How Much Would a Road Trip to Oregon Cost?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning a road trip to Oregon? If so, you may be wondering how much it will cost.

The answer depends on several factors such as your starting location, the duration of your trip, and your travel style. In this article, we’ll break down the costs to help you budget for your Oregon adventure.

Gas and Transportation Costs

The biggest expense for a road trip is typically gas and transportation costs. The amount you’ll spend on gas will depend on the distance you’re traveling and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. According to AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator, the average cost of gas in Oregon is $3.30 per gallon as of August 2021.

Assuming you’re starting from San Francisco, which is approximately 635 miles away from Portland, Oregon’s largest city, and driving a car that gets 25 miles per gallon on the highway, you’ll need around 26 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. This means that you can expect to spend around $86 on gas for a one-way trip.

If you’re renting a car instead of driving your own vehicle, rental car prices vary depending on the type of car you choose and the rental company. You can expect to pay anywhere from $35 to $100 per day for a rental car in Oregon.

Accommodation Costs

Another major expense for any road trip is accommodation costs. Fortunately, there are many budget-friendly options available in Oregon such as camping sites and hostels.

Camping sites range from $10 to $35 per night depending on location and amenities. Some popular camping sites in Oregon include Crater Lake National Park Campgrounds and Cape Lookout State Park.

Hostels are also an affordable option with prices ranging from $20 to $50 per night. Some highly rated hostels in Oregon include HI Portland Northwest Hostel and Eugene Whiteaker International Hostel.

If you prefer more luxurious accommodations, expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 per night for a hotel room in Oregon.

Food and Drink Costs

Food and drink costs are another factor to consider when budgeting for your Oregon road trip. The amount you spend on food will depend on your dining preferences and whether you plan to cook your own meals or eat out.

If you plan to cook your own meals, expect to spend around $50 per week on groceries for one person. Eating out at mid-range restaurants can cost anywhere from $10 to $25 per meal, while fast food options are generally cheaper at around $5 to $10 per meal.

Oregon is known for its craft beer scene, so if you’re a beer lover, be sure to factor in the cost of drinks. A pint of beer at a local brewery can cost anywhere from $5 to $8.

Other Costs to Consider

In addition to the costs mentioned above, there are several other expenses that you may need to consider when planning your Oregon road trip. These include:

  • Entrance fees: If you plan on visiting any national parks or other attractions in Oregon, be sure to factor in the cost of entrance fees.
  • Parking fees: If you’re driving in cities like Portland or Eugene, parking fees can add up quickly.
  • Toll roads: Some highways in Oregon have tolls that can range from a few dollars to over ten dollars depending on the route.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the cost of a road trip to Oregon will vary depending on your travel style and preferences. However, by factoring in gas and transportation costs, accommodation costs, food and drink expenses, as well as any additional costs such as entrance fees or tolls, you can create a realistic budget for your trip. With proper planning and budgeting, you can enjoy all that Oregon has to offer without breaking the bank.