How to use this calculator
Start by entering the number of travelers, then fill in each category with your best estimates. The calculator auto-computes fuel cost from your distance, MPG, and gas price. Add as many activities as you want using the add button.
As you fill in values, the results update instantly with your total trip cost, cost per person, and daily average. The visual breakdown bar shows where your money is going so you can adjust your budget before you hit the road.
Average road trip costs by category
| Category | Budget Range | Mid-Range | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas / Fuel | $0.04 to $0.20/mi | $0.12/mi | 20 to 30% |
| Lodging | $0 to $200/night | $100 to $150/night | 30 to 40% |
| Food | $20 to $60/person/day | $40/person/day | 15 to 25% |
| Activities | $0 to $100+/day | $30 to $50/day | 5 to 15% |
| Tolls & Parking | $0 to $50/day | $10 to $20/day | 5 to 10% |
Money-saving tips for road trips
The biggest savings come from lodging. Consider camping, staying with friends or family, or booking budget motels instead of hotels. Mixing one or two camping nights into a hotel trip can save $100 or more per night.
For food, pack a cooler with breakfast and lunch supplies and save restaurant dining for dinner. Grocery store deli sections, farmers' markets, and food trucks often serve great meals at half the price of sit-down restaurants.
Drive at moderate speeds (60-65 mph) to maximize fuel economy. Every 5 mph over 50 costs you roughly the equivalent of an extra $0.20 per gallon. Also, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve gas mileage by up to 3%.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an average road trip cost?
The average road trip in the U.S. costs $150-$250 per person per day, including gas, lodging, food, and activities. A budget road trip can be done for $75-$100 per person per day by camping, cooking your own meals, and choosing free activities.
What is the biggest expense on a road trip?
Lodging is typically the biggest road trip expense, accounting for 30-40% of the total budget. Gas usually comes in second at 20-30%, followed by food at 15-25%. Activities and miscellaneous costs make up the remaining 10-20%.
How do I budget food for a road trip?
A reasonable food budget is $40-$60 per person per day if eating at restaurants, or $20-$30 per person per day if you pack a cooler and cook some meals. Plan for breakfast from a cooler, a casual lunch, and dinner at a restaurant for a balanced approach.
Should I budget per person or per vehicle for a road trip?
Budget shared costs like gas, tolls, parking, and lodging per vehicle and split them among travelers. Budget personal costs like food, activities, and souvenirs per person. This calculator handles both automatically, just enter the number of travelers and it splits the total cost accordingly.