27 Best Ways to Save Money On a USA Road Trip

The continental US spans four time zones and it’s a remarkable country in terms of culture and geography. Any road trip across America is a unique and fascinating experience. I’ve been lucky enough to travel a fair bit in the USA, and one of the questions that I’m always asked is – what are the best ways to save money on a USA road trip? Particularly when it comes to planning long-term road trips, which tend to be self-drive road trips like Route 66 or along the Pacific Coast Highway.

 

Well, in this post I’m going to help you figure out how much it will cost you to travel in the United States, so you can budget for your own trip accordingly. I’ll also be sharing practical tips so you can stay on the road trip for a month or on a quick weekend getaway. In addition. I’ll cover some quick and easy ways to save money as you go.

 

A few things to keep in mind. In reality, road tripping around the US ain’t always cheap. Gas can add up and eating out on the road will quickly put a strain on your wallet. If you’re not aware of your spending habits and paying more than you need to, you could be looking at crushing your budget in just a few days. If you want to splurge on luxury hotels and expensive meals, your budget is naturally going to be a little different to frugal travelers looking for cheap eats and budget-friendly motels.

 

Plus, prices vary depending on a specific US state, with food, drinks, tobacco products, and gas always going to be more expensive in major cities like San Francisco and New York.

 

Read Next: 7 Most Epic Road Trips In The USA

 

Thankfully, the USA has an extensive range of options to suit most budgets and is still a country that can be traveled pleasantly without having to spend a fortune.

 

This budgeting guide is going to focus more on a self-drive road trip as I believe that’s the best way to experience everything this massive country has to offer. It gives you a certain amount of flexibility to draft your own itinerary, stop wherever and whenever you want, and maintain full control over travel dates, prices, destinations. If you’ve not driven in the USA before, fret not, I’ve put together some tips for driving in the USA as well.

 

Let’s dive right in and take a look at some of the biggest expenses on your USA road trip, and see how the costs work out.

 

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Best Ways to Save Money on a USA Road Trip

 

Best Ways to Save Money on a USA Road Trip

In a nutshell, by setting your daily budget between $80 and $200 per day you’ll be able to see quite a lot on your road trip. Again, this amount will vary depending on your travel style, location, and which attractions you want to visit. The magic number I try to stay under each day is $90. If I go over my budget, I try to make up for it the next day by spending less than $90. It’s all about balance!

 

There are unavoidable expenses on any vacation and the worst enemies of any road-tripper, which are:

  • Food
  • Transport
  • Sightseeing
  • Accommodation

 

For each section, I break down how to reduce your expenses as well as give an overview of the budget, mid-range, and high-end prices.

 

 

How to Save Money on Food on a USA Road Trip

On a road trip, there are two kinds of fuel. The one that keeps your car running and the other that keeps you going. Everyone wants to eat healthy on a road trip that is why it is the first money-saving section on this guide. I think you’ll agree with me when I say, trying out new foods is an excellent way to understand a culture, but it can add up quickly.

 

While road tripping through the Deep South, I came up with plenty of ways to save money on food, while not denying myself of trying new dishes along the way. Here’re some proven ways to save hundreds of dollars on food during a road trip across the United States.

 

1. Bring Your Own Food

Bringing your food from home is probably the easiest way to save money on meals during the road trip in the USA. Go to the supermarket or Walmart ahead of time and buy a variety of non-perishable snacks (and maybe some large waters) in bulk. Nuts, granola bars, dark chocolate, and other hearty snacks contain both protein and fiber to fill you up and keep happy.

 

What to Pack in a Cooler For a Road Trip

To take it a step further, avoid being ripped off for something greasy by bringing a small cooler full of sandwiches, fruit, chopped veggies, and dips. You can even bring a portable stove to cook your main meals. Pan bagnat with fennel and sweet potato peanut stew is one of my favorite easy dinners while road tripping on the cheap. There are so many places to pull over along routes like New England’s glorious high country, where you could eat your dinner with a view.

