A week in New York from London costs between £3,500 and £6,000 for two people once you add up flights, accommodation, food, and transport. Accommodation alone typically accounts for 40% of that total. Home swapping eliminates that cost entirely, making the trip significantly more manageable for most travellers.
Travelling between London and New York is one of the most popular long-haul routes in the world. It is also one of the most expensive. Between transatlantic flights, hotel rates, meals, and getting around two of the world’s priciest cities, costs stack up faster than most travellers expect.
This guide breaks down what the trip actually costs in 2025, compares your accommodation options honestly, and explains why a growing number of London and New York travellers are turning to home swapping to make the route genuinely affordable.
What Does a Week in New York Actually Cost?
Let us start with the numbers.
Flights Round-trip economy flights between London and New York currently start from around $358, though prices vary considerably by airline, season, and how far in advance you book. KAYAK For most travellers booking a reasonable amount ahead, budget around £400 to £700 per person return.
Accommodation This is where costs escalate quickly. A one-week trip to New York for two people costs on average $5,082, covering accommodation, food, local transport, and sightseeing. Budget Your Trip Accommodation is the largest single expense. Mid-range hotels in Manhattan typically run $280 to $380 per night. Nyctouristtipsandtricks Even budget options outside the centre rarely drop below $100 per night once taxes are added.
Food and transport A realistic daily budget for food, transport, and a mix of free and paid attractions runs around $150 to $250 per person. Nyctouristtipsandtricks New York’s subway is efficient and affordable, but meals, attractions, and the occasional taxi add up quickly across a full week.
What Does a Week in London Cost for New Yorkers?
The picture from the other side of the Atlantic is similarly steep.
Flights Direct economy round-trip flights from New York JFK to London Heathrow typically start around $500 to $700 per person when booked in advance. Tourlane
Accommodation In the first half of 2025, the average daily hotel rate in greater London was £207 per night. Booked With Points A one-week trip to London for two people costs on average $4,048, covering accommodation, food, local transport, and sightseeing. Budget Your Trip
Food and transport London’s transport network is comprehensive, but central London dining is expensive. A mid-range single hotel stay runs $130 to $190 per night, with food for a single traveller adding a further $400 to $800 for the week. Assist Card
The Accommodation Comparison: What Are Your Options?
Once you have your flights, accommodation is the decision that most shapes your budget.
| Hotel | Short-term rental | Home swap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly cost (2 people) | £1,400 + | £700 to £1,200 | £0 (membership only) |
| Space | Room only | Apartment | Full home |
| Kitchen access | Rarely | Usually | Always |
| Local feel | Low | Variable | High |
| Hidden fees | Resort/service fees | Cleaning fees | None |
| Cancellation consistency | High | Variable | Mutual accountability |
Hotels offer consistency and service but are the most expensive option in both cities. Short-term rentals provide more space and kitchen access, though fees added at checkout can close the price gap with hotels considerably. Home swapping removes accommodation cost almost entirely, replacing nightly fees with an annual or quarterly membership that covers unlimited swaps.
Platforms like SwapSpace operate on this model. Members list their London or New York home, connect with other verified members, and either arrange a direct house swap or earn SwapCredits to travel independently. The result is full home access in one of the world’s most expensive cities, without the nightly rate that makes both London and New York so costly to visit.
The Full Trip Cost Comparison
Here is what a week for two people realistically looks like across each accommodation option, excluding flights:
| Budget hotel | Short-term rental | Home swap (Swap Space) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £1,400 | £800 | £0 |
| Food (self-catering where possible) | £600 | £400 | £300 |
| Transport | £200 | £200 | £200 |
| Total (excl. flights) | £2,200 | £1,400 | £500 |
The saving is not marginal. For frequent travellers who do this route more than once, the cumulative difference runs into thousands of pounds per year.
Why Home Swapping Works Particularly Well on This Route
London and New York are two of the most searched destinations on home exchange platforms globally. Both cities have large populations of homeowners and renters who travel regularly and have homes genuinely worth staying in.
The practical advantage of home swapping on this specific corridor is that demand is mutual. A Londoner wanting to visit New York and a New Yorker wanting to visit London are a natural match. A direct house swap removes accommodation cost for both parties simultaneously.
For those whose dates do not align perfectly, SwapSpace’s SwapCredit system means you can host a member in your home at one point and use the credits to travel to New York or London whenever suits you, without needing to coordinate timing with a single match.
Tips for Reducing the Total Cost of the Trip
Even with home swapping covering accommodation, there are ways to reduce the overall cost of travelling between London and New York.
Book flights early and mid-week. Data suggests that booking at least two weeks in advance saves around 36% compared to last-minute fares, and flying on Thursdays tends to be cheaper than weekends. Expedia
Use public transport. Both cities have excellent transit networks. In New York, the subway costs $2.90 per ride, and unlimited weekly travel is available for a fixed cost. Travel Hiatus In London, an Oyster card or contactless payment keeps daily transport costs predictable.
Cook at least some meals. Home swapping gives you a full kitchen, which immediately reduces food costs. Buying groceries for breakfast and lunch and eating out for dinner cuts the food budget significantly compared to three restaurant meals a day.
Travel in shoulder season. January, February, and early March typically offer the lowest hotel prices and flight deals for New York. Nyctouristtipsandtricks For London, April to May and September to October offer good value without peak-season crowds.
Travelling between London and New York does not have to mean choosing between comfort and cost. For travellers willing to share their own home in return, home swapping turns one of the world’s most expensive routes into one of the most accessible.
