Part of our Road Trips guide.
3 places and guides from our Road Trips coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: Hiking And The Outdoors In Road Trips, Things To Do In Road Trips, Beaches In Road Trips, and Hidden Gems In Road Trips.
The Ultimate Budget-Friendly California Road Trip Guide
A budget-friendly California road trip costs roughly $150–$200 per day for two people, covering gas, budget motels or camping, and groceries. This estimate assumes you drive about 200 miles per day and avoid peak-season coastal lodging. Summer rates at state parks and hotels can jump 30% or more. To save, book campsites at least two months ahead and use the budget for a road trip strategies to track fuel and food costs. Stick to the Central Coast or the Sierra foothills for lower prices than the Bay Area or Los Angeles.
What Does An American Southwest Road Trip Cost?
A two-week American Southwest road trip covering the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Zion National Park costs about $2,400–$3,000 for two people, including gas, park entry fees, and mid-range motels. That figure assumes 1,800 miles of driving at $3.50 per gallon and $120 per night on lodging. The region’s remote stretches mean you’ll pay more for groceries and gas in towns like Page, Arizona, or Moab, Utah. For a tighter budget, camp at national park sites (around $20 per night) and pack a cooler. Check our road trip planning tips in road trips to map out fuel stops between long desert stretches.
How Much Does A US Road Trip Cost
A cross-country US road trip from New York to Los Angeles costs roughly $3,500–$4,500 for two people over three weeks, based on 2,800 miles, gas at $3.50 per gallon, and mixed lodging. Shorter one-week trips in a single region, like the Pacific Northwest or the Rockies, run $1,200–$1,800. The biggest variable is accommodation: staying with friends or using campsites can cut costs by half, while motels and hotels add $100–$150 per night. Use the How To Do A Cheap Road Trip guide to find free attractions and discount fuel cards. If you’re renting, factor in $50–$80 per day for a basic car; if you’re driving your own, account for wear and tear at about $0.10 per mile. For longer drives, review our tips on how to stay awake on road trip stretches.
