Are you planning a road trip from Texas to California and wondering how much it would cost? Well, the answer is not straightforward as it depends on various factors such as the route you take, the type of car you drive, the number of people traveling with you, and your travel style. In this article, we will discuss some of these factors that can affect your budget.
Route
The route you take from Texas to California can greatly impact your road trip cost. The most common routes are through I-10 or I-40 highways.
If you choose to take I-10, which passes through El Paso and Phoenix, you will cover a distance of approximately 1,400 miles. On the other hand, if you opt for I-40 that goes through Albuquerque and Flagstaff, your journey will be around 1,500 miles long.
Gasoline
One of the significant expenses on a road trip is gasoline. The price of gas varies from state to state and can also fluctuate based on the time of year. As of August 2021, the average gas price in Texas is about $2.75 per gallon while in California it is around $4.37 per gallon.
Assuming your car gives an average mileage of 25 miles per gallon (mpg), for a trip via I-10 that’s approximately 56 gallons each way or 112 gallons round trip from Texas to California. So at $2.75/gallon in Texas, that will cost $308 each way or $616 round trip just for gas alone! However in California at $4.37/gallon it’ll add up to about $488 each way or $976 round trip just for gasoline!
Lodging
Another significant cost during a road trip is lodging expenses. You may choose to stay at motels or hotels along your route, or you can opt for camping if that’s your thing. The cost of lodging can vary based on the type of accommodation you choose and also the location.
For example, if you plan to stay at budget motels, which cost around $50 to $80 per night, and campgrounds, which average about $30 per night, then for a 7-day trip with an average of two people per night, your total lodging expenses would be approximately $560 to $840.
Food
Food is another essential expense during a road trip. You can save money by packing snacks and meals from home or eating at fast food joints. However, if you prefer to dine in restaurants or eat healthy meals, your food expenses will increase.
Assuming an average of $30 per day for two people on food expenses during a 7-day trip would add up to about $420.
Total Cost
Based on the above estimates for gasoline, lodging, and food expenses for a 7-day round trip from Texas to California:
Total Gasoline cost: $976
Total Lodging cost: $560-$840
Total Food cost: $420
So the approximate total cost for a road trip from Texas to California ranges from $1,956 – $2,196, depending on your lodging preferences. Keep in mind that this estimate does not include other expenses like attraction tickets or emergency car repairs.
Conclusion
A road trip from Texas to California can be an exciting adventure with stunning views and memorable experiences. However, it’s essential to plan and budget accordingly considering factors like route, gasoline prices, lodging options and food costs. By doing so you’ll have a better idea of what to expect financially and can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.