Average hotel spending per year in the United States does not have one verified hotel-only figure for 2026. Federal spending surveys measure broader lodging expenses, while hotel industry reports track nightly room rates and total market activity. Understanding these differences helps you avoid misleading averages and build a realistic hotel budget.
Quick Answer
There is no verified $2,158 hotel bill for the average American in 2026. BLS reports $1,366 in 2025 “other lodging” spending per consumer unit, including hotels and nonhotel stays. CoStar’s August 2026 hotel average daily rate was $161.78 per occupied room. Your annual hotel spending depends on your actual nights, rates, taxes, and fees.
Last checked: October 31, 2026. Dates and figures were verified against official sources.
Key Takeaways
- BLS recorded $1,366 in average other-lodging spending per consumer unit in 2025, compared with $1,347 in 2024.
- The widely repeated $2,158 figure applies to people reporting lodging expenses in older vacation-cost research, not every American in 2026.
- CoStar reported a $173.76 U.S. hotel average daily rate in June 2026 and $161.78 in August.
- AHLA projected nearly $805 billion in nationwide hotel guest spending during 2026. This is not spending per traveler.
- Your most useful budget comes from actual booking totals, expected nights, taxes, and trip-specific expenses.
Understanding Average Hotel Spending per Year in 2026
The most recent U.S. household expenditure figures cover 2025, not 2026. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, released on October 29, 2026, reports $1,366 in average annual other-lodging spending per consumer unit in 2025.
That amount was $1,347 in 2024, representing a 1.4% increase. However, this comparison does not establish how much the average American personally paid for hotel rooms.
A consumer unit can be one financially independent person, a family, or people sharing major living expenses. It is not necessarily a single person. The survey also includes consumer units that reported no paid lodging expenses.
According to the BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey glossary, other lodging covers vacation homes, school and college lodging, hotels, motels, and other accommodation while away from home.
Therefore, the $1,366 figure is useful for understanding household lodging expenditures. It is not a hotel-only budget recommendation or a prediction for 2026.
Where Does the $2,158 Hotel Spending Claim Come From?
The often-quoted $2,158 annual lodging figure comes from older vacation-cost research describing travelers who reported lodging expenses. It does not represent spending across every American, including those who do not pay for accommodation.
The distinction matters because the average among people who incur a particular expense can be much higher than the average across all households.
Furthermore, lodging includes more than hotel rooms. Treating that older figure as the average American’s expected 2026 hotel bill would misrepresent both the population measured and the period covered.
Note: The BLS $1,366 benchmark covers 2025 spending by consumer units, not individuals. It includes nonhotel lodging. Use it to understand national spending patterns, not as a personal target for hotel expenses.
What Do 2026 Hotel Room Rates Tell Us?
Hotel industry figures provide a different perspective. CoStar reported a U.S. average daily rate, or ADR, of $173.76 in June 2026, when major events helped raise hotel prices.
Its August 2026 U.S. hotel performance report recorded an ADR of $161.78, with occupancy at 66.4% and revenue per available room at $107.43.
ADR measures room revenue divided by the number of occupied rooms. It is not the same as a guest’s final bill, which can include government taxes and optional services.
These monthly results also show why a single national nightly rate cannot accurately predict what your hotel will cost. Prices vary by destination, property, and travel date.
A national hotel rate describes the market, not your personal travel habits. The number of nights you book and the final price of each stay determine what you actually spend.
Annual Hotel Spending Trends Explained
U.S. hotel guest spending is expected to remain substantial in 2026, although industry totals and household spending measure different things. Changes in room demand, business travel, special events, and operating costs all influence the market.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2026 State of the Industry report projects nearly $805 billion in hotel guest spending for 2026. That represents approximately 1.7% growth over 2025.
The same report projects nearly $87 billion in local, state, and federal hotel-generated tax revenue during 2026.
These are nationwide economic projections. They are not estimates of how much each American spends personally on hotel rooms. Guest spending also encompasses more than room revenue.
What Is the Hotel Industry Outlook for 2026?
