How Much Is a Road Trip From California to New York?

By Anna Duncan

Are you dreaming of a road trip from California to New York? It’s a journey that many people dream of taking, but before you hit the road, it’s important to consider the cost. In this article, we’ll break down the expenses of a road trip from California to New York.

The Route

The distance between California and New York is approximately 2,800 miles depending on your route. The most direct route is via I-80 E which takes you through Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania before finally landing in New York City.

The Cost of Gas

The biggest expense when it comes to a road trip is gas. The average price of gas in California is $4.18 per gallon while in New York it’s $3.10 per gallon.

Assuming your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon and gas prices remain constant throughout your trip, you will need roughly 112 gallons of gas for this trip. This would cost around $469 in California and $347 in New York.

Accommodation

Accommodation costs can vary greatly depending on your preference. If you’re looking for budget-friendly options like camping or hostels, you can expect to pay around $20-$50 per night. However if you prefer more upscale hotels or Airbnb rentals prices can range anywhere from $100-$500 per night depending on location and amenities.

Food

Food costs can also vary depending on how often you choose to dine out or cook meals yourself during the trip. If you plan on eating out for every meal and grabbing snacks along the way expect to spend around $50-$75 per day for one person.

Entertainment

There are so many sights and attractions along the way that can add to your expenses. If you plan on visiting national parks, museums or other attractions make sure to factor in those costs as well. Admission to most national parks is around $35 per vehicle.

Total Cost

So, how much can you expect to spend on a road trip from California to New York? Assuming two people are traveling together and staying in budget-friendly accommodations, eating out for every meal, and visiting at least one national park the total cost would be approximately $3,000-$4,000 for a 10-day trip. This estimate includes gas, accommodation, food, entertainment and any miscellaneous expenses along the way.

Conclusion

A road trip from California to New York is an adventure of a lifetime but it’s important to consider all expenses before hitting the road. Factor in gas prices, accommodation costs, food expenses and entertainment costs before you embark on this journey. With proper planning and budgeting, it’s possible to have an amazing experience without breaking the bank.