art gallery.

Climate in the high-desert is generally warm with highs in the 100s during the hot and dry summers, and lows in the mid 40s in the winter months, with sparse rainfall. However, if you're visiting during winter, be sure to pack versatile attire and layers as the days may be warm, but the nights in the low desert can get chilly enough to convince you to change into long pants.



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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.