How Much Would a Road Trip Across the United States Cost?

By Anna Duncan

Are you dreaming of taking a road trip across the United States? The thought of hitting the open road, seeing all the sights, and experiencing new adventures is exciting.

However, before you start planning your journey, it’s essential to consider the cost. In this article, we’ll break down the expenses involved in a road trip across the United States.

Transportation

The first thing to consider is transportation. If you don’t have a vehicle, you’ll need to rent one or purchase one.

Renting a car can cost anywhere from $30-$100 per day, depending on the type of car and rental company. On the other hand, purchasing a car can cost anywhere from $1,000-$10,000 depending on age and condition.

Gas

Gas will be your most significant expense during your road trip. The average price of gas in the United States is around $3 per gallon.

The cost of gas will depend on your route and how far you plan to travel each day. A good rule of thumb is to budget around $50-$100 per day for gas.

Lodging

Lodging is another significant expense during a road trip across the United States. You can choose between hotels, motels or campgrounds for accommodation. Hotels and motels will cost around $100-$200 per night while campgrounds will cost around $20-$40 per night.

Food

Food is another expense that you’ll need to consider during your road trip. You can save money by packing snacks and meals or dining at fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s or Subway. However, if you want to enjoy sit-down meals at restaurants along your route, budget around $30-$50 per day for food.

Total Cost

To calculate an estimated total cost for your road trip across the United States, add up the cost of transportation, gas, lodging and food. For example, if you rent a car for $50 per day, budget $100 per day for gas, $150 per night for lodging and $40 per day for food, your total cost will be around $340 per day.

Conclusion

A road trip across the United States can be an incredible adventure. However, it’s important to consider the costs involved before hitting the open road. By budgeting for transportation, gas, lodging and food, you’ll be able to enjoy your journey without breaking the bank.