 

cheap road trip destinations

 

Alternatively, many AirBnB properties come with cooking facilities like a gas stove and the kitchen sink, and since they are usually equipped with cookware and utensils, you can certainly save by making your own meals (and coffee!) from time to time!

 

2. Bring Plenty of Water

Arid regions and salted peanuts can make you thirsty. Get a 5-gallon bottle and fill it up at parks, campgrounds and drinking fountains to stay hydrated for cheap. Buying new bottles all the time can quickly add up, so keeping a reusable water bottle or two is important for staying longer on the road. It’s also vital for saving the planet from plastic waste too.

 

If you plan on doing any activities like hiking, cycling or walking around, or, if you visit southern states of the U.S., be prepared to bring plenty of water. As a bonus, drinking water can help reduce appetite and cravings, which is sometimes your body’s way of telling you that you’re dehydrated. So, sip away!

 

3. Go Local

While eating out for every meal can drain your wallet pretty quickly, cute local eateries offer more of a unique experience. They tend to be cheaper too. Let me explain myself. Going local and experiencing the local cuisine is part of the fun of traveling. So allow yourself a meal or two out – portions are very generous in America, so it’s definitely worth it.




But avoid places like McDonald’s (unless you need free Wifi), chain restaurants and eating establishments you have in your neck of the woods. These are usually overpriced. I like to use Yelp to discover popular cuisines and top-rated restaurants.

 

Pro Tip: To get the best deals seek out happy hours at some of the best local restaurants. Rub shoulders with while enjoying happy hour prices at off-peak times, or daily specials. Take advantage of these to save yourself from blowing your budget on food during your USA road trip.

 

4. Cook For Just Yourself

It’s cool to have instant access to the kitchen when renting AirBnB properties. But nothing can beat the ability to cook meals when traveling in a campervan or RV. The great thing about larger RVs is the space. It allows you to pack a lot and add variety to your cooking.

 

Having the chance to actually cram more stuff into your vehicle means you’ll have plastic containers so you can save leftovers. Also consider packing a cutting board, a good knife, and a 2-burner propane stove. You can cook several things at the same time, and it will allow you to use bigger pans and cook faster.

5. Take Advantage of Free Breakfasts

If you’re staying in hotels on your road trip, try booking some that offer free breakfasts. This ticks off one meal each day that you need to pay for on your road trip. Likewise, you may want to avoid dinners since they tend to be more expensive. Go to a restaurant if there’s some specific meal you want to try for breakfast or lunch instead. This is a great way to try local specialties while having budget-friendly meal options.

 

6. Give Up Alcohol

I know what you think – I won’t go anywhere without cracking a cold one at the end of the day! I totally understand you, but believe me, drinking can quickly turn your cheap road trip into an expensive one.

 

how to save money on a road trip

 

While I’m not here to tell you to completely give up alcohol, bringing your own booze to enjoy can actually help you save a good amount of money. If exploring the bar scene is on your agenda, ask the locals where the cool hangouts are, scroll through Yelp reviews, search for happy hour deals, and hit up the local brewery.

 

Food Costs in the United States

I don’t want to be someone asking you “How long is a piece of string?” because food prices vary from place to place. But typically there are plenty of food options and here’s a breakdown:

 

Budget: $5 – $12 per person per meal at a fast-food restaurant, food truck or diner
Mid-range: $13 – $30 per person per meal at a reasonable restaurant, gastropub
High-end: $45+ per person per meal at a nice restaurant

 

How to Save Money on Transportation on a USA Road Trip

On my 1-month road trip across the United States, gas was the biggest expense. It adds up quickly, especially if you’re you’re behind a large vehicle or a van. I’m sharing the best tips for saving money on gas. Plus, just below you’ll find a few practical ways to save money if you will be renting a car.

 

7. Rent a car (or a campervan)

If you don’t have a car of your own, or if you’re coming from overseas, you might be looking at renting a car for your road trip. I like to use RentalCars.com to find a good deal. They compare the largest car rental companies in the U.S. to find the lowest price.