CoStar and Tourism Economics upgraded their hotel forecast during 2026 as demand exceeded earlier expectations. Their June 1 forecast projected 2.8% growth in revenue per available room, or RevPAR.
In the newer August 6, 2026 forecast, projected full-year RevPAR growth rose to 4.4%. The forecast also estimated 1.7% growth in room demand and 3.1% growth in ADR.
RevPAR measures room revenue across all available rooms, including those left vacant. It combines pricing and occupancy performance. A higher RevPAR forecast does not mean your own hotel spending will increase by the same percentage.
The revised outlook reflects stronger demand, including activity linked to the FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary events. However, higher operating expenses and uneven demand across hotel categories remain challenges.
Hotel Cost Benchmarks at a Glance
| 2024 BLS other-lodging spending | $1,347 per consumer unit; broader than hotels alone |
| 2025 BLS other-lodging spending | $1,366 per consumer unit; latest annual survey benchmark |
| June 2026 U.S. hotel ADR | $173.76 per occupied room; monthly industry average |
| August 2026 U.S. hotel ADR | $161.78 per occupied room; monthly industry average |
| 2026 hotel guest spending projection | Nearly $805 billion nationwide; not an individual spending figure |
| August 2026 RevPAR growth forecast | 4.4% projected growth for full-year 2026 |
| Best personal estimate | Sum of expected hotel booking totals and additional hotel expenses, less applicable credits |
Budgeting for Affordable Hotel Stays
The easiest way to estimate your annual hotel spending is to calculate each trip separately. Start with the number of nights you expect to book, then use realistic prices for your destination and dates.
Keep your hotel budget separate from the wider travel budget. That way, you can see what accommodation costs and what you spend on transportation, meals, and activities.
How to Calculate Your Annual Hotel Budget
Use the following calculation for accommodation expenses:
Annual hotel spending = total booking prices, including mandatory fees and taxes + additional hotel charges actually paid − applied points, credits, or discounts.
If your booking total already includes taxes and mandatory fees, do not add them again. Record only extra charges that were not included in that total.
Then calculate your complete trip budget:
Annual hotel-trip budget = annual hotel spending + transportation + meals + activities + other travel expenses.
For a more accurate estimate, follow these steps:
- List your planned trips. Include the destination and expected travel dates for each one.
- Count paid hotel nights. Do not include nights when you will stay with relatives or use accommodation you already own.
- Estimate room prices. Compare hotels for the same dates, occupancy, room type, and cancellation terms.
- Record complete booking totals. Include required fees and taxes where applicable.
- Add other hotel expenses. Account for parking, pets, meals, and optional services you expect to purchase.
- Subtract usable rewards. Include points or credits only when you can apply them to the stay.
- Set aside a contingency. Keep a separate amount for unexpected costs or changes.
Example Annual Hotel Budgets
These examples illustrate how different travel patterns affect spending. The nightly amounts are hypothetical planning figures, not observed national averages or guaranteed 2026 booking rates.
| Travel pattern | Paid nights | Illustrative nightly price | Room subtotal |
| One short getaway | 3 | $160 | $480 |
| Two moderate trips | 8 | $210 | $1,680 |
| Several trips or a long vacation | 15 | $240 | $3,600 |
The table assumes the nightly prices already include mandatory hotel fees but exclude government taxes and optional services. Add applicable taxes and other charges to calculate the complete accommodation cost.
For example, a traveler planning eight nights at an illustrative $210 per night would budget $1,680 before taxes and optional extras. A person planning fifteen nights at $240 would need $3,600 on the same basis.
These totals show why hotel nights have such a strong effect on yearly spending. A frequent traveler can exceed a national household lodging benchmark without booking luxury hotels.
Which Extra Costs Should You Include?
Hotel reservations can involve several charges beyond the basic nightly rate. Some affect the final amount you pay, while others temporarily reduce your available funds.
- Government taxes: Local lodging, occupancy, and sales taxes may appear separately from the advertised hotel total.
