Planning your honeymoon is one of the most exciting parts of wedding preparation — but it can also bring up a big question: how much will it actually cost? Honeymoon budgets vary widely depending on destination, trip length, accommodations, and activities.
In 2026, travel prices are shifting slightly compared to previous years, and knowing the real costs can help you plan a trip that’s unforgettable and financially comfortable. Below, we’ve broken down average honeymoon costs into practical ranges so you can get a clear sense of what to expect.
Estimated Average Honeymoon Costs in 2026
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Budget Tier
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Typical Range (Couple)
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Example Destinations
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Budget
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$3,000 – $5,000
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Mexico, Bali, Greece
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Mid-Range
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$6,000 – $9,000
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Italy, Thailand, Hawaii
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Luxury
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$10,000 – $15,000+
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Maldives, Bora Bora, Seychelles
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How We Calculated These Figures
The average honeymoon costs shown above are based on a combination of real-world travel data, industry research, and typical spending patterns. We mainly focus on the US/European trends. Here’s what went into the numbers:
1. Flights
- Includes round-trip economy airfare for two adults from a major U.S. city to popular honeymoon destinations.
- Flight prices fluctuate by season, distance, and airline, so the ranges account for average seasonal variations.
2. Accommodations
- Budget: small boutique hotels or guesthouses.
- Mid-Range: 4-star hotels or resorts with standard amenities.
- Luxury: 5-star resorts, private villas, or overwater bungalows.
- Costs are calculated based on 7–10 nights, which is the typical honeymoon length.
3. Food & Drinks
- Daily dining averages for two adults, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- All-inclusive resorts factor in meals and drinks; other accommodations assume pay-as-you-go.
4. Activities & Experiences
- Includes typical excursions, tours, or experiences honeymooners often book.
- For luxury budgets, more premium experiences such as spa treatments, private tours, or adventure activities are included.
5. Transportation & Miscellaneous
- Local transfers (taxis, rideshares, or rental cars), tips, and small incidentals.
- Travel insurance and minor fees (resort fees, visas) are included in the higher-end budget estimates.
*These average honeymoon costs are based on real-world data and travel research. Sources include Zola’s 2025 honeymoon cost study, which reports an average spend of around $5,300 per couple. Aviva’s UK survey showing similar trends in overseas honeymoon budgets.
**Notes on Variations
Prices vary by destination, season, trip length, and travel style, so these figures are guidelines rather than exact totals.
What Actually Affects Honeymoon Costs
Not all honeymoons cost the same — several factors can dramatically influence your final budget. Understanding these variables helps you plan realistically and make choices that fit your priorities.
1. Destination
Where you go has the biggest impact on cost. International flights, luxury resorts, and remote islands generally cost more than domestic or nearby destinations.
Destination also affects day-to-day spending, like dining, activities, and transportation.
2. Time of Year
Seasonality makes a big difference. Traveling during peak season often means higher flights, hotel rates, and resort fees. Shoulder seasons, just before or after peak months, can offer savings while still providing great weather. Consider:
- Summer in Europe = high prices
- Late spring or early fall = lower costs with similar experiences
- Tropical destinations: watch for rainy seasons versus dry seasons
3. Trip Length
The number of nights you stay influences almost every part of your budget. A longer honeymoon naturally increases accommodation, food, and activity costs. Even adding 2–3 extra days can shift your trip from a mid-range to luxury budget if you choose higher-end hotels or excursions.
4. Travel Style
Your accommodation and travel preferences have a huge effect on cost.
- Budget: small boutique hotels or guesthouses, basic amenities. But small ≠ cheap.
- Mid-range: 4-star hotels or resorts, moderate activities
- Luxury: 5-star resorts, private villas, overwater bungalows, premium experiences
This category also includes transportation choices, like private transfers vs rideshares or rental cars.
5. Activities & Experiences
What you plan to do each day will affect your budget. Excursions, guided tours, spa treatments, water sports, or romantic dinners can add up quickly.
Luxury honeymooners often allocate a significant portion of their budget to curated experiences, while budget-conscious couples may focus on free or low-cost activities without compromising the experience.
Honeymoon Cost by Budget Tier (With Examples)
Different couples have different priorities, and your honeymoon budget will vary depending on destination, accommodations, activities, and trip length. Below is a breakdown to help you visualize what a honeymoon could cost in 2026.
Budget Honeymoon ($3,000–$5,000)
Example Destinations:
- Mexico (Playa del Carmen or Tulum): Cozy boutique hotels, beach access, local dining, and casual excursions like snorkeling or cenote visits.
- Bali, Indonesia: Affordable guesthouses, daily excursions to temples and beaches, local dining experiences.
- Greece (Santorini or Crete): Mid-season travel, small hotels, self-guided sightseeing.
