Are you planning a coast-to-coast road trip? It’s an excellent way to explore the vast and diverse terrain of the United States. But how much would such a trip cost?
The route
The cost of a coast-to-coast road trip depends on several factors, including the route you take. The most common route is from New York City on the East Coast to Los Angeles on the West Coast. This route covers approximately 3,000 miles and takes about 45 hours of driving time.
The expenses
1. Transportation
The primary expense of a road trip is transportation.
If you don’t have your vehicle, you can rent one. The average rental cost for a mid-size car is about $60 per day, which adds up to $2,700 for a 45-day trip.
Gasoline:
You will also need to consider fuel costs. The average American car gets about 25 miles per gallon on the highway. If gas costs $2.50 per gallon, you’ll spend about $300 on gas for the trip.
Tolls:
Tolls can also add up if you’re driving through states that charge tolls. The total toll cost for the New York to Los Angeles route is approximately $250.
2. Accommodation
Accommodation costs are another significant expense on a road trip. You’ll need to budget for hotels or motels along the way unless you plan to camp or sleep in your vehicle.
Hotels/Motels:
The average hotel or motel room costs around $100 per night, so budget around $4,500 for your accommodations if you’re going on a 45-day trip.
Camping:
If you’re camping, campsites typically range from $10 to $50 per night, depending on the location and amenities.
3. Food
You’ll also need to budget for food during your trip. Eating out can add up quickly, especially if you’re dining in popular tourist areas.
Restaurants:
The average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant is around $20 per person. Budget around $1,800 for your meals if you’re going on a 45-day trip.
Groceries:
Buying groceries and cooking your meals is an excellent way to save money on food expenses during your road trip.
4. Miscellaneous Expenses
Finally, don’t forget about miscellaneous expenses like souvenirs, attraction tickets, and any unexpected costs.
Souvenirs:
Budget around $200 for souvenirs during your trip.
Attraction Tickets:
If you plan to visit popular tourist attractions like museums or theme parks along the way, budget around $500 for attraction tickets.
Unexpected Costs:
It’s always best to have some extra cash on hand for unexpected costs like car repairs or medical emergencies. Budgeting about $500 should be enough.
The Grand Total
Overall, the cost of a coast-to-coast road trip can vary depending on several factors. For a 45-day trip from New York City to Los Angeles, you can expect to spend around:
– Transportation: $2,950
– Accommodation: $4,500
– Food: $1,800
– Miscellaneous Expenses: $1,200
The grand total is approximately $10,450.
- Budget wisely and have fun exploring this beautiful country!
So there you have it – an estimate of how much a coast-to-coast road trip would cost. With proper planning and budgeting, you can make this adventure a reality. Safe travels!