What do you budget for food in New York? The listing below well give you an idea of what to budget and where to take advantage.

Breakfast: US$0.00 to US$7.00
Some hotels in New York State provide a free or complimentary hot breakfast (that is included in your hotel rate) so if you can wake up early in the morning, you can avoid the extra expenses for paying for breakfast then eat enough to carry you through lunch. When you arrive at your lodging, please ask at the front desk when and where it will be served so you will not attend late so you can have it fresh and hot. Complimentary foods that are usually served are eggs, sausages, bagels, muffins, croissants, donuts, coffee, tea, orange juice, oranges, grapefruit, and lots, lots more. If you missed breakfast, outside your lodging you will find a stand or van selling hot meals. Since these are operated by small business owners, they may not be able to accept a credit or debit card so have cash handy.

Snack: US$1.00 to US$15.00
Doing lots of exploration on foot to keep travel expenses down? You will get dehydrated while walking and will often stop to pick up a bottle of water and will pay a premium for having it cold. Avoid this by using a thermos filled with water from drinking fountains. If you have a keen sence of smell, be warned that the enticing aromas from restaurants flowing out into the streets and sidewalk vendors cooking of hotdogs, burgers and hot meals will get the best of you if exploring on a hungry stomach.

Lunch: US$5.00 to US$20.00
Try to find all you can-eat restaurants that can save you on big lunch expenses. These are mostly oriental restaurants but will serve many types of dishes that you are sure to love. If coming to New York in a group, try to order meals (ie. a pizza pie) that you can share so you can combine monies and split the costs. You may also want to consider fast food restaurants (ie. Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Burger King, etc.) but please note that prices are usually higher in Manhattan than other areas. For those with a hotel room with a coffee maker, heat water to use with Cup Noodles for an inexpensive hot meal.

Dinner: US$15.00 to US$60.00
If you can not pronounce the items listed on the menu at a restaurant, be prepared to pay a pretty penny for your dining experience but the restaurants will do their best to let you have a good dining experience. If you are dining during “Restaurant Week” be sure to take advantage of restaurants offering deep discounts. To make things more affordable, you can also purchase TV dinners and store in the cooler in your room then prepare it in the provided microwave. 

Want to spend only US$9.99 per day? If so, watch the video. Hungry for more ideas?

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