The Cost of a Cross-Country Road Trip: Boston to San Diego

Planning a road trip from Boston, Massachusetts to San Diego, California is no small feat. Besides the long hours of driving, you have to keep in mind the ever-changing gas prices, accommodation expenses, and food costs to name just a few.

In this article, we will explore the different routes you can take, highlight the cost and travel time of each route, and recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

Possible Routes and Distances

When it comes to traveling from Boston to San Diego, there are several routes to choose from.

The Northern Route

One possible route is to drive through the Northern states. You can take I-90 and I-94 across New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, and finally to California. This route spans over 3,000 miles and can take about 47 hours to drive straight through.

The Southern Route

Another route you can take is the Southern route. This goes through the mid-west and parts of the southern states. You can start out by taking I-80 across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada. Then you can switch to I-15 and drive through Nevada, Arizona, and finally California. This route spans over 3,100 miles and can take approximately 48 hours to drive straight through.

The Mid-Continent Route

A mid-continent route might be the best choice for people who want a more moderate driving experience. You can start by driving south on I-95 from Boston, Massachusetts. Then, switch to I-64 through Kentucky, then catch I-44 and drive through Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. Finally, switch to I-40 and drive through Arizona, California. This route spans about 2,900 miles and can take approximately 44 hours to drive straight through.

Recommended Route and Costs

Based on the current gas prices, the second route is the most cost-effective. The Southern route is the shortest route in terms of distance and also has the lowest fuel cost per mile. Starting in Boston, you can head south and follow I-95 to I-64. Then, take I-40 in California. Estimated fuel costs between Boston and San Diego would be around $270 for a 25 MPG car.

However, the other two routes can offer scenic views like the Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park. As a result, these routes will cost more in terms of fuel, but breathtaking views can make it worth it.

Accommodation and Food Costs

Another major expense during a road trip is accommodation and food. While there are certainly ways to save money on both of these, it’s important to keep them in mind when planning your trip.

On average, you can expect to spend around $100 per night on accommodation, depending on your preferences. Opting for cheaper motels or camping can bring the cost down to as low as $20 per night. You can also opt to sleep in your car, but you must be careful about parking in safe locations.

Food costs are also variable, depending on the food choices and portions you desire. A cheap meal would cost around $8 per person, while a mid-range meal would be approximately $12-15 per person.

Conclusion

The cross-country road trip from Boston, Massachusetts to San Diego, California is an epic journey that takes you through many different landscapes and environments. The recommended route passes through a variety of regions with beautiful scenery such as the desert, mountains, and the coast. Nonetheless, no matter what route you choose, you are sure to get an experience of a lifetime. And while different routes will have different costs associated with them, it’s important to keep in mind that the journey itself is the most important part of the experience.