HOME ALONE NO MORE: Iconic house takes center stage
John Abendshien used to own the house from the Home Alone film, and his new book gives the untold story of the iconic Home Alone house, in the Chicago area, in a memoir called Home But Alone No More. The iconic movie with Macaulay Culkin came out in 1990.
Kevin McCallister’s iconic “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” hotel stay would cost a pretty penny in 2025.
New analysis by iSelect.com, a travel insurance comparison service, revealed the true 2025 price of Kevin’s iconic NYC escape, using pricing from The Plaza Hotel, inflation data, and updated menu costs.
How much ‘Home Alone 2’ trip would cost today
By the numbers:
According to the data, the bill for Kevin’s trip has ballooned over the years from $2,109 in 1992 to $8,511 in 2025 – a 303% jump.
The Plaza Hotel is seen August 11, 2004 in New York City. (Credit: Peter Kramer/Getty Images)
More specifically, the Plaza Hotel suite would increase from $1,100 in 1992 to $6,244 in 2025. In addition, Kevin’s room service feast would increase from $967 to $2,233.
But here’s the real kicker: This cost still doesn’t include taxi rides around the city. In addition, iSelect.com said almost none of it would be covered by modern travel insurance.
What they’re saying:
“Unfortunately, a minor travelling alone without a parent or guardian’s knowledge would invalidate most travel insurance policies,” Adrian Bennett, the general manager of General Insurance said in a statement. “In Kevin’s case, the lack of consent, the unauthorised use of a credit card, and the luxurious choices he made on his New York stay would not be covered. And remember, the best way to enjoy the holiday season is together, so make sure not to leave anyone behind… or home alone.”
What the McCallisters did for a living
Dig deeper:
Since the iconic film’s release more than three decades ago, fans of the movie have continued to speculate about the cost of the family’s trips and lifestyles.
For example, during a 2024 interview on The Hollywood Reporter’s “Awards Chatter” podcast, the film’s director, Chris Columbus, answered one of the Internet’s most burning questions: What did the McCallister parents do for a living?
RELATED: ‘Home Alone’ director finally answers what the McCallisters did for a living
In the film, not only does the family live in a mansion in Chicago, but the parents, played by Catherine O’Hara and John Heard, are able to pay for a trip to Paris, for 15 people, including both their immediate and extended family members.
“Back then, John and I had a conversation about it, and we decided on what the jobs were,” Columbus said. “We thought the mother, at the time, because we used mannequins in the basement — I do remember having a conversation — she was a very successful fashion designer. The father could have, based on John Hughes’ own experience, worked in advertising, but I don’t remember what the father did.”
The Source: The information for this story was provided by iSelect, a travel insurance comparison service. Previous FOX Local reporting also contributed. This story was reported from Los Angeles.