- Mandatory property fees: Resort or destination charges should be included in the displayed total price for covered U.S. short-term lodging offers.
- Parking: A property may charge separately for self-parking or valet service.
- Transportation: A cheaper hotel far from attractions can increase rental-car, toll, fuel, or transit expenses.
- Meals: Breakfast, restaurant meals, and room service can affect your total trip budget.
- Optional services: Pet fees, late checkout, spa treatments, and premium internet may add costs.
- Deposits and authorization holds: These can temporarily reduce available card funds but are not necessarily final expenses.
Track refundable deposits separately from actual charges. If a hotel releases an unused authorization hold, it should not count toward your final annual spending.
Pro Tip: Save the final receipt from each stay in one folder or spreadsheet. Record the total charged, taxes, parking, and credits separately. This gives you real spending data for next year’s hotel budget and helps you spot recurring costs.
Key Factors Affecting Hotel Costs in 2026
Hotel costs vary because demand, room availability, and property features differ between destinations. Two hotels in the same city may charge very different rates for the same night.
The following factors have the greatest effect on what you pay:
- Location: Hotels near business districts, beaches, transportation hubs, and popular attractions may charge more.
- Travel dates: Holidays, school breaks, conventions, and major events can raise demand and rates.
- Room type: Suites, larger rooms, balconies, views, and club access may cost more than standard rooms.
- Hotel category: Economy, select-service, extended-stay, full-service, resort, and luxury properties offer different amenities and pricing.
- Length of stay: Weekly discounts can lower costs, but expensive nights within the reservation may offset the savings.
- Cancellation terms: Prepaid nonrefundable rates may cost less than flexible bookings but expose you to cancellation losses.
- Local hotel supply: Limited room availability during periods of high demand can push prices upward.
- Major events: FIFA World Cup matches and other major events affected several U.S. hotel markets in 2026.
How Do Operating Costs Affect Hotel Rates?
Hotels face expenses for labor, utilities, insurance, maintenance, property operations, and other services. These costs affect profitability and can influence pricing decisions.
AHLA reported that gross operating profit per available room, or GOPPAR, remained at roughly 90% of its 2019 level amid rising operating expenses.
GOPPAR measures operating profit relative to available rooms. It does not represent a fixed profit margin on every booking or a standard markup charged to guests.
Hotel operators also respond differently to costs. A property may raise its rates, adjust services, or accept lower margins depending on competition and demand.
Smart Ways to Save on Hotel Costs
You can reduce hotel spending by comparing the full value of a stay rather than focusing on the lowest advertised rate. Flexible travel dates, suitable locations, and the right booking terms often matter more than a general discount.
Compare Flexible Dates
Search a few days before and after your preferred arrival and departure dates. Moving away from a major event or holiday period can make a noticeable difference.
There is no universally cheapest booking window for every hotel. When your plans are uncertain, consider a refundable reservation and compare rates again before the cancellation deadline.
Compare the Total Location Cost
A lower nightly price outside the city center does not always mean a cheaper trip. Extra commuting costs and travel time may erase the room savings.
For example, compare a central hotel with a property that requires daily parking, fuel, or transit fares. Use the complete stay and transportation totals before deciding.
Review the Rate Terms
Compare refundable and nonrefundable rates for the same room and dates. A cheaper prepaid booking may be unsuitable if your plans could change.
Read the cancellation policy carefully, including the deadline in the property’s local time. Save the booking confirmation and any important rate conditions.
Check Fees and Taxes
The FTC Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees took effect on May 12, 2025. For covered short-term lodging offers in the United States, businesses must include mandatory charges in the prominently displayed total price.
This includes unavoidable resort and destination fees. Government taxes and genuinely optional services may be excluded from the initial total, but applicable additional charges must be disclosed before payment.
For a simple illustration, if a room costs $199 and carries a mandatory $39 resort fee, the displayed total must account for both charges. Government taxes may still be shown separately.
Review the final payment amount before confirming. Do not assume the first price you notice includes every expense associated with your stay.
