Inauguration is free, but trip is not!

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 add up quickly.

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 in Alexandria or Silver Spring, Md., that’s within walking distance of the Metro and has enough bedrooms and bathrooms for everyone. $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
On the cheap: Round-trip cost of gasoline at current prices in an economy car from Richmond. $11.24

Willing to spend some dough: Round-trip Greyhound bus tickets from Richmond. $103.50

Just won the lottery: Round-trip Amtrak tickets from Richmond. $252

Travel in Washington
On the cheap: Shuttle to and from the airport, four prepaid one-day Metro passes, and walking. $190.80

Willing to spend some dough: Transportation to and from the airport, four prepaid 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 prepaid Obama commemorative one-day Metro passes, walking, use of at least one cab a day, a rental car, and parking. $881.96

Balls, festivities
Most balls do not allow children. Costs below do not include child-care 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 on 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, two tickets to the two American Music Inaugural events 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 bobblehead, 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: Cook two meals and eat out for one cheap meal a day. $257.28

Willing to spend some dough: Cook breakfast 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
On the cheap: $554.32

Willing to spend some dough: $3,708.58

Just won the lottery: $11,234.09

Contact Amy Dominello at (202) 662-7671 or