How much does it cost to drive across the country

If you plan your holidays wisely, driving across the United States can be a cheaper alternative to flying. Additionally, it may bring more fun and give you a surge of emotion you will remember for the rest of your life. By choosing the right time with lower gas prices, planning your route carefully, and choosing a budget place to stay, you can reduce your road trip cost significantly. Let’s find out how much you can expect to pay for your own Great American Road Trip and what expense categories make up the entire cost.

Ways to cover the drive cross-country cost
Although a cross-country road trip is usually a budget-friendly way to travel, it can still take a toll on your finances. However, options exist. Most people turn to traditional banks and credit unions that offer vacation or holiday loans for a wide range of related needs and expenses. If you need holiday loans with no credit check, consider online lending companies or alternative lenders. They are more likely to deal with customers who have credit and financial issues.

Additionally, you can use a 0% APR credit card. As such cards are usually accepted in most hostels and restaurants, using them may be a great way to cover your trip-related expenses.

What factors affect the cost of a cross-country road trip
The five biggest expense categories for an average road trip are gas, food, lodging, activities, and insurance. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

Gas prices
Fuel costs make up a significant part of your entire road trip budget. Depending on the route you choose, it can take you 2,500 to over 6,000 miles to drive across the United States. Thus, even hybrid car owners will have to visit gas stations frequently.
Suppose that you’re driving a Subaru Impreza with a combined gas mileage of 30 mpg. Even the shortest route will require over 83 gallons of gas. The fuel cost varies by state and also depends on the gas station you use. The average gas price in the US is now about $3.15 per gallon.

How much gas money do i need for a road trip
There is no single answer to this question since it all depends on your route and car. To calculate the cost, you need:

Divide the route length by your car’s gas mileage to find out how many gallons of gas you will need.
Multiply the result by the average fuel cost per gallon.

Thus, the shortest route driven in the car with the best MPG for 2024 will cost you nearly $261.45. It’s recommended to set aside even more money for fuel in case of unexpected expenses.

Food costs
Food prices may vary significantly depending on the spot. You can only spend $5 to $10 in a fast food place or pay about $25 or $30 for dinner in a cozy restaurant. Most travelers usually assume they will spend about $10 per meal per person. Thus, the exact cost you will pay depends on the length of your trip. On average, you can drive about 480 miles in 8 hours. This means that even the shortest route will take you at least 5 days to complete. This gives us a food cost of at least $150 for a 5-day trip.

Lodging prices
Accommodations can make up the most of your budget if you choose an expensive hotel or will stop too frequently. On average, you will need about $75 per night for a decent room in a roadside hotel across the country. Try to plan your route so that you stop less often, or take a friend with you to take over behind the wheel, giving you a chance to sleep well.

If you have a caravan, camper van, or motorhome, you can save money by excluding lodging prices from your list of expenses. Just keep in mind that road trips in an RV come with other extra costs, such as maintenance, campground fees, internet, and utilities.

Road trip activities
We all go on a road trip for experiences and want to make the most of our journey. However, this part of the budget usually varies greatly, as it depends on how exactly you’re going to spend your time during the trip. Even if you’re planning the most affordable activities and outdoor recreation, it may cost you about $25-$30 per day.

Car insurance costs
Insurance must be in order before you set off. Make sure of this in advance and check out whether your auto policy includes roadside assistance, including towing and flat tire replacement services, or trip interruption benefits. These options can be helpful during your road trip. The national average cost of car insurance is $1,982 per year, which is about $165 per month.

How much does it cost to drive across the country
As road trip costs consist of multiple variables, they may differ significantly from one traveler to another. For some, cross-country road trips are just a way to get to know the country better and have an unforgettable time on the road, while others will strive for more comfort and spend more money on road trip activities and entertainment.

The affordable cost to drive across the country starts from $1,100 and may go well beyond $6,000. It all depends on your preferences, the vehicle and its fuel consumption, the chosen route, the trip duration, and optional expenses for shopping and recreation.

Cost of driving across country vs. traveling by cruise
Both driving and cruising are great adventures, although they are two completely different experiences. Just like with driving across the country, cruise cost can vary widely depending on the cruise line, fares, rooms, and the length of your trip. Cruises cost per person can be anywhere from $200 for a four-night Bahamas trip to about $3,200 for a seven-night Western Mediterranean journey. Of course, cruises don’t provide such flexibility as you can’t plan your own route or change it whenever you want. However, this can be a more comfortable way to see the country, with all the details already thought out and made for you and your pleasure.

How to reduce the cost of a road trip
Great adventure is not necessarily about spending a lot of money. Here are some tips on reducing the cost of a road trip across the US:

Choose the right time. You can expect to get the cheapest gas prices during the first two months of the year, while the May to August period typically comes with high gas prices;
Search for free activities. Is there a national park or a festival with free access on your way? Find out more about what activities you can visit along your route without incurring additional costs;
Try Couchsurfing. This option will help you save money on accommodations as it allows you to stay for free by prior arrangement via the website;
Find a companion. Keep in mind that traveling solo is always more expensive. Costs like lodging, food, and gas may be more affordable if you travel in a group.

Final thoughts
Driving across the United States can be a fun and budget-friendly experience if you plan it wisely. Before you hit the road, pay attention to the five biggest expense categories, such as fuel cost, food, accommodation, activities, and car insurance. Also, consider a few tips on reducing a road trip cost.

The article How much does it cost to drive across the country first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.