Is Yosemite expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Yosemite itself is cheap to enter — US$35 per car for seven days — but staying in or near the park is expensive, and food inside is priced for its location. Expect about US$105 a day per person on a tight budget (camping or tent cabins, groceries), about US$275 mid-range and US$610 or more for comfort. Lodging is by far the biggest cost.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$40 | US$150 | US$350 |
| Food & drink | US$35 | US$65 | US$120 |
| Sights & tickets | US$10 | US$25 | US$80 |
| Local transport | US$20 | US$35 | US$60 |
| Per person, per day | US$105 | US$275 | US$610 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Yosemite day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Park entrance fee | US$35 per car, valid for 7 days |
| Sandwich or burger in the park | about US$12–20 |
| Dinner at the Yosemite Valley Lodge food court or Curry Village pizza deck | about US$15–30 per person |
| Dinner at The Ahwahnee | about US$60–120 per person |
| Bike rental in the Valley (a few hours) | around US$30–45 |
| Valley shuttle bus | free |
| Curry Village tent cabin or campsite | from about US$40 up to US$200 |
| Yosemite Valley Lodge room | US$300–450 a night |
| Motel in a gateway town | US$150–300 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation dominates the budget: campsites and Curry Village tent cabins are the cheapest options in the Valley, but they sell out months ahead, while Yosemite Valley Lodge costs about US$300–450 and The Ahwahnee and upscale lodges US$500–900. Motels in El Portal, Mariposa, Groveland and Oakhurst are cheaper at US$150–300 but add driving time. The park adds an occupancy tax to lodging bills. Food in the park is simple but not cheap, and a rental car with fuel is usually essential to get there and to reach Glacier Point, the Mariposa Grove and Tuolumne.
When it is cheaper
Winter, from about November to March, is the quietest period, and lodging rates inside and outside the park are usually lower than in summer. July and August, and summer weekends, are the most expensive and hardest to book.
How to spend less
- Book campsites on Recreation.gov and park lodging as early as possible; cancellations do appear closer to the date.
- Buy groceries in Mariposa, Oakhurst or Groveland and picnic in the park, using the bear-proof lockers.
- Use the free Valley shuttle once you have parked instead of driving between trailheads.
- If you visit several national parks in a year, compare the cost of an annual pass with individual entrance fees.
- Stay in a gateway town if Valley lodging is full, and enter early to avoid queues.
- Visit midweek or outside July and August for lower rates.
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Common questions
Is Yosemite expensive?
Entry is cheap at US$35 per car for seven days, but lodging is expensive. Plan on about US$105 a day on a budget, US$275 mid-range and US$610 or more for comfort.
How much does it cost to stay in Yosemite Valley?
Campsites and Curry Village tent cabins run from about US$40 to US$200; Yosemite Valley Lodge about US$300–450; The Ahwahnee more.
How much is food in Yosemite?
A sandwich or burger costs about US$12–20; dinner at The Ahwahnee about US$60–120 per person.