Are you planning an exciting road trip on the East Coast? It’s a great way to explore the beautiful coastlines, historical sites, and bustling cities.
But before you hit the road, it’s important to plan your budget and estimate how much your trip will cost. In this article, we’ll break down the costs of an East Coast road trip so that you can plan accordingly.
Transportation Costs
The biggest expense of your road trip will be transportation. Depending on where you’re coming from, you may need to factor in the cost of flights or train tickets to get to the East Coast.
Once you’re there, you’ll need a car to get around. Renting a car can cost anywhere between $30 to $100 per day depending on the type of car and rental company.
Gas
Gas prices vary depending on location and time of year. On average, expect to pay around $2.50 per gallon for regular gas. The price will add up quickly if you’re driving long distances, but splitting gas costs with travel companions can help reduce expenses.
Tolls
If you’re driving on major highways or bridges in certain states like New York or New Jersey, be prepared for tolls that can range from a few dollars to over $20 per toll booth. Plan your route accordingly and budget for these expenses.
Lodging Costs
Where you stay during your trip will also impact your budget. There are plenty of options ranging from budget motels to luxurious hotels and resorts.
Hotels/Motels
Budget motels typically cost around $50-$80 per night while mid-range hotels average between $100-$150 per night. If you’re looking for luxury accommodations, expect to pay upwards of $200 per night.
Airbnb/Home Rentals
Airbnb and other home rental services offer a more affordable option for larger groups or families. Prices vary depending on location, but you can typically find rentals for $100-$200 per night depending on the size and amenities.
Food Costs
Food costs can vary greatly depending on your eating habits and preferences. If you’re trying to save money, opt for cooking your own meals or packing food for picnics. Eating out can add up quickly, with fast food meals costing around $7-$10 per person and sit-down restaurants averaging between $15-$30 per person.
Activity Costs
There are plenty of free activities to enjoy on the East Coast, such as visiting parks or beaches. However, if you plan to visit museums or tourist attractions, be sure to budget accordingly. Admission costs can range from a few dollars to over $30 per person.
Tours
If you’re interested in guided tours of historical sites or cities, expect to pay around $50-$100 per person depending on the length of the tour and level of luxury.
Entertainment
If you plan to attend concerts or shows, budget for ticket costs which can range from $20-$100+ per person depending on the event and venue.
- In summary:
- Transportation: Flights/train tickets (if applicable), car rental ($30-$100/day), gas ($2.50/gallon), tolls (varies).
- Lodging: Budget motels ($50-$80/night), mid-range hotels ($100-$150/night), luxury accommodations ($200+/night), Airbnb/home rentals ($100-$200/night).
- Food: Cooking/packing food (cost varies), fast food ($7-$10/person), sit-down restaurants ($15-$30/person).
- Activities: Free activities, museum/tourist attraction admission ($2-$30/person), tours ($50-$100/person), entertainment/ticket costs ($20-$100+/person).
Final Thoughts
An East Coast road trip can be an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to plan accordingly and budget for the expenses. By estimating the costs of transportation, lodging, food and activities, you can create a realistic budget that allows you to enjoy your trip without breaking the bank. Safe travels!