Are you planning a road trip from Pennsylvania to California? It’s an exciting adventure that can take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States.
But before you hit the road, it’s important to consider the cost of such a journey. In this article, we’ll explore how much a road trip from Pennsylvania to California might cost you.
Route Options
The first thing to consider when planning a road trip is your route. There are several different options for driving from Pennsylvania to California, each with its own pros and cons.
- Option 1: The Northern Route
- Option 2: The Southern Route
- Option 3: The Middle Route
If you take the northern route, you’ll start by heading west through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois before reaching Iowa. From there, you’ll continue west through Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho before finally entering California.
The southern route takes you through Kentucky and Tennessee before heading south through Arkansas and Texas.
From there, you’ll cross New Mexico and Arizona before finally arriving in California.
The middle route takes you through Missouri and Kansas before heading south through Oklahoma and Texas. You’ll then cross New Mexico and Arizona before finally arriving in California.
Costs to Consider
Once you’ve decided on your route, it’s time to think about the costs involved in a road trip from Pennsylvania to California. Here are some of the expenses you’ll need to budget for:
Gasoline
One of the biggest expenses of any road trip is gasoline. The cost of gas varies depending on where you are in the country and how much you’re driving.
As of August 2021, the average price of gas in Pennsylvania is $3.17 per gallon, while the average price in California is $4.34 per gallon. Based on these prices, you can expect to spend anywhere from $250 to $600 on gas alone, depending on your route and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
Lodging
Unless you plan to drive straight through without stopping for rest, you’ll need to budget for lodging along the way. The cost of lodging varies depending on where you stay and what type of accommodations you choose.
A budget motel might cost as little as $50 per night, while a luxury hotel could set you back several hundred dollars per night. Plan to spend around $500 to $1000 on lodging for a one-way trip.
Food
Another expense that can add up quickly on a road trip is food. If you’re eating at restaurants for every meal, plan to spend around $30 to $50 per day per person. If you’re trying to save money, consider packing snacks and sandwiches instead of eating out.
Total Cost
So how much does it cost to take a road trip from Pennsylvania to California? Based on our estimates above, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1000 to $2500 or more, depending on your route and travel style. Keep in mind that unexpected expenses can always arise along the way, so it’s important to have some extra money set aside just in case.
Conclusion
A road trip from Pennsylvania to California can be an amazing adventure that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the country. But before you hit the road, make sure you’ve budgeted for all the costs involved so that you can enjoy your journey without any financial stress or worries!