Are you dreaming of a road trip across America? Exploring the vast and diverse landscapes, stopping at iconic landmarks, and immersing yourself in different cultures can be an unforgettable experience.
But, before you hit the road, you need to know how much it will cost. Here’s a breakdown of the expenses for a road trip around America.
Transportation
The biggest expense on a road trip is transportation. If you are renting a car, the cost varies depending on the type of car and duration of your rental.
On average, renting a car for a month will cost around $1,500-$2,000. However, if you have your own car, you’ll save on rental costs but need to factor in gas expenses.
Gas
Gas prices vary by state and city and depend on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. On average, gas prices range from $2.50-$3.50 per gallon across the United States. If your car gets 25 miles per gallon (MPG) and you plan to drive 10,000 miles during your trip, expect to spend $1,000-$1,400 on gas.
Tolls and Parking
Tolls can add up quickly on a road trip. Plan ahead for toll costs or use apps like TollGuru or Tollsmart to estimate fees by route.
Parking fees in cities can also be expensive – some charge up to $50 per day! Research parking options in advance or opt for public transportation when exploring urban areas.
Accommodation
Another significant expense is accommodation. Depending on your preference for comfort and amenities, nightly hotel rates range from $70-$200+. The average hotel rate across America is around $130 per night.
If hotels aren’t your thing or not within budget constraints consider camping sites or Airbnb rentals that charge less per night.
Campgrounds
Camping is a great way to save money on accommodation costs. National parks, state parks, and private campgrounds offer campsites ranging from $10-$50 per night, depending on location and amenities.
Airbnb
Airbnb offers a wide range of accommodations, including apartments, houses, and unique rentals like treehouses and yurts. Rates vary depending on location and amenities but average around $100 per night.
Food
Food expenses can vary greatly depending on your eating habits. Eating out at restaurants can cost anywhere from $10-$30 per meal. It’s cheaper to cook your meals in an Airbnb or campsite kitchen or packing food/snacks for the road trip.
Activities
Visiting landmarks and attractions is part of the fun of a road trip. Admission fees for museums, theme parks, or national parks range from free to $40+. Be sure to research ahead of time to budget for expenses based on activities you want to do.
Total Cost
In summary, the cost of a road trip around America depends on several factors such as transportation mode, accommodation type & location, food spending habits and activities planned. A rough estimate for a one-month trip traveling 10,000 miles with hotel stays would be around $5,000-$7,000. However, if you opt for camping or Airbnb rentals instead of hotels and keep food costs low by cooking some meals yourself – you can reduce your expenses by hundreds or even thousands of dollars!
- Transportation:
- Renting a car: $1,500-$2,000 (per month)
- Gas: $1,000-$1,400 (for 10,000 miles)
- Tolls & Parking: varies
- Accommodation:
- Hotels: $70-$200+ (per night)
- Campgrounds: $10-$50 (per night)
- Airbnb: $100 (per night)
- Food: varies ($10-$30 per meal eating out or saving by cooking yourself)
- Activities: varies (free-admission to $40+ for attractions per person)
In Conclusion
A road trip around America can be an unforgettable experience. It’s important to budget ahead of time and plan for expenses like transportation, accommodation, food, and activities. With careful planning and smart choices, you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime without breaking the bank.