 

how to sleep cheap on a road trip

 

Do you want to enjoy the freedom of living and traveling in a van? If yes, there’s something I can suggest you! Try getting a rental vehicle from EscapeCampervans. They have 13 different locations in the United States and Canada and come fully loaded with all the gear you need for an epic road trip. The thing I love most, their rates are affordable.

 

8. Plan a Route

It goes without saying that mapping out your route is one of the first things to do. Map out where you’re going so you don’t have to backtrack. I agree, sometimes getting lost can lead to unexpected adventures, but that extra gas money can add up.

 

9. Check Your Car and Make sure It Is Fuel-Efficient

Do your budget a favor, give your car a check-up before you leave and make sure your fluid levels are at a proper level, lights are all working properly, wiper blades are functioning and air filter is clean. Both can affect your gas mileage.

 

Also, make sure you’re staying on top of oil changes along the way in order to avoid any nasty surprises and save yourself money in the long run. Tire pressure if slightly deflated tires could cost you more due to decreased gas mileage.

 

Checking these basic things and getting a quick tune-up helps avoid breakdowns that could cost you a lot more money. Having to cut your road trip short is not fun. With just a little bit of planning and maintenance, many common car issues are easily avoidable. If you’re not particularly confident about car maintenance, take your car to an auto repair shop before you go.

 

10. Drive Carefully and Get Roadside Assistance

Your driving habits make a difference in how efficiently your car uses gas. I’ve noticed this especially behind the wheel of VW van. Here are a few basic tips to keep in mind:

 

Driving at a steady speed of 55 mph helps lower your vehicle’s fuel consumption and make long road trips more affordable. Always drive at a reasonable speed, sticking to the speed limits (average cost of a speeding ticket ranges from a fine of $150 to $200!). Avoid rapid acceleration and braking. If your car has cruise control, use it to automate the amount of fuel your car uses and maintain a consistent speed on highways.

 

best cross country road trip itinerary

 

Before you leave get reliable roadside assistance. It can be as cheap as $5 per month but can really help save costs in the case of a flat tire, a dead battery or anything worse going wrong and causing you to break down. A small monthly fee can save you from having to shell out tons of money to call someone out or get your van or car towed!

 

The American Automobile Association (AAA) offers roadside assistance, travel, insurance, and reliable breakdown services. To find your local AAA/CAA club enter your postal code. Check out MoneySupermarket if you’re from the UK.

 

It also doesn’t hurt to have the following:

    • A spare tire and equipment for changing it
    • Jerrycan
    • Jumper cables for a flat battery
    • Flashlight (driving accidents are more likely to occur at night)
    • Safety triangle
    • Warm clothes
    • Water and food

Now you’re prepared for the worst!

 

11. Take Advantage of Weekly Rates

Keep in mind, car rental prices can vary depending on if you are hiring by the day or by the week. You can score significant savings on longer-term rentals because weekly rates are usually lower than the daily rate. In addition, many car-hire companies appreciate longer-term rentals and may give you a free upgrade to a roomier vehicle.




In my experience, I often opt for the smallest car and end up driving something which by European standards anyway would be a mid-range vehicle – spacious enough to seat three adults in comfort with enough luggage space.

 

12. Avoid One-Way Trips

If you’re doing an epic cross-country American road trip, it is naturally tempting to start in one location and finish somewhere else. Unfortunately, car rental companies often charge the fee to cover the cost of taking the car back to its original location.

 

Depending on the popularity of the route, these fees vary drastically, so in many cases, you won’t be able to avoid them. But it’s worth noting that many online price comparison sites fail to take this into account when providing quotes. I’ve found Enterprise to be among the best value when it came to reducing one-way fees.

 

13. Use Public Transportation

In big cities, park outside the city and take public transport to get to downtown and avoid outrageous parking fees.

 

14. Avoid Additional Fees

The main way car rental companies make money is by trying to get you to sign up to various additional services, including damage waiver fees and additional insurance. The additional services sold by the rental companies often cost more than the rental itself!

