Are you dreaming of a coast to coast road trip? It’s an adventure that many people dream of taking, but few actually do.
One of the biggest factors that can hold people back from embarking on this journey is the cost. So, just how much does a coast to coast road trip cost? Let’s break it down.
The Route
The first thing you need to consider when planning a coast to coast road trip is the route you’ll take. The distance between the east and west coasts of the United States is roughly 3,000 miles, depending on your starting and ending points. There are several different routes you can take, each with its own set of attractions and pit stops.
Route Options:
- The Southern Route: This route takes you through states like Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
- The Northern Route: This route takes you through states like Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
- The Middle Route: This route takes you through states like Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri.
The Vehicle
The next factor to consider when planning your trip is the vehicle you’ll be driving. If you already own a reliable car or RV, this may not be an issue. However, if you don’t own a vehicle that can handle such a long journey or want to upgrade for comfort or fuel efficiency reasons then it will add up in your budget.
Vehicle options:
- Rental Car: A rental car can cost anywhere from $30-$100 per day depending on the type of car and rental company.
- RV Rental: Renting an RV can cost anywhere from $100-$300 per day depending on size and amenities.
- Your Own Car/RV: If using your own vehicle then ensure it’s in good working condition before embarking on a long journey.
The Accommodation
Another significant factor in the cost of your coast to coast road trip is accommodation. There are many options for accommodation during your journey, including hotels, motels, campsites, and RV parks.
Accommodation options:
- Hotels/Motels: Depending on the quality of hotel/motel and location, expect to spend anywhere from $50-$200 per night.
- Campsites/RV Parks: Campsites can range anywhere from $10-$50 per night. RV parks can cost anywhere from $30-$80 per night depending on location and amenities.
The Food and Fun
Finally, you’ll need to consider the cost of food and entertainment during your trip. Eating out at restaurants or buying groceries and cooking yourself will make a difference in the budget. Additionally, it’s important to factor in expenses for attractions such as national parks or museums.
Food and Fun options:
- Eating Out: Expect to spend around $10-$20 per meal at fast-food chains or $30-$50 per meal at sit-down restaurants.
- Groceries: This will depend on how much and what you intend to buy for meals. But expect to spend around $100-$150 for a week’s worth of groceries for two people.
- Attractions: National Parks entry fees can range from $10-$35 depending on the park while museums generally charge between $10-$25 per person.
Total Cost Estimate:
Taking into account all these factors we can now estimate a total cost for a coast-to-coast road trip. For example:
- Rental Car: 2 weeks ($600)
- Hotels/Motels: 14 nights ($1,400)
- Eating Out: 3 meals per day ($1,500)
- Attractions: National Parks and Museums ($700)
This would total to $4,200 for a two-week coast-to-coast road trip. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate and the actual cost may vary depending on different factors.
In Conclusion
A coast to coast road trip can be an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to plan ahead and budget accordingly. Taking into account the route, vehicle, accommodation and food expenses will help you come up with a realistic estimate of how much your adventure will cost. With proper planning and budgeting, anyone can make their dream road trip a reality!