How much would a trip to amsterdam cost?

Since the most expensive part will be your airfare, and you don't mind staying in a hostel, I would definitely recommend staying at least a week minimum. The flight will be an overnight flight, and you will be pretty tired when you get there so part of that first day is shot anyway. Google "best travel store" and check their flights (I have often found them to be the best deal). I was there a few years ago for a week and budgeted about $2000, but I was staying in a c house and the value of the dollar wasn't quite as bad. And even though you are going to Amsterdam, and it's cool to just chill and enjoy their lifestyle, also be sure to take time and do the "tourist" things too like visiting some of the best museums in the world, a c boat tour, Keukenhof Gardens if you're there in the spring, etc. You will be glad you did! Oh, and I would also recommend staying around the city center area. It is a fairly compact city and pretty easy to get around in so staying in the center is optimal. And I'm not sure what time of year you're planning on going, but I have seen some really good deals going on around Thanksgiving. And if you go around spring, you could plan your visit around Queen's Day. It is a National Holiday there that takes place the end of April. It's like one big street party!