 

If you’re paying for your rental with a credit card, chances are your credit card company provides its own rental car insurance. Check both options before paying the high daily fee for using the rental car company’s insurance. Also, you should decide whether you really need to spend extra on the rental company’s collision damage coverage.

 

travel across america by car

 

That is why knowing exactly what cover you already have so important. You’ll be able to get through this process without spending more money than you have to.

 

At some rental car companies, you can prepay for gas so you have more time on the way to an early morning flight. Sounds convenient? It can be so sometimes. In fact, you’re probably not going to run your car on empty, especially before pulling it into the return lot. Stop giving agencies free gas. Fill up your rental car yourself since you can easily find cheaper gas prices at a nearby station. Don’t forget to fill it up because you could be facing a hefty bill after drop-off.

 

15. Find the Lowest Cheap Gas Prices

Obviously, your vehicle needs gas to get it moving. While prices vary a lot from gas station to gas station, in general, the ones off the highway tend to be more expensive than those just a short drive off the main road. You may want to check prices using a site or app like GasBuddy to see where you can save. When using GasBuddy input your location and the app will show you the cheapest gas stations around you. This app alone can save you tons of money when traveling across the USA.

 

One of my favorite tools is Google Maps. Try typing “gas” in the search bar and you’ll see all the gas stations near you along with their prices per gallon. Even a few cents can go a long way since they allow you to fill up your jerrycans too!

 

Another great thing about Google Maps is that you can check the box that says “avoid tolls”. If you know for sure taking a toll road won’t do you good, why not do a little pre-planning and find the best free route for your trip.

 

16. Use a Gas Rewards Card

To get cheaper fuel prices consider opening a new credit card that has good rewards for gas transactions before going on a road trip. Use it every time you fill your car up and get a little something back. Once you have filled up a few times and have enough points to spend them on gas next time, saving you some bucks.

 

Transport Costs for Travel in the United States

As you might have guessed, you’ll need a car to travel in the USA. There are of course other ways to get around the country, but that’s for a different post. Before I cover the transport costs, it’s worth mentioning that if you’re under 25, many rental car companies will charge high daily underage fees.

 

Price of Car Rental in the USA

Budget: $150 – $250 per week will get you a budget car that will fit two people and 2-3 medium-sized bags or suitcases;
Mid-range: $200 – $350 for a mid-range car that will fit a group of four and their stuff;
High-end: $450+ for a campervan, large crossovers or luxury vehicle.

 

Sightseeing Costs when Travelling in the USA

Now let’s take a look at how to save money on activities on a USA road trip. I really can’t imagine a road trip without leaving your car for snaping cool shots, appreciating natural monuments and doing some hiking.

 

best way to plan a road trip

 

Of course, the kind of sightseeing you choose to do will vary depending on your personal interests, but I’d guess you might be interested in attractions, museums, national parks, and awe-inspiring landscapes. In a nutshell, I recommend you budget at least of $10 – $30 per person per day for sightseeing costs. Here are some tips that’ll help you save money on USA road trip, while still doing some bucket list activities

 

17. Get a National Park Pass

One of the best things about road-tripping in the USA is its remarkable National Parks. If you plan to visit more than 3 National Parks on your road trip, National Park Pass is a good investment. At $80 it is kind of expensive upfront, but it easily covers entrance for your vehicle and all of its passengers saving you money on admission. If you plan to spend a lot of time in one state or region, in particular, look into the local passes too.

 

18. Purchase a City Pass

Give city pass a try if you know you’ll be packing in a lot of popular attractions into your road trip. For example, the CityPass company covers a range of destinations and allows you to skip the lines. They offer passes for New York, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and San Francisco. These are usually very cost-effective ways of seeing a lot of attractions, especially if you’re traveling with a large group of people.

 

19. Visit For Free

Easier said than done, huh? Well, one way to visit museums and other attractions in the USA for free is to find free days. These can fall on a particular day of the month, or may line up with a national “Free Museum Day”. Just Google it to find for the city and attraction type you’re interested in to see if you can score free entry.