Use Rewards Carefully
Hotel loyalty points, member rates, free-night certificates, and credit-card travel credits may reduce out-of-pocket spending.
However, a points redemption is not automatically the best deal. Compare the cash price with the required points and consider any remaining taxes, parking, and fees.
Also check whether points expire or awards have restrictions. Only subtract benefits from your budget when you can actually use them.
Consider Alternative Accommodations
Vacation rentals, hostels, extended-stay hotels, and properties with kitchens may offer better value for certain trips.
A kitchen could reduce restaurant spending, while a weekly rate may help during a longer stay. However, cleaning fees, service charges, minimum-night requirements, and transportation can change the comparison.
For short trips, a standard hotel with useful included amenities may be less expensive than a rental with separate charges.
Warning: Do not use a national spending average as a reason to exceed your budget. Financing discretionary hotel stays with high-interest credit-card debt or buy-now, pay-later payments can make a trip considerably more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the average American spend on hotels each year?
There is no verified hotel-only annual spending average for every American in 2026. The latest BLS survey reports $1,366 in other-lodging spending per consumer unit in 2025. That category includes hotels, motels, vacation homes, school lodging, and other accommodations, so it should not be treated as an individual hotel bill.
What is the hotel occupancy outlook for 2026?
CoStar and Tourism Economics projected 63.1% annual U.S. hotel occupancy for 2026 in their August forecast. Monthly results can be higher or lower. CoStar recorded 69.6% occupancy in June and 66.4% in August 2026. The annual figure remains a forecast rather than a completed full-year result.
What is the lodging-industry outlook for 2026?
The 2026 U.S. hotel outlook improved as demand and room revenue exceeded earlier expectations. CoStar and Tourism Economics projected 4.4% RevPAR growth in their August forecast. AHLA expected hotel guest spending to approach $805 billion, although operating costs and uneven market performance remained challenges.
What is the average yearly profit for a hotel?
There is no useful universal dollar amount or profit percentage. Results depend on the property’s size, room rate, occupancy, ownership costs, debt, labor, insurance, utilities, and management structure. Gross operating profit, EBITDA, and net profit are different measures and should not be treated as interchangeable.
What is a good annual vacation budget?
A good budget is an amount you can pay without missing essential bills, reducing emergency savings below a safe level, or carrying high-interest debt. Estimate transportation, lodging, food, activities, insurance, and a contingency amount for each planned trip rather than using a national average as your target.
Do displayed hotel prices include resort and destination fees?
In the United States, mandatory lodging fees must be included in the total price displayed under the FTC rule effective May 12, 2025. Government taxes and optional services may still be listed separately, so check the complete checkout total before paying.
Conclusion
There is no dependable hotel-only figure showing that the average American will spend $2,158 on hotels in 2026. The latest BLS benchmark is $1,366 in 2025 other-lodging spending per consumer unit, while current hotel rates describe individual occupied rooms rather than annual personal expenses.
For a useful budget, estimate the hotel nights you expect to book, compare complete booking prices, and account for additional expenses. Your own travel plans provide a more accurate spending target than a broad national average.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditures 2025 — October 29, 2026 release showing $1,366 in average 2025 other-lodging spending per consumer unit and $1,347 in 2024.
- BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey Glossary — definition and scope of the other-lodging category.
- AHLA 2026 State of the Industry — hotel guest spending, tax revenue, employment, and operating-profit projections.
- CoStar U.S. Hotel Performance for June 2026 — June occupancy, average daily rate, RevPAR, and World Cup-related market performance.
- CoStar U.S. Hotel Performance for August 2026 — August occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR results.
- CoStar U.S. Hotel Forecast Assumptions — Q2 2026 — historical June forecast projecting 2.8% RevPAR growth.
- CoStar U.S. Hotel Forecast Assumptions — Q3 2026 — updated August forecast projecting 4.4% RevPAR growth, including demand and ADR assumptions.
- Federal Trade Commission Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees — May 12, 2025 implementation and upfront disclosure requirements for mandatory short-term lodging fees.
