WASHINGTON -Attending President-elect Barack Obama’s swearing-in next month may be free, but the cost of being a part of the inaugural festivities can quickly add up.
Here is an unscientific look at how much two adults and two children might spend over four days in Washington to celebrate Obama’s Jan. 20 swearing-in.
These estimates are based on Media General News Service research. All costs were tallied Dec. 22 and are subject to change.
Lodging
On the cheap: Stay with friends or family, but remember to buy them a nice gift. $50
Willing to spend some dough: Rent a home within walking distance of the Metro with bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate all in Alexandria, Va., or Silver Spring, Md. $2,000.
Just won the lottery: Rent a two-room suite with two queen beds and a kitchen at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Washington within walking distance of Metro, the Kennedy Center and George Washington University. $5,610.50
Travel to Washington from North Carolina
On the cheap: Roundtrip cost of driving at current gas prices in an economy car from Raleigh, N.C. $28.04
Willing to spend some dough: Roundtrip Greyhound bus tickets from Raleigh, N.C. $224.90
Just won the lottery: Roundtrip airline tickets from Raleigh, N.C. $984
Travel in Washington
On the cheap: Shuttle to and from airport, four pre-paid, one-day Metro passes and walking, $190.80
Willing to spend some dough: Transportation to and from the airport, four pre-paid Obama commemorative one-day Metro passes, walking; and use of one cab a day. $306
Just won the lottery: Transportation to and from the airport, four pre-paid Obama commemorative one-day Metro passes, walking, use of at least one cab a day, a rental car and parking. $881.96
Inaugural balls and festivities
Most balls do not allow children. Costs below do not include childcare fees.
On the cheap: Attend the free welcome event Jan. 18 at the Lincoln Memorial; obtain tickets to the free children’s concert Jan. 19 at the Verizon Center; and two tickets to the Obamarama Pre-Inaugural Party on Jan. 17 hosted by the DC Blues Society. $24
Willing to spend some dough: Attend the free welcome event Jan. 18 at the Lincoln Memorial; obtain tickets to the free children’s concert Jan. 19 at the Verizon Center; two tickets to the Yes We Did! Celebration Jan. 18 hosted by the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, tuxedo rental and purchase of gown. $600
Just won the lottery: Attend the free welcome event Jan. 18 at the Lincoln Memorial; obtain tickets to the free children’s concert Jan. 19 at the Verizon Center; two VIP tickets to the Aloha Inaugural Ball on Jan. 18; and two tickets to the two American Music Inaugural events on Jan. 20; purchase of tuxedo and two gowns. $3,328
Entertainment
On the cheap: Visit the Smithsonian museums, monuments and Capitol Visitor Center. Free
Willing to spend some dough: Free attractions plus the International Spy Museum and walking tour of Georgetown. $104
Just won the lottery: Free attractions plus the International Spy Museum, walking tour of Georgetown, Madame Tussauds and Newseum. $206
Souvenirs
On the cheap: Four buttons, “Yes We Did” bumper sticker and five postcards to the folks back home. $21 Willing to spend some dough: Four short-sleeve shirts, two baseball caps, small Obama bobble-head, inauguration canvas bag, and Obama hot sauce. $114.88
Just won the lottery: Polo, T-shirt, watch with a picture of the Obama family, framed photo of Obama with quotes from his Election Night speech, a fleece Obama scarf, five buttons, magnet and two children’s T-shirts. $171.63
Food
On the cheap: Buy groceries and eat two meals a day at home and one cheap meal out a day. $257.28
Willing to spend some dough: Eat breakfast at home and eat lunch and dinner on the town. 480.20
Just won the lottery: All meals at restaurants and dinner at fine dining establishments. $784
Total
North Carolina
On the cheap: $571.12
Willing to spend some dough: $3,829.98
Just won the lottery: $11,966.09
