A cross-country road trip is pure freedom—the open road, new places, and endless adventure. But before you go, you might ask: How much would a cross-country road trip cost? The answer depends on your route, car, and budget. I’ve taken many road trips and learned how to save money while still having fun. In this guide, I’ll break down costs and share simple tips to help you plan a cross-country road trip without overspending. Let’s get started!
Key Factors Affecting the Cost of a Cross-Country Road Trip
A cross-country road trip can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it. The total cost depends on your route, car, travel style, and who’s coming along. Knowing these factors ahead of time can help you plan a cross-country road trip that fits your budget.
Distance and Route Selection
The farther you drive, the more you’ll spend on gas, food, and places to stay. A direct route costs less than a scenic detour through national parks. Using a cross-country road trip planner helps balance cost and adventure.
Type of Vehicle and Fuel Efficiency
Your car makes a big difference. A fuel-efficient sedan costs less to drive cross-country than an SUV or RV. Check your car’s MPG (miles per gallon) and use gas price apps to estimate fuel costs.
Number of Travelers
More people means lower costs per person. Splitting gas, hotels, and food makes travel cheaper, but a bigger group needs more planning.
Travel Style (Budget vs. Luxury)
Are you camping and cooking meals, or staying in hotels and dining out? Budget travelers save money by camping and prepping food, while luxury travelers pay more for comfort.
Major Expenses to Consider
A. Fuel Costs
Gas is one of the biggest costs. Estimate fuel costs by dividing miles by your car’s MPG, then multiplying by gas prices.
Example: A 3,000-mile trip in a car that gets 30 MPG at $3.50 per gallon costs about $350 in gas.
Ways to save: Use gas rewards, drive steady, and find cheap gas with apps like GasBuddy.
Accommodation Costs
Where you sleep changes the cost. Options include hotels, Airbnbs, motels, campgrounds, and car camping.
- Hotels/Airbnb: $80–$200 per night
- Motels: $50–$100 per night
- Campgrounds: $10–$50 per night
- Car Camping: Free or cheap
Ways to save: Use hotel rewards, book early, and camp when possible.
Food and Dining Expenses
Eating out all the time gets expensive, but mixing in grocery store meals helps.
- Fast food: $7–$12 per meal
- Sit-down restaurants: $15–$30 per meal
- Groceries for DIY meals: $5–$10 per meal
Ways to save: Meal prep, use discount apps, and grab free hotel breakfasts.
Tolls and Road Fees
Some highways charge tolls, especially on the East Coast. Expect to spend $20–$50 on tolls, depending on your route.
Ways to save: Use apps like TollGuru to find toll-free roads.
E. Entertainment and Activities
From national parks to city attractions, activity costs vary.
- National park fees: $15–$35 per park (or $80 for an annual pass)
- Museums and tours: $10–$50 per ticket
- Free activities: Beaches, hikes, scenic drives
Ways to save: Look for free attractions, use city passes, and find discounts.
Travel Insurance and Emergency Funds
Unexpected costs happen. A flat tire or medical issue can add hundreds to your trip.
- Roadside assistance: $5–$15 per month
- Travel insurance: $50–$100 per trip
- Emergency fund: Keep $200–$500 handy
Ways to save: Check if your credit card includes roadside assistance or travel insurance.
Sample Budget for a Cross-Country Road Trip
How much will a road trip cost? It depends on how you travel! Let’s break it down into three budgets: cheap, mid-range, and luxury.
1. Budget Road Trip ($50–$100 per day)
Want to explore for less? A budget trip keeps costs low.
- Stay: Camp or sleep in your car ($0–$20 per night)
- Food: Groceries and simple meals ($5–$10 per meal)
- Gas: Varies by car and distance (around $30–$50 per tank)
- Fun: Free parks, hikes, and scenic spots
- Total: $50–$100 per day per person
💡 Money Tip: Bring a camping stove. Cooking your own food saves big!
Mid-Range Road Trip ($100–$250 per day)
Want comfort but still save? This is for you.
- Stay: Budget hotels, motels, or Airbnbs ($50–$120 per night)
- Food: Some restaurants, some home-cooked meals ($10–$20 per meal)
- Gas: Same as budget trip, depends on route
- Fun: Paid attractions, city tours, and museums ($20–$50 per day)
- Total: $100–$250 per day per person
💡 Money Tip: Book hotels early. Rewards programs save you money!
Luxury Road Trip ($250+ per day)
Want the best experience? Go all out!
- Stay: High-end hotels or resorts ($150–$400 per night)
- Food: Fancy restaurants and unique dining ($30–$100 per meal)
- Gas: More if driving a big car or RV
- Fun: VIP tours, spa days, and premium experiences ($50–$200 per day)
- Total: $250+ per day per person
💡 Money Tip: Travel off-season. You’ll get luxury for less!
How to Plan and Budget for a Road Trip
A little planning saves a lot of money! Here’s how:
1. Use a Budget Planner
Write down costs for gas, food, hotels, and fun so you don’t overspend.
2. Set a Daily Budget
Decide your max spending per day. This keeps your trip on track!
3. Cut Costs Where You Can
- Use gas apps to find cheap fuel.
- Stay in motels or campgrounds instead of pricey hotels.
- Eat out once a day and cook the rest.
FAQs
How much does a budget road trip cost?
If you camp, cook, and drive a small car, it’s about $50–$100 per day.
What’s the cheapest way to travel cross-country?
- Use a gas-efficient car
- Camp instead of staying in hotels
- Buy groceries and cook meals
How long does a road trip take?
A fast trip is 5–7 days. A relaxed trip is 2–4 weeks.
When’s the best time to go for cheap travel?
Spring and fall. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and nice weather!
Is driving or flying cheaper?
For solo travelers, flying may be cheaper. But for two or more people, driving wins!
Final Thoughts
A road trip doesn’t have to be expensive. Plan smart, spend wisely, and have an amazing adventure!
Where do you want to go? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear!
