Are you ready for an epic adventure on the open road? A road trip across America can be an unforgettable experience.
However, before you hit the gas pedal, it’s important to consider how much a road trip will cost. From gas to food to lodging, expenses can add up quickly. In this article, we’ll break down the average costs of an American road trip so you can plan accordingly.
Transportation
The most obvious expense for any road trip is transportation. The cost of gas can vary depending on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and the distance you plan to travel.
According to AAA, the average cost of gas in 2021 is around $3 per gallon. If your car gets 25 miles per gallon and you plan to drive 4,000 miles round-trip, you’ll need around 160 gallons of gas. This would cost approximately $480.
If you don’t have your own vehicle or prefer not to drive, there are other options such as renting a car or taking a bus or train. Renting a car can cost anywhere from $30-$100 per day depending on the type of vehicle and rental company. A bus or train ticket can range from $50-$200 depending on the distance and travel time.
Lodging
Another major expense for any road trip is lodging. Depending on your budget and preferences, there are various options available such as hotels, motels, campgrounds, and Airbnb rentals.
Hotels and motels can range from $50-$200 per night depending on the location and amenities. Campgrounds are usually cheaper with prices ranging from $10-$50 per night for tent sites or RV hookups.
Airbnb rentals offer more flexibility with prices ranging from $30-$200+ per night depending on the location and type of accommodation.
Food
No road trip is complete without good food. However, eating out every meal can quickly add up. To save money, consider packing snacks and meals in a cooler or buying groceries at a local supermarket.
The cost of food can vary depending on your preferences and location. Fast food and chain restaurants are usually cheaper with prices ranging from $5-$15 per meal. Local restaurants and cafes can be more expensive with prices ranging from $10-$25+ per meal.
Activities
While driving on the open road can be an adventure in itself, there are also various activities to enjoy along the way such as national parks, museums, and amusement parks.
The cost of activities can vary depending on the location and type of attraction. National parks usually charge an entrance fee ranging from $10-$35 per vehicle. Museums and amusement parks can range from $10-$50+ per person.
Total Cost
Adding up all these expenses, the average cost of an American road trip can range from $1,000-$5,000+ depending on your preferences and travel style.
- Transportation: $480+
- Lodging: $50-$200+ per night
- Food: $5-$25+ per meal
- Activities: $10-$50+ per person
Tips to Save Money
To make your road trip more affordable, here are some tips:
- Plan your route ahead of time to avoid unnecessary detours.
- Use gas apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas prices along your route.
- Pack snacks and meals to save money on food.
- Camp or stay at budget-friendly accommodations like hostels or Airbnb rentals.
- Look for free or low-cost activities such as hiking, visiting local parks, or attending community events.
With proper planning and budgeting, a road trip across America can be an adventure of a lifetime. Happy travels!