Alternatively, there are plenty of free (or inexpensive!) activities to do throughout the USA. Again, type in search bar “free things to do in [your location here]”, and you should find some free options. The free things I usually look for are hikes, local markets, free live music, camping sites, beaches, and museums, just to name a few!

 

20. Use Concessions

If you fit into a specific group such as disability, military service or membership of an organization, you may qualify for either a discount or even free admission to many attractions. Do some research beforehand to know what you’re entitled to.

 

21. Plan out Splurges in Advance

I know it can be tempting to splurge on just about everything when you’re on vacation. Eating out nearly every meal, expensive tours, more trinkets than you can count… and pretty soon, you’ve spent way more than you were planning to. Instead, limit yourself by planning your splurges ahead of time. This also implies purchasing only meaningful souvenirs instead of accidentally filling up an extra suitcase.

 

22. Stay Frugal in Heavily Touristed Areas

It’s not uncommon for popular tourist destinations to be expensive as hell. For example, many times there is free parking not far from paid parking. Sometimes you’ll see agencies charging selling expensive tours when you can easily find a cheaper one just around the corner or go there on your own. Go to the agency’s website and write down their itinerary. Analyze and modify it depending on your interest, and Bingo – you’ve got your own DIY city tour!

 

how much would it cost to travel across america

 

However, if tours are important to you, plan these into your travels as splurges.

 

23. Travel During the Offseason

Not only you’ll encounter fewer tourists and shorter lines, but also save some money by traveling outside of peak season. There have been a few times when I flat out skipped a major tourist attraction, like museums, temples, and monuments, because the lines were unbearably long.

 

The last thing you want to do when exploring a new place on a road trip is to waste your precious time doing absolutely nothing while waiting in line.

 

The shoulder season can offer really cheap prices, nice weather, and all the same attractions free of crowds. Consider this quieter time a better way to visit a destination. The offseason is also a perfect time to meet locals and really see what the location is like when it isn’t high time to be there. Take a chance and see what you can find.

 

How to Save Money on Accommodation on a USA Road Trip

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses of a road trip. However, there are ways to reduce accommodation costs for travel in the USA. The country has a range of accommodation options to meet pretty much every niche, from cozy B&B’s to budget motels to hostels to campsites to modern luxury hotels. Finding cheap accommodation is one of the best ways to save money on a great American road trip.

Here’s how:

 

24. Find Free Campsites

To get the best value accommodation, camping can be a simple (or not so simple) option to saving money during the USA road trip. If your vehicle is roomy enough, bring along pillows and extra blankets for some a quick, improvised night of sleep. Otherwise, consider renting a campervan for your trip. Depending on the region and length of your road trip, renting a campervan can still be less expensive than staying at hotels every night.

 

While some campsites are free, other campgrounds can cost up to $35 – $40 per night. Ouch! If you’re on a long-term USA road trip (or traveling on a shoestring budget!), those accommodation costs can easily add up over time. Luckily, other campgrounds require a small fee for staying there so keep some cash on hand just in case.

 

road trip across america

 

As a big fan of camping during my road trips, I found National Forests to be much cheaper and sometimes free. When it comes to visiting the Western states like Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, and Nevada, nothing can beat BLM land (Bureau of Land Management). BLM lands offer some interesting camping opportunities at a zero price. Go to recreation.gov where you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities on public lands, including the national parks, and national forests.

 

Want more?

Some states have lots of land so you can park anywhere it’s legal to park overnight and sleep there. Some people call this free camping, pirate camping, and boondocking. It’s not always the most convenient place to stay at, but hey, it’s great in a pinch when you’re trying to save money on accommodation costs.

 

Unlike paid campsites, dispersed campsites offer few of the amenities you’d normally expect like restrooms, showers, small eateries, etc. What you do get here is a sky full of stars, the wind in the trees and the pleasure of knowing you’ve finally made it off the beaten path.

