Planning a cross-country road trip is exciting, but understanding the costs involved can make or break your adventure. Whether you’re driving from coast to coast or exploring regional routes, knowing what to budget for gas, accommodations, and meals will help you travel with confidence.
This guide breaks down the typical expenses for a road trip across America and shows you how to estimate your own travel costs based on your route, travel style, and preferences.
How Much Does a Road Trip Across America Really Cost?
The cost of driving across the United States varies dramatically depending on your route, vehicle, and travel style. A budget-conscious traveler might spend $2,000–$3,500 for a two-week trip, while those seeking more comfort could easily spend $5,000–$8,000 or more.
Here’s what influences your total spending:
- Distance traveled: Cross-country routes typically span 2,500–3,500 miles
- Fuel efficiency: Your vehicle’s MPG directly impacts gas costs
- Accommodation choices: Camping vs. budget motels vs. mid-range hotels
- Dining preferences: Cooking your own meals vs. eating out
- Activities and attractions: National park fees, museums, entertainment
Want a personalized estimate for your specific route? Try our trip budget calculator to see customized cost ranges based on your starting city, destinations, and travel preferences. It only takes 30 seconds.
Breaking Down Your Road Trip Expenses
Gas Costs: The Biggest Variable
Fuel will likely be your largest expense on a cross-country drive. Here’s how to estimate it:
Formula: (Total Miles ÷ Your Vehicle’s MPG) × Average Gas Price
For a 3,000-mile trip in a vehicle that gets 25 MPG with gas at $3.50/gallon:
(3,000 ÷ 25) × $3.50 = $420
Keep in mind that gas prices fluctuate by region. Expect to pay more in California and Hawaii, and less in the South and Midwest. Budget an extra 10–15% as a buffer for price variations and detours.
Hotel and Accommodation Expenses
Where you sleep each night dramatically affects your overall budget. Here are typical nightly costs:
- Camping: $20–$50 per night (campgrounds, RV parks)
- Budget motels: $60–$90 per night (Motel 6, Super 8)
- Mid-range hotels: $100–$150 per night (Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn)
- Boutique/upscale: $150–$300+ per night
For a 14-night trip staying in budget-friendly accommodations, expect to spend $840–$1,260 on lodging alone.
Looking for the best deals? Search hotel options along your route to compare prices and find locations that fit your itinerary.
Food and Dining Budget
Meal costs vary widely based on whether you prepare your own food or dine out:
- Budget approach: $30–$50 per person per day (grocery stores, occasional fast food)
- Mixed dining: $50–$80 per person per day (breakfast self-prepared, lunch and dinner out)
- Full restaurant dining: $80–$150+ per person per day
For a two-week solo trip with mixed dining, budget approximately $700–$1,120 for food.
Pro tip: Pack a cooler with snacks, drinks, and sandwich fixings to save significantly on roadside stops and impulse purchases.
Activities, Attractions, and Entertainment
Don’t forget to budget for the experiences that make your road trip memorable:
- National park entrance fees: $15–$35 per vehicle (or get an America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80)
- Museums and attractions: $10–$30 per person
- Guided tours and experiences: $50–$200+ per person
- Entertainment and nightlife: Variable
For a two-week trip with moderate activity spending, budget $300–$600 per person for attractions and entertainment.
Planning to explore specific cities? Browse activities and tours to see what’s available along your route.
Sample Road Trip Budget: Coast to Coast
Here’s a realistic budget breakdown for a 14-day cross-country road trip (2 people, mid-range comfort):
- Gas (3,000 miles): $420–$480
- Accommodations (13 nights): $1,300–$1,950
- Food (2 people, mixed dining): $1,400–$2,240
- Activities and attractions: $600–$1,200
- Miscellaneous (tolls, parking, souvenirs): $200–$400
Total estimated cost: $3,920–$6,270 for two people
Every trip is unique. Get a customized cost estimate based on your route and preferences with our free trip budget calculator. Just enter your starting point, destinations, and travel style to see realistic spending ranges.
Money-Saving Tips for Your American Road Trip
- Travel during shoulder season: Late spring and early fall offer better rates and smaller crowds
- Mix accommodation types: Alternate between camping and budget hotels
- Use loyalty programs: Hotel and gas station rewards can add up quickly
- Plan your route efficiently: Minimize backtracking to save on fuel
- Pack smart: Bring reusable water bottles, snacks, and basic cooking supplies
- Book accommodations in advance: Last-minute bookings often cost more
- Take advantage of free attractions: Scenic drives, state parks, and downtown areas
Planning Your Route and Stops
Your route choice significantly impacts both your experience and your budget. Popular cross-country routes include:
- Southern Route (I-10): Los Angeles to Jacksonville (~2,500 miles) – warmer weather year-round
- Northern Route (I-90): Seattle to Boston (~3,100 miles) – scenic mountains and lakes
- Central Route (I-40): Los Angeles to Raleigh (~2,600 miles) – diverse landscapes and attractions
- Historic Route 66: Chicago to Los Angeles (~2,400 miles) – nostalgic Americana experience
Consider these factors when mapping your journey:
- Time of year and weather conditions
- Must-see destinations and detours
- Daily driving distance comfort level (300–500 miles is typical)
- Regional gas prices and accommodation costs
When to Book Flights vs. Drive
Sometimes flying to your starting point makes more sense than driving from home. Consider flying if:
- You live far from your desired route’s starting point
- You want to do a one-way road trip and return by air
- Rental car costs are lower than gas and wear on your personal vehicle
Compare flight options by searching available routes to find the most cost-effective approach for your journey.
Start Planning Your American Road Trip
A road trip across America is an unforgettable adventure that doesn’t have to break the bank. With realistic budgeting and smart planning, you can experience the freedom of the open road while staying within your financial comfort zone.
The key is understanding your priorities: are you focused on covering maximum distance, experiencing luxury accommodations, or keeping costs minimal? There’s no single “right” way to road trip across America.
Ready to see what your specific road trip will cost? Use our trip budget calculator to get a personalized estimate in under a minute. Enter your route, travel dates, and preferences to see realistic budget ranges tailored to your journey.
Whether you’re planning a quick regional loop or an epic transcontinental adventure, knowing your numbers helps you travel with confidence. Start planning today and hit the road prepared for whatever America has to offer.