Are you planning a road trip from Boston to California? It’s one of the most exciting and adventurous trips you can take in the USA.
But before you hit the road, it’s important to know how much it will cost. In this article, we’ll break down the expenses involved in a road trip from Boston to California.
Route Planning
The first step in planning your road trip is to decide on your route. The quickest and most direct route is via I-90 West and I-80 West, which covers approximately 3,200 miles and takes around 45 hours of driving time. However, you may want to consider taking detours or exploring other cities along the way.
Gasoline Costs
One of the biggest expenses during any road trip is gasoline. The total cost of gasoline will depend on several factors such as your car’s fuel efficiency, gasoline prices, and the number of detours you take. According to AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report, as of August 2021, the average cost of gasoline in Boston is $3.07 per gallon while in California it’s $4.33 per gallon.
Assuming your car gets an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, driving from Boston to California would require approximately 128 gallons of gasoline (3,200 miles/25 miles per gallon). Therefore, your estimated gasoline cost would be around $392 in Boston (128 gallons x $3.07) and $554 in California (128 gallons x $4.33).
Lodging Costs
Another major expense during a road trip is lodging costs. Depending on your preferences for accommodation types such as hotels or motels versus camping sites or RV parks, this cost can vary greatly.
Assuming an average hotel room rate of $150 per night and an average camping site rate of $30 per night for a total of 14 nights, your estimated lodging cost would be $2,100 in total.
Food Costs
Food costs are another variable expense while on a road trip. Depending on your eating habits and if you prefer to dine out versus cooking your own food, this cost can vary significantly. Assuming an average daily food cost of $50 per person for a total of 14 days, your estimated food cost would be around $1,400 in total.
Toll Fees
Lastly, toll fees are another expense to consider while on the road. The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority charges $26.25 for a passenger vehicle to travel the entire length of the Massachusetts Turnpike from Boston to New York. Similarly, the California Department of Transportation charges tolls on several highways throughout the state.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a road trip from Boston to California can range in price depending on various factors such as gas prices, accommodation choices, and eating habits. However, with an estimated gasoline cost of $946 (in both directions), lodging costs at $2,100 and food expenses at $1,400 for two people over 14 days; it’s fair to assume that you should budget around $4,000-$5,000 for this epic journey.
So buckle up and enjoy the ride!