 

Finding a Campsite

My favorite tools for scoring cheap campsites are Campendium, Freecampsites, and iOverlander. These are the great road trip resources that list the price of the site as well as what is available there. Perfect for any budget road trip in the USA.

 

25. Stay At Affordable Hotel Chains

You’ll find a plethora of hotels in the USA. Some of them are independent, while others are part of budget chains that operate across the country. While in bigger cities there are hostels, low-cost hotels and motels offer the best value in the countryside.

 

There is some difference between hotels and motels. First of all, they differ in layout, location and construction. Most motels are located on the side of major highways, interstates, and ring roads, and offer shorter-term lodging than hotels. Hotels generally provide more services and usually offer room service, and a concierge, who can accommodate the various needs of guests. Keep in mind, you’ll generally pay more for an average room in a chain motel in expensive tourist hotspots than in a hotel in small cities.

 

Chains like Travelodge, America’s Best Value Inn or Motel 6 are clustered around Interstate exits, as well as on the outskirts of most towns and cities. While you shouldn’t expect too much from them, in my experiences, you’ll usually get a bed, some form of breakfast, your own bathroom, and free parking.

 

26. Book Accommodation in Advance

Booking your hotel (or motel) ahead of time will save money on accommodation on a USA road trip. Hotels often list rooms for cheaper in advance. Book as many options as you can – depending on your itinerary, budget, and preferences. This will ensure that you get the best deal, as well as a room waiting for you. If you’ve already planned your route and itinerary, making a reservation shouldn’t cause any problems. But avoid the temptation of just booking the first hotel you see.

 

27. Compare Accommodation Options on Different Sites

Hotels are sometimes listed at different rates. Think outside the box and use comparison sites such as Agoda, or simply go to alternative hotel booking sites such as Booking.com and Expedia and see what you can find there. Chances are the hotel has specials or discounted rates on the website. If they don’t have a website, shoot them a message or call them to get an idea of how much a bed will set you back.

 

I’d not recommend you to go to the property directly. Not only you’ll lose time, but also, their rates, compared against those online, are usually way higher. In nearly every case, the reception manager would refuse to price match and just tell me to book via the online site.

 

Price of Accommodation in the USA

Budget: The average private room in a budget hotel or motel costs between $40 and $90, depending on location and demand;
Mid-range: Outside of Washington DC, Miami and NYC, I found private rooms for $100 – $200 per night for two people
High-end: There is no upper limit on the cost, but $350+ is your starting point I’d suggest

 

The Bottom Line

On average, you’re probably looking at around $60 to $170 per person per day for travel in the USA. This should cover accommodation, sightseeing, food and transportation expenses.

When it comes to saving money on a road trip in the USA, nothing can beat traveling as a group. Many of the costs are fixed, such as car rentals, fuel, and accommodation. By having more of you (say a group of 2-4 people), splitting the costs and traveling together in one vehicle is definitely more cost-effective for a road trip than one person going it alone!

And that sums up my post on the cost of travel in the USA! Hopefully, you found it useful! Now it’s your turn – what are your best ways to plan a cheap USA road trip on a budget? Tell me your tips and money-saving hacks for an affordable time on the road! Either way, let me know your thoughts, tips, and suggestions in the comments below!

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6 Comments

  • So many valuable details on saving money on a road trip! I’ll save this post for my epic journey!

    13/02/2020 at 4:11 pm
  • I have always wanted to do Route 66. I am sure these tips will help me do it much cheaper!

    14/02/2020 at 6:40 pm
  • Ooooh yes such great tips, this will definitely come in handy when we plan our own trip!! 🙂

    15/02/2020 at 3:13 am
  • This is so helpful, I really want to do a US road trip one day and I’d definitely be doing so on a budget! x

    15/02/2020 at 1:50 pm
  • Thank you for this article! So much great information!

    15/02/2020 at 3:29 pm
  • Lot of good stuff. We love road trips and have a couple planned for this year. Definitely going to use some of these tips.

    17/02/2020 at 5:41 pm

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