Are you planning a road trip across America? One of the first things you might be wondering is how much it will cost.
The answer, of course, depends on a variety of factors. In this article, we’ll break down some of the key expenses you’ll need to consider to get a better idea of how much an average road trip across America might cost.
Transportation Costs
The biggest expense during a road trip is typically transportation costs. This can include gas, rental car fees, and any necessary repairs or maintenance. The amount you’ll spend on transportation will depend on your route, vehicle type, and driving habits.
Gas: Gas prices can vary widely depending on where you are in the country. As of 2021, the national average for regular gasoline is around $3 per gallon. According to AAA’s Gas Prices website, prices are highest in California and Hawaii and lowest in Missouri and Oklahoma.
Rental Car Fees: If you don’t have your own vehicle or don’t want to put miles on it during your trip, renting a car can be a good option. Rental fees can vary widely depending on the type of car you choose and where you rent it from. Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $100 or more per day for a rental car.
Lodging Costs
Another major expense during a road trip is lodging costs. This can include hotels, motels, campsites, or Airbnbs. The amount you spend on lodging will depend on your preferences and budget.
Hotels/Motels: Depending on where you’re staying and what amenities you need (such as a pool or breakfast), hotel or motel costs can range from around $50 to $200 per night.
Campsites: If camping is more your style, campsites are often cheaper than hotels or motels. Expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $50 per night for a campsite.
Food Costs
Food is another expense you’ll need to consider during your road trip. This can include groceries, meals at restaurants, and snacks.
Groceries: If you plan on cooking your own meals, grocery costs will depend on what you buy and where you shop. A good rule of thumb is to budget around $50 per week for groceries per person.
Meals at Restaurants: Eating out can be more expensive than cooking, but it’s also a great way to try new foods and support local businesses. Expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $30 per meal depending on where you go and what you order.
Activities/Entertainment Costs
Finally, don’t forget to budget for activities and entertainment during your road trip! This can include visits to national parks or museums, movie tickets, or other fun experiences.
National Parks/Museums: Admission fees for national parks and museums can vary widely. Some are free while others can cost anywhere from $5 to $30 per person.
Movie Tickets: If you want a break from driving and need some downtime, catching a movie is always an option. Expect to pay around $10 per ticket on average.
The Bottom Line
So how much does an average road trip across America cost? Based on these estimates, you can expect to spend anywhere from around $1,000 to $5,000 or more depending on your preferences, route, and length of stay. By planning ahead and budgeting carefully for transportation, lodging, food, and activities/entertainment costs, you can make sure your road trip is both affordable and memorable!