Are you dreaming of a coast-to-coast road trip across the United States? It can be an exciting adventure, but before you hit the road, it’s important to plan your budget. The cost of a cross-country road trip can vary depending on several factors such as the type of vehicle, accommodation, food, and activities.
Vehicle Costs
The first thing to consider is the cost of your transportation. If you own a reliable car that’s in good condition, you may not have to worry about this expense.
However, if you’re renting a car or buying one specifically for the trip, it’s important to factor in the cost of fuel and maintenance. According to AAA, the average cost of gas in 2021 is around $2.87 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon and you’re driving from New York City to Los Angeles (a distance of approximately 2,800 miles), you’ll need around 112 gallons which will cost about $322.
Accommodation Costs
The next expense to consider is accommodation. Depending on your preferences and budget, there are several options available such as hotels/motels, Airbnb rentals, camping sites or even sleeping in your car.
The average hotel room rate in the US is around $130 per night according to Statista.com. If you plan on staying at hotels throughout your trip, this can add up quickly.
Food Costs
Another major expense during a road trip is food. Eating out at restaurants can be costly so it’s important to budget accordingly. One way to save money on food is by packing snacks and meals ahead of time or stopping at grocery stores along the way instead of eating out for every meal.
Activity Costs
Lastly, there are activity costs such as admission fees for museums or national parks along your route or any other activities like amusement parks, sightseeing tours, and more. The cost of activities can vary significantly depending on where you go and what you do, so it’s important to research ahead of time and budget accordingly.
Conclusion
Overall, the cost of a coast-to-coast road trip can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands based on your choices. To get an accurate estimate, make a detailed plan including all the expenses mentioned above and stick to it as closely as possible. Remember to allow for some flexibility in your budget for unexpected expenses or spontaneous activities.
Summary
- The cost of a coast-to-coast road trip can vary depending on several factors such as transportation, accommodation, food and activities.
- The average gas price in 2021 is around $2.87 per gallon which will cost about $322 for driving from New York City to Los Angeles.
- The average hotel room rate in the US is around $130 per night according to Statista.
- Packing snacks and meals ahead of time or stopping at grocery stores along the way instead of eating out for every meal can save money on food.
- Activities such as admission fees for museums or national parks along your route or any other activities like amusement parks, sightseeing tours, etc. should also be factored in.
Tips
- Plan ahead and research thoroughly to get an accurate estimate of costs.
- Create a detailed budget plan including all expenses mentioned above.
- Be flexible with your budget for unexpected expenses or spontaneous activities.
No matter the cost, a cross-country road trip can be an unforgettable experience that allows you to see some incredible sights unique to the United States. So, pack your bags, plan your route, and hit the road!