Typical Breakdown for 7–8 Days:
- Flights: $500–$1,200
- Accommodation: $50–$150 per night
- Food & Drinks: $40–$80 per day
- Activities: Free to $100 per couple for select excursions
- Miscellaneous: $50–$150
Mid-Range Honeymoon ($6,000–$9,000)
Example Destinations:
- Italy (Rome, Florence, Amalfi Coast): 4-star hotels, guided tours, fine dining, and transportation between cities.
- Thailand (Phuket or Koh Samui): Resorts with pools, spa treatments, private tours, and cultural experiences.
- Hawaii (Maui or Oahu): Resort stays, adventure activities like snorkeling or hiking, dining at well-rated restaurants.
Typical Breakdown for 7–10 Days:
- Flights: $1,200–$2,500
- Accommodation: $200–$400 per night
- Food & Drinks: $100–$200 per day
- Activities: $200–$500 per couple
- Miscellaneous: $150–$300
Luxury Honeymoon ($10,000–$15,000+)
Example Destinations:
- Maldives: Overwater villas, private pool, spa treatments, water sports, and private dining.
- Bora Bora: Luxury resorts, helicopter transfers, private excursions, fine dining experiences.
- Seychelles: Exclusive villas, concierge services, island tours, and sunset cruises.
Typical Breakdown for 7–10 Days:
- Flights: $3,000+
- Accommodation: $500–$1,500+ per night
- Food & Drinks: $250–$500+ per day
- Activities: $500+ per couple
- Miscellaneous: $400+
💡 Tip: Your budget tier doesn’t lock you in. A “mid-range” trip in one destination could feel luxurious in another if you plan wisely. The goal is to match your budget to your priorities — whether that’s adventure, romance, or relaxation.
Real Honeymoon Cost Examples (By Destination)
To help you visualize what a honeymoon could actually cost in 2026, here are examples for various destinations and budgets. Each includes flights (from NYC), accommodations, food, activities, and miscellaneous expenses.
Mexico – Budget (7 Nights)
- Destination: Playa del Carmen or Tulum
- Flights: $600 per couple
- Accommodation: $120 per night × 7 nights = $840
- Food & Drinks: $60 per day × 7 days = $420
- Activities: Snorkeling, beach excursions, local tours = $150
- Miscellaneous: Transfers, tips = $100
Total Estimated Cost: $2,110
Italy – Mid-Range (7 Nights)
- Destination: Rome, Florence, Amalfi Coast
- Flights: $1,500 per couple
- Accommodation: $300 per night × 7 nights = $2,100
- Food & Drinks: $150 per day × 7 days = $1,050
- Activities: Colosseum and Vatican tours, wine tasting, Amalfi boat tour = $400
- Miscellaneous: Transfers, tips, minor fees = $200
Total Estimated Cost: $5,250
Maldives – Luxury (8 Nights)
- Destination: Overwater villa resort
- Flights: $3,500 per couple
- Accommodation: $1,200 per night × 8 nights = $9,600
- Food & Drinks: $350 per day × 8 days = $2,800
- Activities: Private excursions, spa treatments, water sports = $1,500
- Miscellaneous: Transfers, resort fees, tips = $400
Total Estimated Cost: $17,800
💡 Tip: These examples illustrate that your destination, accommodation choice, and planned activities can dramatically affect your budget. Even the same trip length can feel like a budget, mid-range, or luxury honeymoon depending on how you allocate funds.
Is a Honeymoon Worth the Cost?
After seeing the numbers, it’s natural to question whether a honeymoon is worth the expense. For many couples, it’s the first uninterrupted trip they’ll take together, which is why comfort, privacy, and location often matter more than they would on a regular vacation.
A honeymoon doesn’t need to be expensive to be meaningful. A well-planned trip within your comfort zone can feel far more relaxing than a luxury trip that adds financial stress. The real value comes from choosing a destination and travel style that align with what matters most to you.
There’s no “right” amount to spend — only what feels right for your priorities and your budget.
How to Decide Your Honeymoon Budget
Choosing your honeymoon budget doesn’t need to be complicated. A simple framework can help you decide what feels right for you. Follow these three steps to budget your honeymoon without putting financial and emotional pressure.
1. Start with what’s comfortable.
Decide on a total amount you can spend without stress — this sets a healthy boundary from the beginning. If you feel comfortable, set up a Honeymoon Fund.
2. Prioritize what matters most.
Is your priority a beautiful hotel, a longer trip, great food, or unique experiences? Spend more where it counts and less where it doesn’t.
3. Match your destination to your budget.
Some places feel luxurious on a mid-range budget, while others require a higher spend to deliver the experience you want.
Finally
A honeymoon doesn’t need to follow a set price tag to be meaningful. With a clear understanding of costs and priorities, you can plan a trip that feels special, intentional, and comfortable for you — whatever your budget looks like in 2026.
