How Much Does It Cost to Travel the Western US for 10 Days?
The West Coast offers everything from budget-friendly camping spots to luxury resorts, so you can customize your trip based on your budget. In this guide, I'll break down flights, accommodations, food, transportation, and activities to help you plan a perfect trip without overspending.
✈️ How Much Do Flights to the West Coast Cost?
Flight prices vary depending on your departure city and the time of booking. The three major airports in the region are:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas (LAS)
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Book at least 3 months in advance for the best deals. Also, consider flying into one city and out of another to save time and money.
🔥 Estimated Flight Costs
- New York to Las Vegas: $265 per person
- San Francisco to New York: $240 per person
✅ Total Estimated Flight Cost: $505 per person
🚗 Car Rental Costs in the Western US
Public transportation is limited on the West Coast, so renting a car is the best option for a road trip.
For 10 days, we rented a mid-size car in Las Vegas with:
- $410 for the rental
- $50 drop-off fee (since we returned it in a different city)
- $220 for full coverage insurance (highly recommended)
✅ Total Car Rental Cost: $680 for 10 days
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Use rental comparison sites like DiscoverCars to find the best deals with full insurance included.
⛽ Gas Prices on the West Coast
Gas prices on the West Coast are higher than in other parts of the US but still affordable compared to Europe.
We drove over 2,400 miles (4,000 km) and spent:
- $180 on gas
✅ Total Estimated Gas Cost: $180 for 10 days
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas stations on your route.
🏨 Accommodation Costs: Hotels vs. Camping
Your accommodation choice will greatly impact your budget. Here's what to expect:
| Type | Estimated Cost (Per Night for 2 People) |
|---|---|
| Motels | $165 |
| Hotels | $275 |
| Camping | $25 |
We chose camping to save money, using a mix of paid and free campsites.
✅ Total Accommodation Cost (Camping): $80 per person
💡 Money-Saving Tip: If you prefer hotels, stay outside major tourist areas for better prices.
🍔 Food Costs: Restaurants vs. Cooking
Food expenses depend on your eating habits. Here's a breakdown:
-
Restaurant Dining
- Breakfast: $15 – 20 per person
- Lunch/Dinner: $20 – 35 per person
-
Fast Food
- $5 – 10 per meal
-
Grocery Shopping & Cooking
- We spent $200 on groceries and cooked most of our meals.
✅ Total Food Cost: $110 per person
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Stay in accommodations with kitchens or bring a portable stove for budget-friendly meals.
🎟️ Activities & National Park Fees
A West Coast road trip isn’t complete without exploring national parks. To save money, purchase the America the Beautiful Pass for $85, which covers entrance fees to all US national parks.
🔥 Estimated Activity Costs
- Annual National Park Pass: $85 per vehicle
- Antelope Canyon Tour: $75 per person
- Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour: $165 per person
✅ Total Activities Cost: $325 per person
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Consider free hikes and scenic drives to cut activity costs.
🏥 Travel Insurance Costs
Medical care in the US is expensive, so travel insurance is a must. We used Heymondo, which covered:
- $350,000 in medical expenses
- Trip cancellations and lost luggage
✅ Total Insurance Cost: $24 per person
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Check if your credit card offers travel insurance before purchasing a separate policy.
📊 Total Estimated Cost for a 10-Day West Coast Trip
💡 Budget Tip: If you stay in hotels instead of camping, your total cost will be $2,200 – $2,500 per person.
🔥 Final Tips for Saving Money on Your West Coast Trip
2️⃣ Rent a car with full insurance from third-party sites like DiscoverCars.
3️⃣ Camp instead of staying in hotels to save on accommodations.
4️⃣ Buy groceries and cook instead of dining at restaurants.
5️⃣ Get the America the Beautiful Pass if you’re visiting multiple national parks.
By following these tips, you can explore the best of the West Coast without overspending. 🌎🚗🏜️
📌 Best Places to Stay on the West Coast
🌉 San Francisco
- HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel – Budget-friendly with free WiFi and breakfast.
- Buena Vista Motor Inn – Great location with free parking.
🎰 Las Vegas
- Excalibur Hotel & Casino – Affordable with a great Strip location.
- The STRAT Hotel – Budget-friendly with great views.
🏜️ Grand Canyon
- Yavapai Lodge – Inside Grand Canyon National Park.
- The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon – Luxury for less.
✨ Alternative Itineraries
- 15-Day Trip: ~$2,100 per person
- 20-Day Trip: ~$2,800 per person
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions! Happy travels! ✈️🚗🏜️
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