💰 NYC Nightlife Budget Planner
Enter your budget. We'll show you exactly what you can do in NYC nightlife.
What's Your Budget?
Example Budgets
$30-50 Budget
Option 1: Happy hour crawl at 4 bars with drink specials
Option 2: Dive bar night with cheap beers and conversation
Option 3: Free event + one premium cocktail somewhere nice
$75-150 Budget
Option 1: Dinner ($25) + drinks at nice bar ($15 x 4) + cover
Option 2: Organized bar crawl tour with guide
Option 3: Club cover + VIP experience with drinks
$200+ Budget
Option 1: Premium dinner + upscale cocktails + nightclub
Option 2: VIP club package with bottle service
Option 3: Multiple venues with premium experiences
Group Budget
Tip: Groups spend more efficiently. Larger groups (8+) get better deals and service.
Best For: Bar crawls, club bottle service, group tours
Budget Breakdown
Here's how NYC nightlife spending typically breaks down:
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dive Bar Drink | $5-8 | Beer, whiskey, basic cocktails |
| Mid-Range Cocktail | $12-16 | Nice bars, quality ingredients |
| Premium Cocktail | $16-22 | Rooftop bars, upscale lounges |
| Club Cover Charge | $0-50 | Varies by venue and day |
| Happy Hour Drink | $5-7 | 5-7pm daily at most bars |
Pro Budget Tips
- Happy Hour: Drink $5-7 cocktails from 5-7pm. Best value in NYC.
- Bar Crawls: Organized crawls include drink specials at each venue.
- Group Discounts: Groups of 8+ get better pricing on clubs and tours.
- Wednesday Nights: Cheaper night. Many venues run specials.
- Beer Over Cocktails: Save money by ordering beer instead of cocktails.
- Free Events: Check Events page for free nightlife activities.
Get a Free Budget Guide
NYC Nightlife Budget Cheat Sheet
Free PDF with pricing by neighborhood, best value venues, and budget breakdown.