Blog › LA Olympics Budget Guide
Planning any major international event trip means dealing with uncertainty. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is two years away, and many official pricing details have not been confirmed. But you can still build a realistic budget framework using what we know about LA travel costs and what past Olympic host cities have seen.
This guide breaks down the main cost categories with honest estimates. Adjust them based on how many people you are traveling with, your accommodation tier, and how many events you have tickets for.
| Category | Budget tier | Mid tier | Higher tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (return, international) | $700–1,200 | $1,200–2,000 | $2,000+ |
| Accommodation (7 nights) | $1,400–2,100 | $2,100–4,200 | $4,200+ |
| Event tickets (2–3 events) | $100–500 | $500–2,000 | $2,000+ |
| Transport (7 days) | $100–200 | $200–400 | $400+ |
| Food and dining (7 days) | $300–500 | $500–900 | $900+ |
| Activities and attractions | $100–200 | $200–400 | $400+ |
| Estimated total (7 days) | $2,700–4,700 | $4,700–9,900 | $9,900+ |
Flights to LAX during peak Olympic periods are expected to be priced significantly higher than normal. Book as early as possible once ticket sales open. Prices from the UK, Japan, Australia, and Brazil tend to start around $700–900 in economy for off-peak travel, and are likely to be well above that during the Games.
Flying into alternative airports (Long Beach, Burbank, Ontario) may offer lower fares and less congestion. These airports are further from central venues but may be worth considering if you have a flexible itinerary.
This is the biggest variable in any LA Olympics budget. Standard hotel rates in Los Angeles during the Games are expected to be significantly higher than normal. A hotel that normally costs $150/night may cost $300–400+ during the Olympics period.
Vacation rentals and short-term rental apartments may offer better value for families or groups. Book early. Olympic periods trigger surge pricing across all accommodation platforms.
Mid-range hotels near LAX or in the Inglewood area typically offer the best value if SoFi Stadium events are your priority. Santa Monica and West Hollywood hotels will carry a premium but put you in a more walkable, enjoyable environment.
Ticket pricing for LA28 events has not been fully announced as of mid-2026. Based on prior Olympics, expect:
Follow the official LA28 website for ticketing announcements. Secondary market tickets will be available but are typically significantly marked up.
If you rely mainly on LA Metro for venue days, your in-city transport costs will be modest — around $5–15 per day for Metro rides. Add rideshare costs (Uber/Lyft) for late nights or areas not well served by Metro, and $200 for a 7-day trip is a realistic budget.
If you rent a car, add fuel, parking ($20–50/day near venues or hotels), and the psychological cost of LA traffic. For most event-focused visitors, a car is not necessary and adds more complexity than it removes. See our LA Metro guide.
LA has food at every price point. A realistic daily budget:
Venue food is expensive. Budget an extra $25–50 per event day for on-site food and drinks.
We will update this guide as LA28 ticketing, accommodation, and transport pricing becomes clearer. Sign up to get notified.
Get planning updatesHow expensive is Los Angeles compared to other Olympic host cities?
Los Angeles is one of the more expensive cities in the world for travel. Hotels, food, and transport are all priced at the higher end of global averages, and Olympic surcharges add further cost during the Games period. Budgeting at least $500–700 per person per day for accommodation and essentials is sensible for planning purposes.
When should I book flights and hotels for LA 2028?
As soon as you can once your event schedule is confirmed. Prices will increase as 2028 approaches. Hotels and flights booked 12–18 months ahead will generally be cheaper than last-minute options during the Games period.
Is it possible to do the LA Olympics on a tight budget?
It requires real planning but is possible. Choosing accommodation in Inglewood or near LAX rather than Santa Monica, using Metro exclusively, eating at counter-service spots, and attending less-premium events can significantly reduce costs compared to the figures above.
Related: Best Neighborhoods to Stay | 3-Day LA Olympics Itinerary | LA Metro Guide