Are you dreaming of taking a 3-month road trip but wondering about the cost? Well, there is no easy answer to this question as it varies depending on several factors. However, we can give you an idea of how much you should be budgeting for such a journey.
Transportation Costs
The first and most significant expense for any road trip is transportation. You will need to budget for gas, maintenance, and repairs.
The cost of gas will depend on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and the distance you plan to travel. On average, you can expect to pay $2.50-$3.50 per gallon of gas in the United States. If your car gets 25 miles per gallon, and you drive around 10,000 miles during your trip, it will cost approximately $1,000 to $1,400 in gas.
In addition to gas expenses, you’ll need to factor in maintenance costs such as oil changes and tire rotations. These costs vary based on the type of car you have and how often you need these services done.
Finally, repairs are always a possibility when taking a long road trip. It’s always best to budget for unexpected expenses like these ahead of time. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10% of your transportation costs for repairs.
Lodging Costs
The next significant expense on your road trip will be lodging costs. Your options include camping sites, hotels/motels or Airbnb rentals depending on your preference.
Camping sites are usually the cheapest option with prices ranging from $20 – $40 per night depending on location and amenities provided.
Hotels/motels are more costly with prices ranging from $70 – $150 per night depending on their location and amenities offered.
If you prefer more privacy or space during your stay- Airbnb rentals may be a great option as they offer home-like amenities at reasonable prices ranging from $50 – $150 per night.
Food Costs
When it comes to food, you can save a considerable amount by cooking your meals instead of eating out. Packing a cooler with perishables and non-perishables is a great way to keep food costs low. You can also visit grocery stores for basic supplies or local farmer’s markets for fresh produce.
If you plan to eat out, it’s best to budget for an average cost of $10-$15 per meal at fast-food restaurants or up to $30 per meal at sit-down restaurants.
Entertainment Costs
Entertainment costs vary depending on the type of activities you want to engage in during your trip. Some activities may be free, such as hiking and sightseeing while others may require admission fees or paid tours.
A good idea is researching free events in the areas you will travel through or invest in a National Park Pass if you plan on visiting several parks during your trip.
Total Cost Estimate
Based on the above calculations, the estimated cost of a 3-month road trip could range from $5,000 – $10,000 depending on your preferences and itinerary.
- Transportation: $1,000 – $1,400
- Lodging: $2,400 – $4,500
- Food: $1,800 – $3,000
- Entertainment: varies based on activities chosen.
In Conclusion
A 3-month road trip can be an amazing experience and is achievable with proper planning and budgeting. With this guide as a reference point, we hope that you can create a realistic budget that allows you to enjoy all the sights and sounds that America has to offer!